In the past twenty years, sadly, not much has changed. We are still widening the plate. We are widening the goal posts. We are lowering the basket. And we need to stop. Here at the Changing the Game Project, and at great organizations such as the Positive Coaching Alliance, Proactive Coaching, Project Play, Go Play Better, Make Your Own Ball Day, Kids in the Game, Rally Me, and others, we are dedicated to stopping the rot by educating athletes, coaches and parents, and providing access to a better sports experience. We are dedicated to creating a culture of accountability for athletes, parents, coaches and youth sports organizations that holds the line, and no longer widens home plate. We recognize that sport is not only a critical part of raising healthy, active kids, but it is an educational tool for life when used the right way. But we need your help. To hold the line we must ask the following of our ATHLETES: Be a teammate who asks what can I give, not what can I get Be grateful for the coaches who ask you to go the extra mile Hold yourself to a higher standard Prepare and compete your very best Realize that you only get out what you put in When things go wrong, do not blame, but instead ask “what can I learn from this?” To hold the line we must ask our COACHES to: Keep being positive role models and mentors for our athletes Respect and encourage your athletes Value and serve the person first, and athlete second Earn the trust of both athletes and parents Keep asking more of your athletes than they ask of themselves Be clear and consistent in your communication Have standards, not rules Be the coach you always wished you had To hold the line we must ask our PARENTS to: Step back, release your kids and let them own the experience Just be a parent and a fan, and not the coach (unless, of course, you are the official coach) Let the ride home belong to your kids, and let them dictate the conversation Allow coaches to hold your kids accountable for their actions at practice and in games Respect the coaches that show respect and love for your kids, even when it makes your kids uncomfortable Help to create a safe to fail environment
In the past twenty years, sadly, not much has changed. We are still widening the plate. We are widening the goal posts. We are lowering the basket. And we need to stop. Here at the Changing the Game Project, and at great organizations such as the Positive Coaching Alliance, Proactive Coaching, Project Play, Go Play Better, Make Your Own Ball Day, Kids in the Game, Rally Me, and others, we are dedicated to stopping the rot by educating athletes, coaches and parents, and providing access to a better sports experience. We are dedicated to creating a culture of accountability for athletes, parents, coaches and youth sports organizations that holds the line, and no longer widens home plate. We recognize that sport is not only a critical part of raising healthy, active kids, but it is an educational tool for life when used the right way. But we need your help. To hold the line we must ask the following of our ATHLETES: Be a teammate who asks what can I give, not what can I get Be grateful for the coaches who ask you to go the extra mile Hold yourself to a higher standard Prepare and compete your very best Realize that you only get out what you put in When things go wrong, do not blame, but instead ask “what can I learn from this?” To hold the line we must ask our COACHES to: Keep being positive role models and mentors for our athletes Respect and encourage your athletes Value and serve the person first, and athlete second Earn the trust of both athletes and parents Keep asking more of your athletes than they ask of themselves Be clear and consistent in your communication Have standards, not rules Be the coach you always wished you had To hold the line we must ask our PARENTS to: Step back, release your kids and let them own the experience Just be a parent and a fan, and not the coach (unless, of course, you are the official coach) Let the ride home belong to your kids, and let them dictate the conversation Allow coaches to hold your kids accountable for their actions at practice and in games Respect the coaches that show respect and love for your kids, even when it makes your kids uncomfortable Help to create a safe to fail environment
072617raisingbar.docx