Athletics Section: Volunteer Coaches Handbook

ATHLET I CS SECT ION Volunteer Coach’s Handbook

2400 16TH ST. • GREENSBORO, NC • 336-373-3272 • WWW.GSOPARKSANDREC.ORG

WELCOME TO PARKS AND RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS

Our Philosophy The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Athletic Section creates a positive environment for youth and adults by: • Emphasizing each individual’s right to participate. • Teaching life skills, good sportsmanship and game fundamentals. • Stressing fun and enjoyment above all else.

The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department would like to extend our sincerest thanks to you for coaching. It takes committed volunteers to deliver a quality program. We look forward to your involvement in our sports programs. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, this handbook provides essential information that will enable you to be successful and to represent the program in a positive manner. Specific information regarding the sport you are coaching will be

provided by a Parks and Recreation Athletic staff member.

Table of Contents Responsibilities and Expectations ............................ 3 Social Media Policy ..................................................... 4-5 Code of Ethics .................................................................... 6

Safety and First Aid ........................................................... 7 Coaching Tips ..................................................................... 8 Conducting a Team Parent Meeting ........................... 9 Frequently Asked Questions ........................................ 10

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COACH’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Conduct • Our expectation is that you conduct yourself in a manner that reflects positively on Greensboro Parks and Recreation, and that you abide by both the code of conduct and social media policy. • Each coach shall encourage and demonstrate good sportsmanship to players, their parents, and spectators at all times. Organization & Training • Complete the coach’s trainings and attend all coaches meetings that are required by the program coordinator. • Familiarize yourself with program rules and bylaws. Abide by all officials’ decisions. • Schedule a meeting with

questions. Also discuss the rules, so that everyone understands them and knows what to expect. • Each coach must keep the team roster up-to-date at all times and must notify the Parks and Recreation Department staff of any changes. Staff must authorize any roster additions. • Each coach will establish an effective chain of communication with parents, paying special attention to sharing information about practices and games. Instruction & Supervision • Encourage learning through drills and organized practices for all players. • Organize practices that focus on skill development, rules, and fundamentals, while ensuring that participants are having fun. • Remain at practice or game

site until all participants have been picked up by a parent or guardian. Safety • If an injury to a participant or volunteer occurs, please notify staff immediately to make sure proper documentation and follow up take place. If there is not a staff member on site, please make note of the time, date and nature of the injury, and call or email the Assistant Athletic Director or Program Coordinator the following day. • Review and practice basic first-aid needed to treat players. First aid protocol is listed in sport specific rule books that will be provided to you. • Familiarize yourself with Safety and First Aid: Coach’s Role on page 7.

parents to discuss the program and answer

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SOCIAL MEDIA BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES AND CONDUCT

Be considerate. Be positive, respectful, and encourage healthy interactions. If you disagree with others’ opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation that is becoming antagonistic, find ways to politely disagree and take the high road. Be accurate. Make sure any information you report has been verified, and that you have the proper rights and give credit when sharing someone else’s content. Understand that statements you make on social media can live

The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department aspires to engage members of the Greensboro community in positive, honest, transparent, and knowledgeable dialogue about the department through social media. We have no better advocates than our participants, parents, officials, spectators, employees, and volunteer coaches to help lead and set the tone of social media interactions in a manner that advances the Parks and Recreation Department and the Athletics Section’s mission and goals.

We recognize that social media can be an important tool for communicating successes and opportunities for athletic and individual development. It can also serve as a platform for receiving constructive feedback from our community, but it is imperative that we do so in a positive and constructive manner. Every individual who is involved in our programs plays a role in this social media platform, and we ask that you abide by the following social media guidelines.

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indefinitely and can also reflect on Greensboro Parks and Recreation. Be engaging. Post content and questions that encourage thoughtful discussion. Remember that you are a representative of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, and the public may interpret your online postings or social interactions as though they are official statements. Be honest. Use good judgment when posting comments on any official Greensboro Parks and Recreation site. If you make a mistake, admit it and correct yourself quickly. Be safe. Protect your privacy by adjusting settings to your comfort level and be mindful of the information you share. Do not post or share pictures of participants without proper consent. Personally identifiable information (name, date of birth, home address, etc.) should not be disclosed in any manner on social networking sites. Have fun. Interacting on social media should be fun and engaging. Set the tone for positive interactions and enhance Greensboro Parks and Recreation through social media. These guidelines are designed to encourage and promote positive interaction through social media. Remember that what you say can instantaneously spread to a global audience, whether you intended for it to or not, and can positively or negatively impact you and the people around you. In congruence with the guidelines, you should refrain from posting or sharing content that promotes or fosters

hate or discrimination on the basis of color, race, age, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical or mental ability. In addition, please refrain from engaging or interacting with underage participants through social media. As a representative of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, you are expected to know and follow the social media behavior guidelines.

Any volunteer who fails to adhere to these guidelines or exhibits behavior through social media that reflects negatively on Greensboro Parks and Recreation, could result in disciplinary action up to and including permanent dismissal as a volunteer.

LIKE, FOLLOW & TAG US!

GSOParksandRec

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COACH’S CODE OF ETHICS

The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department recognizes the important contributions of coaches at each level of the youth sports programs. The influence a coach has during the formative years of a young person’s life is immeasurable, and is reflected in later years; not only in athletic abilities that are developed, but also in the more important traits of character. Code of Ethics • I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children, not adults. I will be accountable for my behavior while coaching. • I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of any personal desire to win. • I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development in the same age group. • I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players. • I promise to review and practice the basic first aid principles

needed to treat player injuries. • I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to my players. • I will use coaching techniques appropriate for the various skill levels of my players. • I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for my players. • I will lead by example, by demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players, coaches, officials, and staff. environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. • I will not harass, insult or become hostile towards players, parents, officials, scorekeepers, staff or • I will provide a sports

anyone connected with the program. • I will not make intentional physical contact with any official or staff member in any manner. • I will not use obscene or negative language that will in any manner refer to or reflect upon the opposing players, officials, staff members or spectators. In the event that a coach is found to have violated the Code of Ethics, disciplinary action shall be considered that could result in reprimand, suspension, or dismissal at the discretion of the program director. Possible actions include warning, probation, one game suspension,

multiple game suspensions, and meeting with athletic staff, seasonal suspension, and indefinite suspension.

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SAFETY AND FIRST AID: A COACH’S ROLE

• Notify Athletics staff of any hazards or safety concerns that need attention. • Ensure that proper equipment is being used and that it is inspected regularly. Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity. Withhold an athlete from practice and competition if the athlete is unable to compete without pain or loss of function (e.g., inability to walk, run, jump, or throw without restriction). Coaching athletes with medical conditions. • You may have players who need specific attention due to unique medical conditions. Prior to the start of the season, check with the player’s parents as to how any medical condition should be addressed. • Familiarize yourself with sport specific by-laws with respect

As a coach, you are responsible for injury and accident prevention, recognition, and first aid care. One of your primary roles is to minimize the risk of injury to the athletes. Certain responsibilities accompany this role. Properly plan the activity. • Teach the skills of the sport in the correct progression. • Consider each athlete’s developmental level and current physical condition. • Supervise the activity closely. Provide proper instruction. • Teach athletes the rules and the correct skills and strategies of the sport. For example, in football, teach athletes that tackling with the head (spearing) is illegal and is also a potentially dangerous technique.

• Match the athletes according to size, physical maturity, skill level, and experience. • If you have coaching assistants, make sure that they are knowledgeable in the skills and strategies of the sport and act in a mature and responsible manner. Warn of inherent risks. Discuss with parents and athletes the inherent health risks of their particular sport. Provide a safe physical environment. • Monitor current environmental conditions (e.g., wind-chill, temperature, humidity, and severe weather warnings). • Periodically inspect the playing areas and remove all hazards.

to Emergency Response Procedures, first aid, and concussion protocol.

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COACHING TIPS We play sports to have fun, learn skills, develop fitness, and to enjoy competition. Winning and receiving individual awards should not be the most important reasons to play. Coaches who understand this and kids’ needs are more likely to keep those kids on the playing field. Here are some tips to being a great, engaged coach. Practice with purpose. It’s important for coaches to make the most out of their team practices and to ensure the training sessions Drills should be straightforward with a clear objective. If the game or drill cannot be explained within two minutes, don’t use it. If you notice players making mistakes, pull them aside and explain what steps they can take to correct their actions, then give them the opportunity to try again. Be positive. are fun and organized. Use simple drills.

Young athletes want to be around positive people. It’s important for kids to feel like they are in a secure and supportive environment in order to develop confidence. Get to know the athletes. To better engage with players, it is important to get to know each athlete on an individual level. This will allow the coach to become familiar with each player’s individual strengths and weaknesses. Different children may need different motivation. Establish good parent-coach relationships. It is important to understand that the title of “Coach” does not guarantee automatic respect and commitment from the players and parents. Players and parents on your team expect a lot from you. Good youth coaches understand that they are coaching children, not college or professional athletes. Don’t over-coach. When a game is underway, and

a coach feels the need to change the game plan or strategy, it can be tempting to over complicate

instructions to players. Engage all players.

It can be tempting for a coach to rely on key players during a game. Gain players’ respect by showing your players that you can teach them to develop their skills and that you are willing to make the effort to do so. Ensure good sportsmanship. While it’s important to teach athletes skills, it’s just as important to instruct players on the rules of the game, and how to play with good sportsmanship. Your team’s success, or lack of success, in games does not indicate the kind of coach you are. Encourage play at home. Because practice time is limited, give your players ideas on how to practice at home. Demonstrate drills they can do by themselves. Even better, incorporate fun games into practice. This will give players ways to build skills outside of practice. Handle aggressive parents. Speak with the parent privately, where others can’t become involved. Try not to be defensive or argue with a parent. Listen to his/her viewpoint. Involve staff if issues persist and you need assistance resolving the problem.

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CONDUCTING A TEAM PARENT MEETING Great communication is the key to a successful season. Sharing expectations of the team with parents prior to the season can alleviate potential problems. A meeting can help mold the behavior

of your athletes’ parents. Find a setting for the meeting where you can have everyone’s full attention. Sample Agenda 1. Welcome and Introductions Discuss a little about yourself and why you decided to coach. Share some of your relevant background as a coach, participant and parent. 2. Philosophy and Policies • Share your coaching philosophy and the philosophy of Greensboro Parks and Recreation. • Share your policies on playing time, missing practice, etc. Ask that players first talk with the coach about concerns with playing time. • Discuss expectations for practice, attendance and behavior. • Set guidelines for game days. Make sure parents understand that you expect them to show good sportsmanship. • Discuss no “sideline coaching” from parents. This causes confusion and mixed messages. • Consider implementing a no talking policy about playing time or “issues” on game day. Emotions are too high for productive conversations and the focus should be on the players. 3. Rosters • Hand out rosters and confirm information. • Make sure everyone has practice

and game schedules.

coordinator, or scorekeeper. The Parks and Recreation Department requires all potential volunteers to complete the volunteer enrollment form.

4. Season Goals Talk about goals and hopes for the season, including player development, social growth, fitness, and fun. 5. Uniforms and Equipment • Talk about equipment parents must provide. • Review when uniforms will be distributed, and the need to dress appropriately for practice. • Provide approximate costs. 6. Logistics and Communication • Hand out a phone list (or get people to sign up on a list for distribution later). • Discuss the best number/email for your to be reached. • Discuss team communication and how it will be handled. (Email, phone tree, text, team web site, etc.) 7. Volunteers • The parent meeting is a good time to ask for any duties you need help with, such as the need for an assistant coach, snack

• Volunteers should fill out the Volunteer Enrollment Form at www.greensboro-nc.gov/ parksandrecvolunteer. 8. Safety • Talk about providing a safe

environment for players. Explain rules regarding equipment and safety instructions.

• Coaches should be alert to conditions that may be

dangerous to participants and take action to prevent them.

• Ask parents if there are any health concerns to be aware of with their children. Tell them to contact you to discuss in private. • First Aid, Emergency Action and Concussion protocol are covered in sport specific rules. 9. Fees • Miscellaneous expenses

• Awards and trophies 10. Wrap Up and Questions

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How old do I have to be to coach in the program? You must be at least 18 years old.

in participating in a sport. Can they be placed on my team? What about my child? This is a possibility. Please check with the program director for specific information. How are teams formed? Team formation varies by sport. Some sports use an address where others use a draft process. Do the kids receive awards, trophies? Is this my responsibility? Greensboro Parks and Recreation will provide awards to league champions and runners-up. Program Am I responsible for providing transportation for the participants? Transportation to practices and games is the responsibility of parents or guardians. Parents must pick up children immediately after practice or games. The coach must not leave the facility if a child is waiting for their ride. All children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Will I incur any out of pocket cost? You should not incur any out of pocket cost. Greensboro Parks and Recreation will work to provide the equipment you need to be successful. Where will games and practices be held? Practices and Games will be held at local Greensboro Parks and Recreation facilities. Parks and Recreation staff will provide specific locations and times prior to the season. participation medals may be provided in some programs.

I have access to a facility not affiliated with Greensboro Parks and Recreation. Is it ok to use? No, the only facilities that should be used are Greensboro Parks and Recreation facilities. Can other parents who are not assistant coaches assist with practices? No, only coaches that have completed and passed the required background checks and trainings can assist. What should I do if I’m having difficulty interacting with a parent? Speak with the parent privately, where others can’t become involved. Try not to be defensive or argue. Listen to their viewpoint. Involve staff if issues persist and you need assistance resolving the problem. What should I do in a medical emergency? Refer to protocol listed in program by-laws.

Are there any special skills or certifications I need? We ask that all coaches complete necessary certification courses as required by the program director. What type of time commitment am I looking at? Commitment varies slightly for each sport. However, there will typically be two practices and/or games per week. The season will run for approximately 10-12 weeks. What about assistant coaches? You may be responsible for selecting your own assistant coaches. These individuals must also complete a coach’s enrollment form and pass a background check and necessary certification courses as required by the program director. Who supplies the uniforms and equipment? Greensboro Parks and Recreation will provide uniforms for each team, and all necessary equipment needed to participate (depending on the sport). Parents will need to provide certain items associated with each sport. Staff can help you identify these specific items (e.g., baseball pants). Will coaching resources be provided? Staff can direct you to websites that provide coaching guidelines and helpful tips. There may also be coaching clinics offered. Other veteran coaches may be a good resource. I know of children in my neighborhood who are interested

Can I conduct fundraisers? No.

What happens if there is inclement weather?

Contact the weather line 336-373- 2366. More detailed information will be covered in coaching meetings and provided in by-laws.

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2400 16TH ST. • GREENSBORO, NC • 336-373-3272 • WWW.GSOPARKSANDREC.ORG