YOUTH COACHES

The Treasure Life Youth Coaches program really has two elements:

1) Build the character education message into your coaching philosophy and plans:

- At your very first meeting, talk with the kids and parents about the importance of using the sports experience as an athletic and character building opportunity.

Explain the “Treasure Life” message to your parents and solicit their support in helping you extend the message.

- Each week, focus on one of the traits. Bring in a guest speaker (local high school athlete, businessman, parents, etc) to talk with the kids about that trait and share any experiences they may have learned.

- Emphasize and recognize good and bad practices of the traits. For example, if you are talking and the kids aren’t listening, take the opportunity to talk about “respect”.

During practice, talk about the importance of “effort”, keeping yourself in shape and working hard during practice and school.

- Use the “Treasure Life” theme at your end of the year banquet. Invite in a special guest speaker. Coach Johnson does a great job of this and has done several programs in the past.

You could also give out special “Treasure Life” awards at your banquet. Artwork for plaques, trophies, etc can be acquired by contacting Coach Johnson in the Peoria Pirates office.

2) Recognize those players, cheerleaders, coaches, parents and other support staff who demonstrate one of more of the character traits:

- A customizable “Treasure Life” certificate is available in an electronic form (Powerpoint). See the "downloadable" files section below.

You can use this certificate to recognize players, cheerleaders and support staff for their positive practices of the traits.

It is up to you when and how many you give out.

As a suggestion, award 2-3 certificates each week at one of your weekly practices. You can recognize special efforts during the previous week’s game or practices.

It should be your goal to award a certificate to every player by the end of the year.

- Also take the opportunity to reward coaches, parents and other adult support staff. The certificate may not mean much to them, but it will be a great opportunity to show the kids how character traits are taken into the adult years. And also makes the kids proud to have their coaches or parent recognized.