President and COO at Skyhawks Sports.
Getty
Youth sports coaches have the key task of helping to develop well-rounded young athletes with a positive attitude, perseverance and appreciation of sportsmanship. As the president of a youth sports organization, I know firsthand that creating a welcoming environment involves a challenging task, ensuring that all children feel safe and included when they join a new team or program.
The recent attention paid to sexuality and gender identity in youth sports has made it clear that coaches need to have a plan to deal with discrimination and inclusivity in youth sports. Providing an equal space where children learn how to work as a team and build self-confidence can ultimately affect their overall development and success in sports and life.
In the Trevor Project survey of LGBTQ youth, 18% reported hearing a coach or sports director say negative things about LGBTQ people. Negative self-talk can affect an athlete’s self-esteem, leading to poor performance and lack of self-confidence.
Coaches must remember that the culture a child is surrounded by can make the difference between an athlete feeling supported or one who is isolated. It is essential to be transparent with your team about what type of conversation is and is not acceptable before a child athlete steps onto the court or field. Coaches and children must understand that discrimination will not be tolerated and that they should encourage support and sportsmanship.
Creating the right environment for athletes
Recognizing discrimination is key for a sportscaster and may not be as easy as you think. Comprehensive training on how to address these issues in youth sports is essential for all children and parents to feel safe, heard and validated. Youth sports programs can incorporate behavior and discrimination training into the coaching curriculum to ensure that coaches know how to address any issues or concerns that arise while maintaining a positive coaching environment.
For example, as part of training, sports managers can use behavioral assessments to help identify red flags of discrimination. The review defines discrimination as “unfair or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially with regard to race, age or sex.” Some typical and non-discriminatory behaviors include inattention, boredom, acting out, defiance, emotional outbursts, and physical aggression. It is the coach’s job to be able to identify intentional versus unintentional discrimination in order to promote a healthy and fun learning environment for children.
A coach’s relationship with the team can significantly affect the experience of each athlete. Therefore, coaches must create a comfortable environment for children using positive reinforcement and appropriate encouragement. When I talk about a positive coaching environment, I’m generally referring to the coaching methods and interpersonal relationships in the team. Creating a space where players can focus on the sport and have fun is more than simply following instructions; it’s about building a culture that encourages players to reach their full potential.
Below are some tips on creating a positive training environment to ensure the highest quality and best experience for young athletes:
• Develop positive relationships with your players.
• Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
• Offer praise and encouragement.
• Model positive behavior.
• Provide opportunities for skill development.
• Make exercises fun and engaging.
• Offer positive performance feedback.
• Celebrate success.
• Encourage teamwork and positive relationships.
• Understand player growth and development.
• Provide a safe environment.
There are a variety of benefits to creating and maintaining a positive coaching environment, including increased levels of participation and improved sportsmanship, social skills and mental health.
Poor mental health can have a significant impact on children’s lives. A coaching environment can affect mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and stress. It can also help children cope with existing mental health problems. Sports help children manage mental and emotional stress. As children become more aware of their emotions, they can use healthier coping strategies to more easily overcome and accept and manage their feelings.
As various laws, bills, bans and debates continue, coaches, managers and staff must be prepared for these conversations and equipped with the tools necessary to properly handle these situations.
If coaches foster an environment where children feel safe and welcome, they are likely to stay in the program and want to return in the future. Sports leaders must create and maintain an inclusive and equitable environment for children to feel comfortable and enjoy their overall sports experience.
The Forbes Business Council is the leading growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. do I qualify?