VYI has adapted coaching scripts from the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) around the three main principles, Honor the Game, Redefine "Winner," and Fill the Emotional Tank. A script is just what it sounds like: a set of statements and vocabulary that a coach can use in practices and games to begin conversations with players. Scripts shouldn't be memorized and recited word-for-word. They should simply be considered examples of how you might talk with your players. Read through the scripts, and then put the ideas into your own language.
In addition to the scripts, you may access sample letters for communicating these principles to parents by clicking the appropriate menu link on the left.
All scripts have been adapted from the PCA's recommendations. Visit the PCA at http://www.positivecoach.org to learn more.
The Double-Goal Coach
VYI believes all youth sport coaches should be "Double-Goal" Coaches. A win-at-all-cost coach has only one goal: to win. He or she is concerned primarily with teaching skills and developing strategy designed to win games. A Positive Coach is a "Double-Goal Coach" who wants to win, AND has a second goal: to help players develop positive character traits, so they can be successful in life. Winning is important, but the second goal, helping players learn "life lessons," is more important. A Positive Coach puts players first.
Positive Coach Mental Model There are three major elements to the "job description" of a Positive Coach. A Positive Coach:
Redefines "Winner"
Fills Players’ Emotional Tanks
Honors the Game
Redefines "Winner"
Fills Players’ Emotional Tanks
A Positive Coach is a positive motivator who refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation, or shame. He recognizes that every player has an "Emotional Tank" like the gas tank of a car. Just as a car with an empty gas tank can’t go very far, a player with an empty emotional tank doesn't have the energy to do their best.
A Positive Coach understands that compliments, praise, and positive recognition fill Emotional Tanks. He understands the importance of giving truthful and specific feedback and resists the temptation to give praise that is not warranted. When correction is necessary, a Positive Coach communicates criticism to players in ways that don't undermine their sense of self-worth. A Positive Coach strives to achieve a 5:1 "Plus/Minus Ratio" of praise to correction.
A Positive Coach establishes order and maintains discipline in a positive manner. He listens to players and involves them in decisions that affect the team. He works to remain positive even when things aren't going well. He recognizes that it is often when things go wrong that a coach can have the most lasting impact and can teach the most important lessons. Even when facing adversity, he refuses to demean himself, his players, or the environment. He always treats athletes with respect, regardless of how well they perform.
A Positive Coach feels an obligation to his sport. He understands that Honoring the Game means getting to the ROOTS of the matter, where ROOTS stands for respect for:
Rules
Opponents
Officials
Teammates
Self.
A Positive Coach teaches his players to Honor the Game. He loves his sport and upholds the spirit, as well as the letter, of its rules. He respects opponents, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push his athletes to do their best. He understands the important role that officials play and shows them respect, even when he disagrees with their calls. He encourages players to make a commitment to each other and to encourage one another on and off the field. He values the rich tradition of his sport and feels privileged to participate. A Positive Coach realizes that one of the most difficult times to Honor the Game is when the opponent is not, and he reminds his players to live up to their own highest standard (respect for self). Ultimately, a Positive Coach demonstrates integrity and would rather lose than win by dishonoring the game.
Honors the Game
A Positive Coach helps players redefine what it means to be a winner through a mastery, rather than a scoreboard, orientation. He sees victory as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence. He focuses on effort rather than outcome and on learning rather than comparison to others. He recognizes that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning and fosters an environment in which players don't fear making mistakes. While not ignoring the teaching opportunities that mistakes present, he teaches players that a key to success is how one responds to mistakes. He sets standards of continuous improvement for himself and his players. He encourages his players, whatever their level of ability, to strive to become the best players, and people, they can be. He teaches players that a winner is someone who makes maximum effort, continues to learn and improve, and doesn’t let mistakes (or fear of mistakes) stop them.
Adapted from the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) "The Positive Coach Mental Model." Visit the PCA at http://www.positivecoach.org to learn more.
