At the core of the youth sport experience is providing opportunities for young people to engage in something new, something they enjoy, something that enhances physical, emotional and social development.

How can we improve the situation?

1.      Personal responsibility

When adults get involved in youth activities, the only agenda must be one of contribution. Making the situation better needs to be the goal.

Providing a better situation from one we found is within all of our power and it starts by each of us (parent, coach, volunteer, officials, board members) taking a vow of personal responsibility.  The vow of personal responsibility is simple: make things around us better. Simple not easy.

2.      Alignment of purpose

“All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year.” Simon Sinek.

A clearly defined purpose on why the organization and team exist is critical and reinforcing this at every level consistently. Alignment of purpose shares meaning throughout the organization and stakeholders, including participants.  

3.      High standards

Rewarding young athletes for improvement as opposed to punishing when not hitting the desired outcome is a higher standard ensure high levels of participation. Encouragement and praise. We all respond well to being encouraged.

Our society has falling into constant critique from all angles endlessly.  Youth sport is no exception.  Encouragement with progressive ideals is empowering and progresses towards the purpose of the organization.

4.      Skilled communication

In all walks of life, those that communicate well, thoughtfully, with skill, in both written and orally become unstoppable.

Poor communication staggers a team, slows down an organization and minimizes evolution while diminishing the experience.

Establishing the above pillars, to any degree, will make the situation better.