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Last modified: 03/23/05
Transforming
Youth Soccer so Youth Soccer Can Transform Youth!
You
will hear more about this program in the near future, but here are the
Positive
Coaching Alliance (PCA) is a nonprofit organization based at
We have three national goals:
- To
replace the ‘win-at-all-cost’ model of coaching with the
‘Double-Goal Coach’ who wants to win but has a second, more
important, goal of using sports to teach life lessons;
- To
teach youth sports organization leaders how to create an
organizational culture in which Honoring the Game is the norm; and
- To
spark and fuel a ‘social
epidemic’ of Positive Coaching that will sweep this country.”
VISION:
In
March 2000, 50 youth sports leaders came together at the first annual
Against the Grain Forum convened by Positive Coaching Alliance based at
A Vision of a Positive Youth Sports Culture
We talk to one another and nod our heads and say that we need to create a
positive culture around youth sports, but what do we really mean? Before
we can take steps toward it, we must clearly define ‘a positive culture
in youth sports.’
What a Positive Culture Looks Like
Bottom line, we want to create a culture where kids love to play the game.
They look forward to practices and games as times when they will have fun.
The joy they find in playing will last a lifetime.
In a positive youth sports culture, all resources do not flow to the elite
level. Athletes have options determined by their ability and interest.
Elite athletes compete in ‘meritocratic’ environments in which a place
on the team and playing time are determined by ability, performance and
effort. Less talented or skilled athletes, or simply athletes who want a
different kind of experience, have the option to play in developmental or
recreational programs in which they are guaranteed the right to play at
least a part of every game.
At every level, players are proud to have their families and friends see
them play. Knowing that they are an important part of the team contributes
to this proud feeling; their coaches are supportive and do not embarrass
them in front of those watching; they are confident that their parents are
supportive and will not confront the officials over questionable calls;
and ultimately, they know that those watching are proud of them whether or
not they win the game.
All involved in youth sports (players, coaches, parents, officials, and
fans) realize what a special time this is. They look at their involvement
as a privilege that they never want to dishonor. They realize that sports
provide a time when they get to interact with people they do not see on a
regular basis, and they come to cherish this time. Players know that this
is a time when they can learn from each other (as well as from the coach),
and the coach sees how much can be learned from the players. Players look
forward to playing challenging opponents because they push them to perform
to their highest potential.
Coaches feel the responsibility not only to teach their players the skills
and strategy behind the game, but also a respect for the tradition of the
game and for all who are involved (teammates, opponents, officials, and
fans). Learning to honor the game contributes to a growing sense of
responsibility and maturing moral reasoning that helps athletes prepare to
become contributing citizens of the larger community.
Coaches realize that what they are teaching their players carries far
beyond the field into the classroom, the home, and even into future jobs.
Coaches have their players (and team as a whole) focus on their effort and
personal improvement, rather than simply on the results of the game. They
help players recognize that mistakes are an inevitable and important part
of the learning process and that a key to success is being able to rebound
from mistakes with renewed determination. This way, players gain a sense
of control over their own development and confidence in their ability to
succeed, in life as well as in sports.
Players have an important voice in creating this positive culture, and
there are multiple and ongoing opportunities for them to shape their own
environment. During team discussions players speak and contribute. When
decisions are being made that affect the entire team/league, coaches and
league organizers make a concerted effort to be approachable and players'
ideas are sought out and considered. Having this voice increases players'
sense of internal motivation, and they feel a stronger sense of control
over their surroundings.
This positive culture encourages athletes to play multiple sports and
never pressures players to specialize in one sport too early in their
careers. Coaches resist the urge to pressure their players to give up
other sports besides their own, realizing that what might give them the
best winning percentage is not always the same as what is in their
players' best interest.
The Challenge
When a game is on the line, can we really live up to this description of a
positive culture? Can we really expect coaches, players, fans, and parents
to uphold this positive culture if it might result in losing the game? The
answer has to be, ‘Yes!’. All involved must realize that winning
cannot be the only goal. Maintaining a positive culture where positive
character traits are developed in our players must come first. When the
game is on the line and tensions are running high, it can take a high
level of moral courage to keep our focus on what is really important, but
if we can do that, we will teach our children an invaluable lesson. We
must believe that maintaining this positive culture is so vital that we
are willing to stand up to others that are putting it in danger. Our
vision needs to stretch far beyond winning a specific game to making a
lasting impact on the lives of our players.”