Coach Check

Almost every coach likes to win, but some coaches want to win at all costs. “They want us to win so bad, that they’re tough on us,” says C.J. That toughness can turn abusive.

In Georgia, a coach was accused of assaulting a player. In Washington, a coach allegedly kicked a player twice during practice; and, in Connecticut, a hockey coach was convicted after punching a player on an opposing team. Plenty of players have their own stories. “I’ve had a coach throw helmets and bats and that kind of thing,” says 15 year old C.J.

In an attempt to curb the number of out of control coaches, many organizations now perform background checks before allowing coaches to take the field. Still, some experts say a background check is only the first step.

The next step must be taken by parents who should get to know their kid’s coach both on and off the field. “You don’t have to hover,” says soccer coach Lisa Ardery, but watch your child interact with a coach and spend time on the field until you are comfortable with it.” Because win winning becomes everything with a coach, kids get none of the things they should get from sport.

 What Parents Should Know

In most cases, youth sports teams outside of a school setting are coached by people who have little or no formal training as a coach. Even in a school setting, the majority of coaches are not required to be certified teachers; but they do teach important values and lessons. The impact of a coach can last a lifetime particularly when it comes to teaching ethics. The Women’s Sports Foundations recommends that parents and coaches teach the following sportsmanship ethics:

• Every sport contest must produce a winner and a loser, both of whom must be honored for their efforts to try to win.
• "Good" sport contests occur when opponents are evenly matched by skill, size or experience. Coaches must strive to schedule evenly matched opponents.
• All contestants must abide by the spirit and letter of the rules.
• Players should be obligated to recognize and applaud the good play of their opponents.
• Players exhibit mutual respect and courtesy during and after the contest.