Youth Athletics & the “I Care” Parental Involvement Character Curriculum Model
Coaches are among the most influential people in the lives of children and youth—no matter how involved they are in athletics. Because coaches are such powerful role models, young athletes often learn more from them about character than about athletic performance. By aligning with “I Care,” coaches, athletic teams, and organizations—whether in the school or in the community—gain a structure and strategy for emphasizing character development.
Role of Youth Athletics
- Post traits of the month and refer to them during meetings, training, and games
- Provide workshops for parents on the importance of character in athletics
- Recognize and award “champions of character,” along with recognizing and awarding athletic ability
- Expect and model good character
Benefits to Youth Athletics
- Emphasis on everyone having positive experiences in sports
- Standards of continuous improvement and personal best over “winning the game”
- Reinforces:
- Importance of discipline
- Positive, constructive feedback instead of guilt and blame
- Showing respect to all
- Upholding rules
- Teamwork
- Self-confidence
- Sportsmanship
