Should you volunteer to coach your child's baseball, soccer or basketball team? Here are some things to consider before donning the coach's hat.
You just signed your child up for T-ball and suddenly all eyes are on you: Can you help coach?
There are definite benefits to coaching your kids in youth sports. It’s good for you, it’s good for your child and it benefits the community program.
However, coaching kids is not for everyone.
Here are some pros and cons of coaching to consider before you step up to the plate.
First, a few negatives to consider:
- If you’re not a teacher, if you haven’t held a leadership role with youth, or if you don’t have any previous experience in the sport, you may find it difficult to know what to teach. Take advantage of all training offered by the league. Ask for advice from experienced coaches.
- Parents don’t always understand that you’re a volunteer. Be prepared to come under fire for any number of transgressions – from the types of drills you run at practice, to the color of the uniforms you chose. Kindly remind parents on your team that you’re a parent, too, and a volunteer.
- There is a time commitment. With all that you do, can you handle the required number of practices per week, paperwork, phone calls, training, league responsibilities, and games?
- You may not agree with how your league is run. If you’re going to coach in a league, find out first how it operates and if you can work within its guidelines. If you’re battling league policy, you won’t be an effective coach to your team.
- Competition can be good, but it can bring out the worst in some people, particularly adults. Before you take on a coaching position, be sure you can handle problem parents on the sidelines. Talk with parents at the season’s start and make clear your expectations. Have a plan for what you’ll do if a parent gets out of line.
Now, some positives!
- Coaching your own children gives you more time to spend with them – on and off the field. You’ll have one more thing in common with your children and you’ll have a common goal.
- As their coach, you’ll have some control over the types of things they’re learning, how they’re being taught, and what they’re exposed to. If you’ve ever disagreed with the way an adult leader has dealt with your child, or worried about his or her background, you can mark that off.
- Coaching in a town league is a great way to meet other people in your community and get involved. You’ll quickly get to know the parents of your child’s friends and you’ll feel more a part of the community.
- Coaching kids’ sports is a great way to get in shape or stay in shape. It’s good exercise and will help keep you active.
- Teaching kids is a fulfilling experience. You’ll soon realize why so many people want to coach children’s teams.
- Your child will love it. They may not say it or show it, but kids like to see their parents involved in what they do. If you decide to be a coach, you’ll be doing it for yourself, your community and your child.
(Source: Chuck Laney, president, Fairless Soccer Club, in an email interview April 22.)
Be sure to read Dos and Don'ts for Coaching Youth
and Teaching Good Sportsmanship: How to Show Your Child Winning Isn't Everything
The copyright of the article Coaching Your Child's Sports Team in Stay-at-Home Parents is owned by Diane Laney Fitzpatrick. Permission to republish Coaching Your Child's Sports Team in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
