Athletes, Parents, Administrators, and Stakeholders
By Manuel Narvaez
The following text is part of a series that focuses on fostering positive relationships within the world of sports. The series delves into the different roles played by athletes, parents, coaches, and clubs. The ultimate goal of these articles is to empower the community and provide them with valuable information that will help create a more constructive and supportive sporting environment.
Provide a Safe, Fun, Inclusive, and Productive Environment
Sports clubs are a great way to build a healthy relationship with the community, athletes, parents, and stakeholders. However, creating a safe, fun, inclusive, and productive environment for the student-athletes is essential. In this blog, I will give you tips on identifying and building a healthy and functional sports club that provides a positive experience for everyone involved.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer
One of the most important aspects of a sports club is to provide a safe, fun, inclusive, and productive environment for the student-athletes, which turns to happiness. This includes having clear rules and guidelines for behavior, providing adequate supervision during practices and games, and making sure that the facilities are safe and well-maintained. Maintain transparent communication channels with stakeholders regarding club policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to foster accountability and trust within the community.
Some things to avoid…
Lack of clear rules and guidelines: Without clear rules and guidelines, the environment within the sports club can become chaotic and uncertain, leading to confusion and potential conflict among members.
Inadequate supervision: Insufficient supervision during practices and games can create safety hazards and increase the risk of injuries or accidents among the participants.
Unsafe facilities: Neglected or poorly maintained facilities pose physical risks to the student-athletes, undermining their sense of security and well-being while participating in sports activities.
Pressure to prioritize winning over well-being: When sports clubs prioritize winning at all costs, it can create a toxic environment where athletes feel immense pressure to perform, often at the expense of their mental and physical health. In clubs where success is measured solely by performance, there may be little to no support for the holistic well-being of the athletes, leading to burnout, injuries, and overall dissatisfaction with the sport experience.
Unfortunately, many sports clubs prioritize winning and financial stability over the well-being of their players. This leads to brutal coaching tactics and undue pressure on athletes to perform at their highest level or risk being replaced. Such behavior has become increasingly common and has led many parents to withdraw their children from these clubs.
I have personally mentored athletes who suffered from critical medical conditions due to the stressors imposed by certain clubs. However, once they transferred to a different club, they were able to perform at a high level while also enjoying their sport. Despite this, many clubs use regulations in their favor and pressure to prevent athletes from leaving. Fortunately, sports safety regulators such as Safe Sports, NFHS, NAYS, AAU, USAV, and Darkness to Light institutions are dedicated to protecting student-athletes integrity, dignity, and mental health. If you are experiencing issues like this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Provide Parents Orientation, Structures Documents on Practice Philosophy, Lessons, and Resources
Parents are vital to a sports club's success and empowering them with information is necessary for understanding. It is essential to provide orientation, structured documents on practice philosophy, lessons, and resources to better provide their scholar counsel on coping with stressors, integrating into the team philosophy, and teammates. This will help parents understand the club's expectations and how they can support their child's development.
Things that are helpful…
Orientation sessions: Hosting orientation sessions for parents acquaints them with the club's philosophy, goals, and expectations, fostering a sense of belonging and partnership.
Structured documents: Providing structured documents on practice philosophy, lessons, and available resources empowers parents to actively engage in their child's athletic journey.
Support mechanisms: Offering resources and support mechanisms equips parents with the tools and knowledge to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities inherent in youth sports participation.
Things to avoid…
Lack of Communication: Without a positive relationship, there may be a lack of communication between parents and the sports club regarding practice philosophy, lessons, and resources. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration on both sides.
Misalignment of Expectations: When there is no positive relationship, parents may have unrealistic expectations about their child's participation in the club, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction when these expectations are not met.
Limited Parental Involvement: Without a positive relationship, parents may feel disconnected from the club and less inclined to actively participate or support their child's athletic journey.
Increased Stress for Athletes: Athletes may experience increased stress and pressure if their parents are not fully informed or supportive of the club's philosophy and goals. This can impact their performance and overall enjoyment of the sport.
Reduced Sense of Community: The absence of a positive relationship between parents and the sports club can result in a reduced sense of community and belonging for both parents and athletes, diminishing the overall experience of being part of the team.
By engaging parents as partners in the process, sports clubs can create a supportive and collaborative environment that enhances the overall experience for the athletes.
Provide Coaches with Professional Development, Performance Evaluations and Feedback
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt
Coaches are the backbone of any sports club. It is crucial to provide them with professional development, performance evaluations, and feedback to ensure they are aligning with the club's requirements and athletes' needs. This will help them improve their coaching skills and create a positive learning environment for the student-athletes.
Things that are helpful…
Professional development opportunities: Investing in ongoing professional development opportunities enable coaches to enhance their skills, stay updated on best practices, and adapt to the evolving needs of the athletes.
Performance evaluations: Conducting regular performance evaluations provides valuable feedback to coaches, facilitating continuous improvement and alignment with the club's mission and objectives.
Constructive feedback: Offering constructive feedback in a supportive manner fosters a culture of growth, accountability, and excellence among coaches and staff members.
Things to avoid…
Stagnant Coaching Skills: Without access to professional development opportunities, coaches may become stagnant in their skills and methodologies. This can lead to outdated coaching techniques and an inability to adapt to the changing needs of athletes.
Misalignment with Club Objectives: Coaches who are not evaluated regularly may lose sight of the club's objectives and mission. This can result in a disconnect between the coaching staff and the club's overarching goals, leading to confusion and inefficiencies within the organization.
Lack of Accountability: Without performance evaluations and constructive feedback, coaches may lack accountability for their actions and decisions. This can breed complacency and a lack of motivation to improve, ultimately affecting the quality of coaching provided to the athletes.
Negative Impact on Athletes: When coaches do not receive the support and guidance they need, it can negatively impact the athletes under their supervision. Athletes may not receive the necessary guidance, mentorship, and skill development they require to reach their full potential.
High Turnover Rates: Coaches who feel undervalued or unsupported are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. High turnover rates among coaching staff can destabilize the club environment and create uncertainty among athletes and parents.
Request Support from Volunteers, Parents, and Sponsors
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will." - Vince Lombardi
Sports clubs require a lot of resources, including financial support. Requesting support from volunteers, parents, and sponsors is a great way to provide resources to lower the season's costs, tournament, uniforms, and travel expenses, among others. Building a community of supporters from volunteers and parents will help the club remain healthy financially and provide world-class services.
Things that are helpful…
Community engagement: Cultivating partnerships with volunteers, parents, and sponsors fosters a sense of community ownership and investment in the success of the sports club.
Financial support: Seeking financial support from sponsors and donors helps alleviate the financial burden associated with running a sports club, enabling equitable access to resources and opportunities for all participants.
Resource mobilization: Leveraging the collective resources and expertise of volunteers and supporters enhances the club's capacity to deliver high-quality programs and services to its members.
Things to avoid…
Limited Resources: Without active support from volunteers, parents, and sponsors, the sports club may struggle to secure the necessary resources to operate efficiently. This can result in limited funds for equipment, facilities, and travel expenses, hindering the overall experience for athletes.
Increased Financial Burden: In the absence of sponsorships and donations, the financial burden falls heavily on the parents and participants. High costs for uniforms, equipment, and tournament fees may make it difficult for some families to afford participation, leading to exclusion and inequality within the club.
Things to avoid...
Decreased Community Engagement: A lack of engagement from volunteers, parents, and sponsors can lead to a sense of detachment within the community. Without active involvement in club activities and initiatives, stakeholders may feel disconnected from the club's mission and goals.
Limited Growth Opportunities: Without support from sponsors and volunteers, the sports club may struggle to expand its programs and reach new audiences. This limits the club's ability to grow its membership base and provide opportunities for more individuals to participate in sports.
Difficulty Retaining Participants: When families feel unsupported or disconnected from the club, they may be less likely to continue their involvement in the long term. This can lead to high turnover rates among participants and a lack of continuity in the club's programs and activities.
Building a strong network of support ensures the sustainability and growth of the sports club while nurturing a culture of generosity, collaboration, and shared success within the community.
Overall, a lack of positive relationships and support from volunteers, parents, and sponsors can impede the success and sustainability of a sports club. It's essential for clubs to actively cultivate partnerships and engage stakeholders to ensure the continued growth and vitality of the organization.
Club Players Should Have Schedule Visiting Institutions of Kids, Elders, and Other Community Services Support
The mission of any sports club is to provide and support the government in its quest to improve lifestyle and welfare. Club players should have on schedule visiting institutions of kids, elders, and other community services support to fulfill this mission.
Things that are helpful…
Social responsibility: Instilling a sense of social responsibility and empathy in club players fosters character development and cultivates a spirit of service and citizenship.
Community engagement activities: Organizing visits to institutions for children, elderly, and other community service initiatives provides opportunities for players to give back and make meaningful contributions to society.
Holistic development: Engaging in community service activities enriches the overall learning experience for players, promoting values such as empathy, compassion, and teamwork beyond the confines of the playing field.
Things to avoid…
Missed Opportunities for Community Impact: Without scheduled visits to institutions and community service activities, players miss out on valuable opportunities to make a positive impact in the community. This can result in a disconnect between the club and the broader community it serves.
Limited Character Development: Community service activities play a crucial role in character development, fostering empathy, compassion, and social responsibility among players. Without participation in such activities, players may miss out on important opportunities for personal growth and development.
Reduced Sense of Purpose: Engaging in community service activities provides players with a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond their athletic pursuits. Without these experiences, players may struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in their involvement with the club.
Negative Perception from the Community: A sports club that neglects its social responsibility to engage with the community may be perceived negatively by community members. This can damage the club's reputation and hinder its ability to attract support and participation from the community.
Limited Community Support: Clubs that fail to engage in meaningful community service activities may find it challenging to garner support from community members, including volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Community support is vital for the long-term sustainability and success of sports clubs.
Conclusion
Creating a harmonious and healthy relationship between a sports club, its community, players, athletes, and parents can be a challenging task requiring much effort. However, by following some key tips, a positive and inclusive learning environment that benefits everyone involved can be created. Building a sports club that fosters a healthy relationship with the community, players, athletes, and parents is not a simple task. It requires dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision of excellence.
By prioritizing safety, inclusivity, professional development, community engagement, and social responsibility, sports clubs can create environments where individuals thrive, relationships flourish, and communities prosper. As we embark on this journey together, it is important that we remain committed to fostering environments that inspire and empower the next generation of athletes, leaders, and citizens alike.
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