Behavior Management

Steps for a Successful Season:

1. Establish rules/expectations in the beginning of the year. Do not brush over this. Discuss what is expected clearly with players and parents. Ask parents if they have behavioral concerns about their child, to reach out and share the concerns and a plan in how
2. Discuss how behaviors will be addressed (privately, involve parents, possible consequences, develop plan if needed)
3. State expectations in the beginning of each practice (what is expected or needed for that specific practice).
4. Keep practices engaging with structure and routine. Players who are focused on a task and can predict what is coming up will less likely engage in unexpected behaviors.
5. Follow through with consequences in practices if they are stated in the beginning of season or of practice.
6. Focus on positives (give immediate feedback when players are doing what is expected, try to encourage positive attention instead of giving negative attention)
7. If behaviors continue, have a meeting with parents and develop a plan to help the player make growth.  

Links for additional resources:

How Do I Deal With This Behavior

Challenging Behaviors in Youth Sports

How to Manage Difficult Behavior in Coaching: Article on soccer, but can be applied to any sport

The Art of Coaching: Behavior Management

Special Olympics

Managing Challenging Behaviors

Where Do I Begin

Strategic Plan of Action for Managing Challenging Behaviors