Tools for Leaders

New! Click here for a web page of resources on child-abuse prevention
or get PDF versions of resources for
leaders
coaches
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Download PCA's child-abuse prevention policies and procedures template

Leading a school athletic program or youth sports organization, you have awesome power and responsibility to impact youth. Creating a positive, character-building youth sports environment may be the most important thing you ever do, because it can provide thousands of children with life lessons in teamwork, commitment, persistence, overcoming adversity, empathy, and leadership. And, as they cultivate a lifelong love of sports in your program, they will stay involved as athletes, coaches and parents in later life who carry forward the legacy they gain from your leadership to influence the next generation. Use the tools below to make it so.

PCA has developed "Standards of Excellence" for youth sports organizations (YSO) that aspire to be outstanding "educational-athletic" organizations. There are six elements:

1. Mission Statement. Mission Statement Every youth or high school sports program needs a strong mission statement. Here are some ideas whether you're reviewing your current mission statement or embarking on creating one. Download (PDF)


2. Coach Recruitment Step-by-step instructions for bringing together a great group of coaches who will stick with your program for years and help you develop your organizational culture. Download (PDF)


3. Coach Development Program. Ongoing improvement in your current coaches and adding even more great coaches can strengthen your culture.
   


• Coach Evaluation Here is a rationale for evaluating your coaches, the necessary forms to let players and parents do so.  Then take advantage of the free, online Season Evaluation Tool  part of the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports Program Powered by Positive Coaching Alliance.
• This form encapsulates what you, as  a leader, are looking for in a youth or high school sports coach. Double-Goal Coach® Job Description (PDF)
• Coach Evaluation Form for Parents (PDF)
• Coach Evaluation Form for Players  (PDF)


4. Positive Coaching Awards. People tend to do what gets rewarded in an organization. Here is a program for rewarding your coaches, complete with nomination forms for the awards.
   


• Positive Coaching Award  (PDF)


5. Parent Expectations Program. An effective leader sets expectations for everyone in the organization. Include parents. They are the ultimate decision-makers as to the health, success and longevity of your program. Download (PDF)


• Parent Pledge (PDF)
• Parent Letter (PDF)


6. Honor the Game Day Information

• How to Intervene (When Someone Dishonors the Game) Follow this approach if you see behavior that threatens the positive youth sports environment you are working hard to create and maintain. Download (PDF)
• Honor the Game Day Instructions for conducting ceremonies that will help establish and maintain your organizational commitment to Honoring the Game Download (PDF)
• Recruit parents or board members whose job is to help maintain the positive environment within your school or organization. Role of the Culture Keeper (PDF)