Children's Sport
The aim of children's sport is to provide an opportunity to become involved in
physical activity to promote immediate and long-term benefits for the participants.
These benefits will be observed in terms of higher levels of fitness, better health,
pleasurable social involvement and the satisfaction derived from skilled performance
in individual and group activities.
Bill of Rights for Children's Sport
ALL Children have the right to:
* participate in a wide range of sports
* participate at a level suiting each child's level
of maturity and ability
* qualified adult leadership
* to play as children, not as adults
* to share in leadership and decision making roles
* participate in healthy and safe environments
* proper preparation for participation in sports
* an equal opportunity to strive for success
* be treated with dignity
* have fun whilst playing in sport
Coaching children in not only touch, but in any sport comes with great responsibility.
The coach has many responsibilities to fulfill, not only to their players, but to the
parents of the players, themselves and their sport.
Through coaching kids, people can also gain a sense of accomplishment. Through coaching
kids, coaches are encouraging participation in outdoor and healthy activites, developing
social values and recreation.
Sports Coaches Australia defined the responsibilities of a coach, how they can help
their participants and some useful hints for coaching children.
Coaching Responsibilities - The Program
C. Creative Programs - Maintain interest and allow problem solving situations.
O. Organised Sessions - Should be progressive and accommodating to all levels of participants.
A. Adoptive Attitudes - Show resourcefulness with equipment, facilities and participants `growing pains'.
C. Committed Time Span - Realistic scheduling of practices and competitions has a motivating
effect and allows for other interests to be pursued.
H. Healthy Environment - List needs. Testing should be encourages and specific training programs
structured where necessary.
I. Information about Rules etc. - Videos and other resources should be constantly used.
N. Needs of Participants - Attention to age, weight, height and appraisal of performances.
Plenty of challenges included.
G. Generous with Praise
Coaching Children - Practical Hints
C. Commit
Commit some time to the proper planning of each session. Allow for period of warm-up and
cool-down at the end of each session.
H. Happy
Happy is what all children should be during training and playing. All coaching sessions
should be fun and the coach who plans activities for the enjoyment of children will find
the experience rewarding.
I. Inform
Children need information if they are to improve. The coach should try to make performance
feedback positive and informative. Taking notes at training is one way to make sure correct
assessments are made.
L. Layout
The effective coach will arrange the layout of the session so that all children are clearly
in view as they work at their activities.
D. Demonstration
Never underestimate the power of a good demonstration. During the demonstration, make sure
you highlight the main points and perform the skill a number of times.
R. Respect
Respect the needs of the children and try not to impart your needs on those who may not
wish to accept them. Children play sport for their own reasons and the smart coach respects
and understands these needs.
E. Early
An effective coach arrives early to the game and training and prepares any equipment and
activities so that the children can begin soon after arrival
N. Never criticise or berate young children for poor or inadequate performance. Always
be positive in your feedback and provide encouragement.
How to Help the Participants
K. Know your kids
* Enthusiasm
* Motivation
* Physical and Mental Characteristics
I. Interest your kids in
* Modified Rules
* Short Work Sessions
* Fun and Challenge
D. Develop your kid's
* Fitness Levels
* Skill Levels.
* Fair Play Codes
S. Success for your kids by
* Regular Appraisal
* Training Games
* Competitive Situations
Our children are our players of the future, and therefore they need to be encouraged
and their talents nourished for a bright future.
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