Letter From Youth Sports Director | |
Nelson County Youth Sports Philosophy | Page 1 |
Keys to Be a Good Volunteer Coach | Page 2 |
Coach’s Responsibilities & Expectations | Page 3 |
Practice Preparation | Page 4 |
Game Plan Preparation | Page 5 |
Parent Responsibilities | Page 6 |
Cancellations & Injuries | Page 7 |
Sportsmanship | Page 8 |
Dear Parents, Coaches, and Participants,
Nelson County Youth Sports in Nelson County welcome you to our youth sports program! Our goal is for all youth sports participants, parents, and coaches, to have an enjoyable experience this season.
The goal of our group is to 1) build self-esteem, 2) to teach social skills, values, communication, team work, 3) to teach physical skills- fitness and health, 4) to develop responsibility and decision making skills, 5) to enhance leadership skills in youth and adults, 6) to build relationships among peers and between parent and child, 7) to support and strengthen family life, and 8) to create fun experiences for coaches, children and their families.
Nelson County Youth Sports programs are made possible by the dedication of our volunteer coaches. Our volunteers put in many hours of work to make the leagues a success, investing their time and energy into the lives of young people in our community. If you are interested in coaching, please do not hesitate to contact us!
We hope you will take an active role in your children’s experience this season. Please support your child by encouraging them, being a positive role model, and maintaining your expectations. The Nelson County Youth Sports environment is meant to be fun, while still building their sports skills.
Thank you for your participation! We look forward to serving you and your child in our youth sports program. If you have any comments or questions, please reach out.
Sincerely,
Tyler Wimpsett
Nelson County Youth Sports Coordinator
502-331-1374
tyler.wimpsett@nelson.kyschools.us
1 | Page
7 Pillars of Youth Sports
Youth Sports are a great opportunity to teach values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The Y's youth sports programs help young people become better players and better people by emphasizing skill development over competition.
Everyone Plays: Everyone who registers is assigned to a team, and receives playing time in practices and games.
Safety First: We've designed our sports programs to be safe and enjoyable.
Fair Play: We play by the rules, show respect to everyone involved and teach our youth about being a role model of good sportsmanship.
Positive Competition: Learning to compete is important for children, and learning to cooperate in a competitive world is an essential lesson in life.
Family Involvement: In addition to parents being instrumental as volunteer coaches, officials and timekeepers, we encourage them to be at practices and games to support their child's participation.
Sport for All: Our sports are inclusive. We offer sport programs for youth who differ in physical abilities by matching them with children of similar abilities and modifying their sport when necessary.
Sport for Fun: These sports are for the kids. Our goal is for them to have FUN!
2 | Page
KEYS TO BEING A GOOD COACH/VOLUNTEER
It is important that coaches are aware of Nelson County Youth Sports principles, making certain that positive competition in youth sports is a positive experience for kids, parents, coaches, referees, and spectators. Most importantly, parents and their children are depending on you.
All of our volunteer coaches are required to have the following credentials:
1) Coach Concussion Awareness & Responsibility Agreement
2) Background Check
3) Child Abuse Prevention Code of Conduct
4) Code of Conduct & Expectations
5) Release, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement
3 | Page
1. Be welcoming! Contact players prior to your first practice to welcome them and confirm practice times/dates/location.
2. Be accessible and approachable to players and parents before and after practices and games. Arrive early to help build relationships.
3. Be informative and distribute all printed materials and communicate any changes in the schedule or special announcements, such as Picture Day and tournament information.
4. Take attendance and call players who have missed two practices or games in a row.
5. Promote good sportsmanship and respect for others regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
6. Assure safe and fair play at all times.
7. Dress appropriately.
8. Plan practice sessions and game plans.
9. Encourage and be positive in correcting and instructing.
10.Know emergency procedures.
11. Listen to players.
12.Know the rules of the game and pass that knowledge on to other players.
13.Make it a rewarding and worthwhile experience.
14.Be drug, tobacco and alcohol free during all team events.
15.Understand that you are a representative of the YMCA during all events.
16.Lead by example among program parents to support the duties and responsibilities of the referees and league leadership.
17.Remember you are a role model spiritually, mentally and physically.
18.Be aware of the Youth Sports Philosophy and support it!
19.Have fun!
All coaches are responsible for parent communication. Parent communication can be in the form of Playerspace messaging, email or telephone calls. Should you encounter any problems with parents please notify the director. As your administrative staff, we are here to help/assist in any way possible. Please feel free to use us as a resource at any time.
4 | Page
It is the coaches’ responsibility to contact the players regarding their first practice, season details, uniform/equipment information, and other pertinent information for the season. Before the first practice, the coach should be prepared with the following (but not limited to):
• Where to find the game schedule and directions to all venues.
• Practice day/times and location (if applies).
• A potential assistant coach/team manager/team parent.
• The coaches’ expectations of players and parents.
• Rules of the game for parents.
• Answering any questions or concerns.
At the team meeting/first practice, the coach should share the Nelson County Youth Sports philosophy and player and parent expectations for the season.
Outcome of games, development of skills, development of team dynamics and relationships and interpersonal relationships are all forged at practice times. Having a solid plan will help engage your team and make practices more efficient.
All Nelson County Youth Sports coaches should be prepared with the following before every practice:
1. A safe and practical location
2. Knowledge of the rules
3. Equipment and tools necessary for the practice
4. Any news or information for the practice
5. Knowledge of what components to work on
6. Positive attitude
All Nelson County Youth Sports practices should include some of these elements:
1. Stretching before and after practice
2. Some one-on-one interaction with every player
3. Various stations to keep players engaged at all times
4. Group game/scrimmage that is fun
5. Breaks
6. Skill set or focus for the week
7. Positive player reinforcement
5 | Page
All Nelson County Youth Sport coaches should be prepared with the following before every game:
1. Knowledge of any changes or adjustments to the game.
2. Player rotation system or list that is fair.
3. Knowledge of what court/field the team will use.
4. Knowledge of the rules.
5. Knowledge of key dates (picture day, etc.)
The Sports Director, Sports Coordinator or Site Supervisor will be present during game day. We are here to assist coaches, players and spectators. We will help with the following:
If there is an issue on site, please contact the site supervisor. Any emergencies should be brought to the attention of the site supervisor as well as the Sports Director/Coordinator. The Sports Department welcomes questions, comments, and concerns that may come up over the course of the season about practices, coaches, games, etc. Please communicate them clearly and on a timely manner. Issues can only be resolved when Nelson County Youth Sports staff is notified!
Our goal is provide coaches with the necessary tools to be a successful coach in our leagues. Being a volunteer coach for Nelson County Youth Sports is not just an opportunity to put your athletic experience to work, it allows you to make a difference in the community. Coaches, you make our programs possible by volunteering your time to teach the youth and you cannot be thanked enough!
6 | Page
1. Read and use all printed material provided by the Nelson County Youth Sports..
2. Make sure your player arrives on time to all practices and games.
3. Ensure the player is properly equipped with shoes, shorts/sweats, uniform, and any other sport specific equipment.
4. Stay at practices and games whenever possible and support your player and team.
5. Volunteer to help the coach whenever possible, perhaps assisting in practice and sitting on the bench with players.
6. Inform the coach if the player is unable to attend practice or game.
7. Encourage your child and team, and encourage good sportsmanship.
8. Encourage your child to treat others with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
9. Spend time at home practicing with your child on his/her skill development.
10.Acknowledge the other team’s accomplishments.
11.Support the coach.
12.Support the referees.
13.Be positive at all times!
14.Be drug, tobacco and alcohol free during all team events.
15.Be aware of the Youth Sports Philosophy and support it!
16.Enjoy the games and have fun!
Nelson County Youth Sports coaches serve as the go-between for the Director of Nelson County Youth Sports and the program participants. All coaches are responsible for parent communication. Parent communication can be in the form of TeamReach messaging, email or telephone calls. Should you encounter any problems with coaches please notify the Director/Coordinator. As your administrative staff, we are here to help/assist in any way possible. Please feel free to use us as a resource at any time.
Before the first practice, the coach will contact parents with the following information:
• Where to find the game schedule and directions to all venues.
• Practice day/times and location (if applies).
• The coaches’ expectations of players and parents.
• Rules of the game for parents.
• Answering any questions or concerns.
7 | Page
Games may be cancelled because of excessive rain/snow and wet fields. Cold weather game decisions will be evaluated depending on the duration of cold air and wind chill. For updated Youth Sports Game information, please use the following methods:
1) If games are cancelled, a notice will be posted on Facebook.
2) Coaches will be notified first and are expected to contact parents and their team.
3) Call the Youth Sports Hotline at (502)331-1374
There is always someone trained in first aid at practice sites/games. In the case of an injury please locate a staff person immediately for help. It is up to the discretion of that staff person or the participant’s parents on whether or not the participant needs additional medical attention.
Head Injuries
A participant shall be suspected of suffering a concussion or head injury if any of the following symptoms are observed arising from possible blunt trauma, acceleration of force or deceleration of force:
• Confusion, disorientation or impaired consciousness.
• Dysfunction of memory.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Other signs of dysfunction including seizures, irritability, lethargy, vomiting, headache, dizziness and fatigue.
In the case of any of the above symptoms it is highly recommended that the participant go to the closest medical care facility and get checked out and cleared by a medical professional. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may be required by the Director that the participant get cleared by a medical professional before resuming activity.
WHY TRAIN VOLUNTEERS IN CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS?
• To detect and prevent child abuse.
• To protect volunteers from false claims of abuse
• To send a strong message to all those involved that any abuse of children will not be tolerated and we will do our best to give volunteers tools to identify signs of abuse.
7 | Page
Games may be cancelled because of excessive rain/snow and wet fields. Cold weather game decisions will be evaluated depending on the duration of cold air and wind chill. For updated Youth Sports Game information, please use the following methods:
1) If games are cancelled, a notice will be posted on Facebook.
2) Coaches will be notified first and are expected to contact parents and their team.
3) Call the Youth Sports Hotline at (502)331-1374
There is always someone trained in first aid at practice sites/games. In the case of an injury please locate a staff person immediately for help. It is up to the discretion of that staff person or the participant’s parents on whether or not the participant needs additional medical attention.
Head Injuries
A participant shall be suspected of suffering a concussion or head injury if any of the following symptoms are observed arising from possible blunt trauma, acceleration of force or deceleration of force:
• Confusion, disorientation or impaired consciousness.
• Dysfunction of memory.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Other signs of dysfunction including seizures, irritability, lethargy, vomiting, headache, dizziness and fatigue.
In the case of any of the above symptoms it is highly recommended that the participant go to the closest medical care facility and get checked out and cleared by a medical professional. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may be required by the Director that the participant get cleared by a medical professional before resuming activity.
WHY TRAIN VOLUNTEERS IN CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS?
• To detect and prevent child abuse.
• To protect volunteers from false claims of abuse
• To send a strong message to all those involved that any abuse of children will not be tolerated and we will do our best to give volunteers tools to identify signs of abuse.
8 | Page
Sportsmanlike behavior is expected from all coaches, players, and spectators at all times. If an individual is asked to stop their unsportsmanlike conduct and they fail to comply, they will be asked to leave the facility. Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include, but are not limited to: intimidating officials, players, and/or coaches, arguing, taunting, swearing, pushing, and fighting.
Remember children play organized sports for their own fun. To help teach our philosophy to kids, we ask for parents’ cooperation and coach enforcement with our Nelson County Youth Sports SPECTATOR CODE:
1. Be on your best behavior. Don’t use profane language or harass players, coaches, or officials.
2. Applaud good plays by your own team AND the opposite team.
3. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a game or practice. They are still learning the game.
4. Respect the officials’ decisions.
5. Encourage players/coaches to always play according to the rules.
Nelson County Youth Sports has implemented a Zero Tolerance policy throughout our sports programs. Coaches are asked to encourage their players in a positive way and avoid verbally harassing game personnel. No trash talking, obscene gestures, spiking the ball or other unsportsmanlike behavior will be tolerated. The Nelson County Youth Sports Staff reserves the right to suspend any coach for unsportsmanlike behavior during games or practices. Coaches who demonstrate this type of behavior will be required to meet with the Sports Director/Coordinator and other staff deemed necessary for the situation. Players or parents will be removed from the game for a period deemed necessary by Nelson County Youth Sports staff.
8 | Page
Sportsmanlike behavior is expected from all coaches, players, and spectators at all times. If an individual is asked to stop their unsportsmanlike conduct and they fail to comply, they will be asked to leave the facility. Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include, but are not limited to: intimidating officials, players, and/or coaches, arguing, taunting, swearing, pushing, and fighting.
Remember children play organized sports for their own fun. To help teach our philosophy to kids, we ask for parents’ cooperation and coach enforcement with our Nelson County Youth Sports SPECTATOR CODE:
1. Be on your best behavior. Don’t use profane language or harass players, coaches, or officials.
2. Applaud good plays by your own team AND the opposite team.
3. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a game or practice. They are still learning the game.
4. Respect the officials’ decisions.
5. Encourage players/coaches to always play according to the rules.
Nelson County Youth Sports has implemented a Zero Tolerance policy throughout our sports programs. Coaches are asked to encourage their players in a positive way and avoid verbally harassing game personnel. No trash talking, obscene gestures, spiking the ball or other unsportsmanlike behavior will be tolerated. The Nelson County Youth Sports Staff reserves the right to suspend any coach for unsportsmanlike behavior during games or practices. Coaches who demonstrate this type of behavior will be required to meet with the Sports Director/Coordinator and other staff deemed necessary for the situation. Players or parents will be removed from the game for a period deemed necessary by Nelson County Youth Sports staff.
9 | Page
The Nelson County Youth Sports Association and (School Name) require officials to enforce sportsmanship rules. Nelson County Youth Sports emphasize positive values. The participants have worked hard to create a sense of teamwork, respect, responsibility and perspective. We remind you that good behavior is expected from all and that misconduct will not be tolerated. Let this competition reflect mutual respect among all participants, officials, and fans. Good luck and have a great event.