fit tackles football! The National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute (NYSHSI) and Sanford fit have joined together to promote the importance of making healthy choices as well as proper body mechanics for young athletes. Follow along with our fitSports video series for coaches and parents which will provide wellness tips and interactive drills for skill development and motivation!
A role model is a person who serves as an example by influencing others. As parents and coaches, you serve as a primary role model for your young athletes. Children not only look up to you, but often emulate your actions. It’s important to set a good example of sportsmanship and create a positive environment where kids can learn and grow.
According to NYSHSI, “As children are the central participants in youth sports and have candidly reported on why they play their sport, it is important to align the goals of the team, coach and parents with those of the children. Most important at the youth level are the following goals:
- Fun
- Safety
- Personal growth and development (this includes learning such skills as working well with teammates, sportsmanship, leadership, building friendships, accepting defeat, and physical skill development).”
How can you be a supportive and positive parent or coach? Here are some tips:
- Help your child understand winning is not everything. Ensure you emphasize the positive things they can gain from playing sports, including teamwork and self-confidence.
- Think before you act out during games or voice your opinion towards the officials or opposing team. Is this role model behavior?
- Ask questions like “What did you do well or enjoy today?” rather than “Did you win?”
- Remind young athletes how much you enjoy watching them play and interact with their team.
- Pressure from parents can influence young athletes’ satisfaction. Check in during the season to make sure they are enjoying their sport.
In this edition of the Sanford fitSports video, we’ll see how positive motivation, proper mechanics, and body movements are influential when running the football. Think fit. Be fit!
For additional information concerning POWER Academies visit, Sanford SPORTS.
