Spring is in the air. (At least it is today.) And that means youth sports are right around the corner.

Today’s Rant is about Youth Coaches. Disclaimer: 1) I am a Youth Coach. I coach soccer, indoor and outdoor. I coach softball. I have previously coached t-ball and assist with Scouts. I have been an umpire for youth baseball. I am qualified to opine on this topic, plus I have a blog. 2) This does not apply to all Youth Coaches.

I have determined that there are a combination of 5 personalities for Youth Sport Coaches. Some good, some bad and some awful.

1) The Encourager-Mr. Coach Rogers.

This Coach is almost always positive. A smile on their face. They know all the team members by name and nickname. “Great effort!” “Way to Hustle!” The emphasis is on encouragement, not wins or losses and maybe not even fundamentals.

2) The Professional – Coach Heisman.

This Coach played the sport in College and perhaps semi-professionally.  They were intense.  They insist on learning the fundamentals, drill-instructor like, but with the goal of teaching the basics.  They also like to try to get the players to play beyond their level, after all teaching them too much is a good thing. Right?

3) The Absent Coach – Coach Empty Chair.

You practice once because you have to. It’s “Hey, kid in the yellow shirt. Get in there!” Or, “Number 5, play defense.” Never mind that all of the players are in yellow shirts and they may or may not know their number or what “play defense” means. They’re late to the game. Practice is cancelled.

4) The SnackMaster – Coach DoNut.

Youth sports are about snacks after the game. He who has the best snacks has the best season. Remember that time the Blue team had orange slices and water, but we had Donuts and Hi-C! I sure do. Donuts win in youth sports. Right or wrong.

5) Ol’ Yeller – Coach McScreams-A-Lot

“GET BACK, KICK IT, DON’T DO THAT!”  “HURRY UP, QUIT LOLLYGAGGING” “I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT BONEHEADED PLAY” “PUT SOME ICE ON IT” “RUB DIRT ON IT“

Youth Sports is about learning the basics, being safe and having fun, in that order.

Matthew Thompson is a Youth Sports Coach and hybrid between the Encourager and SnackMaster.

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