Prior Lake Athletics for Youth

See the link below for information on how you, your friends and companies you work for can help create a better sports culture for our participants.

The Sports Culture Initiative of P.L.A.Y. and other youth organizations will be assisted with the office of PCA in Minnesota to help moving the direction of Sports.

Here is the link:http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Positive-Coaching-Alliance-Minnesota-Chapter

Sports Coaching Advice to Keep the Fun in Youth Sports

Adults Should:

1. Use a calm, non-accusatory voice with as little emotion as possible, when giving athletic advice. Don't speak negatively about teammates, opponents, coaches or officials with your child. They are going to try and enjoy their time, not carry your bias.
2. Begin suggestions with, “You might want to try this next time” instead of “Do this, do that” phrases.
3. Use pictures or videos, instead of words, as a teaching method.
4. Explain “the why” when giving suggestions. This gives credibility to adult advice and may convince kids to listen.
5. Reinforce young players coach’s suggestions.
6. Allow kids a brief time to make mistakes before offering suggestions.
7. Provide positive suggestions and constructive evaluation at a later, calmer time. Comments made right after games, when kids are most vulnerable, is not usually the best time for suggestions.
8. Never forget to give non-judgment comments like, “Have fun,” “I am proud of you,” ” I enjoy watching you play.” and “I always believe in you.” Kids may think they are corny statements but will like hearing them, nonetheless.
9. Let kids know that, as long as their effort and preparation is there, you will understand any results.

Parents, who use these tactics, will not be the source of their kids wanting to quit playing sports, which is the overall goal of positive parenting in sports.

Did you see one of our coaches following the double-goal coaching principles?  Do you have a youth athlete in a PLAY sport or did you compete with a PLAY team?

It's important that our coaches get your feedback directly, but we want to hear your feedback too so that we can continue to provide the best possible experience for our athletes.

Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think.
http://links.playinfo.org/feedback

On the Sports pages you will find information specific to that sport.

To contact that sport - on their webpage - on the left side click on 'Board'. then contact the VP or InHouse or Travel Director