Volunteer Coaches
Coaches are the backbone of sport
Coaches make a huge difference in athletes’ lives—many athletes see their coach as a role model or mentor. For those volunteering to coach kids and youth teams it is important to know how to encourage and facilitate safe participation. Here’s what you can do to show your athletes that there is a better way to play.
What You Can Do to Make Sport Better
Create a Positive Environment:
Set a tone where everyone supports each other to be their best. Reinforce positive behaviours and address any negative ones.
Welcome and Build on Strengths:
Make every player feels part of the team by helping them develop their unique skills.
Keep Everyone Safe and ensure Safe Participation
Follow the Rule of Two:
Protect yourself and your athletes by never being alone and out of sight with a player. Always have another person present, ideally a trained and screened adult.
Supervise Communications:
Avoid direct one-on-one messaging with athletes. Use group chats or include parents/guardians.
What to Avoid:
Avoid connecting with athletes on social media.
Recognize and Prevent Hazing:
Hazing includes any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, or endangers them, even if they agree to it. Hazing harms individuals and teams, so it’s important to stop it.
Activate True Sport
Activate the True Sport principles to create a positive experience for everyone involved. These principles include:
Fairness:
Encourage fair play and respect for rules.
Excellence:
Challenge athletes to give their best.
Inclusion:
Make the team welcoming for everyone.
Fun:
Keep practices and games enjoyable.
Celebrate True Sport Values:
Give out True Sport Awards to recognize team members who demonstrate fairness, excellence, inclusion, or fun.
Additional Tips for Volunteer Coaches
Encourage a Positive Team Culture:
Set team norms that promote respect, teamwork, and resilience. Team discussions about shared values help create a supportive atmosphere. Athlete-to-athlete bullying is one of the most common issues in sport. By addressing negative behaviour as soon as it appears, you help create a safer, more positive environment for everyone.
Online Learning:
Learn more about creating a positive environment with this eLearning Module.
Focus on Long-Term Development:
Emphasize skills development, enjoyment, and personal growth rather than just winning. This approach helps athletes build a lasting love for the sport.
Set Clear Boundaries:
Maintain professional boundaries with athletes. This includes using appropriate communication channels and respecting personal space.
Encourage Feedback:
Ask for informal feedback from players and guardians to understand what’s working well and where adjustments can be made.
Use Resources for Continued Learning:
Explore additional coaching resources, such as the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), for training on effective coaching practices and ethical decision-making.
