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More than 30 million children in the United States participate in organized sports. The popularity of youth athletics presents a matchless opportunity for fathers to connect with their children and teach valuable life skills.
Youth sports rely on parent-coaches to keep youth sport organizations afloat. Coaching your child can be a wonderful experience for both the parent and child. The quality time spent together can strengthen your relationship with your child. Parent coaches embody an important aspect of fatherhood: caring for the ethical, physical, and spiritual well-being of your team, including your child.
Individual schools, organizations and programs have different requirements for coaches and volunteers, but almost all can use a helping hand! For specifics on learning more about how to work with local youth teams in your area, check with your local school or county recreation office for what organizations are currently available in your area.
Tips & Best Practices
- The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, nonprofit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sport. During its early years the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by over 500,000 participants and over 50,000 volunteers. The AAU is divided into 56 distinct Districts. These Districts annually sanction more than 34 sports programs, 250 national championships, and over 30,000 age division events.
- Little League International recognizes and appreciates the challenges that come with being a Little League manager or coach, so it has developed a free on-line coaching resource that Little League managers and coaches can turn to for reference, education, or to stay current with the latest drills and coaching techniques.
- Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is a nonprofit organization that provides youth football and cheer & dance programs for participants in 42 states and several countries around the world. Consisting of approximately 400,000 young people ranging from ages 5 to 16 years old, PWLS is the largest youth football, cheer and dance program in the United States.
- US Youth Soccer provides a fun, safe and healthy game for ALL KIDS...big kids, little kids, tall kids, short kids, young kids, older kids...kids who want to play for one season, kids who want to play for twenty seasons, kids who play strictly for fun, and kids who want to compete at the highest level possible. Kids are different, and because they are different their physical, social and psychological needs are different. US YOUTH SOCCER recognizes this and their programs are aimed at meeting the different needs of ALL KIDS.
June 01, 2015
Ed. Note: This is a repost from the ACF Family Room Blog. View the original post.
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Family and Youth Services Bureau grantee Futures without Violence in San Francisco. For more than 30 years, “FUTURES" has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies, and campaigns for the community.
FAQS
Why is coaching my child’s sports team important?
When fathers are involved in the lives of their kids, especially with their education, children learn more, perform better in school, and exhibit healthier behavior. Even when fathers do not share a home with their kids, their active involvement can have a lasting and positive impact.
Why should I coach my child’s sports team?
There are countless benefits and reasons to become a coach. A few benefits include, connecting and bonding with your child, new experienced and activities, being a positive role model for your child and others, meeting other parent leaders, and making a difference with your child.
How do I know if I’m ready to coach my child’s sports team?
Before making this decision, you may want to ask yourself some important questions.
- How will my child respond to me as a coach?
- How well will I be able to separate my roles as coach and parent?
- In what ways could I see myself treating my child differently than other players on the team?
