Coach’s Guide to Maximizing the Youth Sport Experience

Mary Fry is a professor of Sport Psychology and Director of the Sport and Exercise Psychology Lab at the University of Kansas, USA.Lori Gano-Overway is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at James Madison University, USA, and certified mental performance consultant.Marta Guivernau is an assistant professor in the Department of Foundations, Leadership and Administration at Kent State University, USA, and certified mental performance consultant. Mi-Sook Kim is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at San Francisco State University, USA.Maria Newton is an associate professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Recreation at the University of Utah, USA.

"As a coach, this book is a roadmap that outlines what I aspire to be. The authors clearly demonstrate the value of creating a caring sports climate and provide excellent examples for achieving that aim. While underpinned by decades of research, the content is refreshingly accessible and keeps the focus exactly where it belongs – on youth athletes and enriching their experiences in sport. This book is at the front of my bookshelf and is required reading for coaching staff and parents." - Gabe Downey, Head Diving Coach, University of Kansas"Athletes today expect coaches to know them well enough to care and respect them. They also want to be involved in creating and implementing tactics and techniques in their sport. This book helps you meet their expectations. It provides theories, methods, and examples from coaches and players to do everything from interacting effectively with your athletes and involving them in a team where athletes care about and support each other. This is a go to source when looking for answers to coaching questions." - Jay Coakley, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of Colorado

• PrefacePART I. Introduction A Caring and Task-Involving Climate: The Key to Maximizing Sport Performance and Experience The Many Benefits of Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in SportPART II. Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Mutual Kindness and Respect is Fostered and Valued Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Effort and Improvement are Valued and Recognized Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Mistakes are Part of Learning Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Every Athlete Plays an Important Role on the Team Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Cooperation Among Teammates is Fostered and ValuedPART III. Special Considerations in Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport Planning for and Developing a Caring and Task-Involving Climate Throughout the Season Experiencing a Caring and Task-Involving Climate: Who Benefits Most? Overcoming the Challenges of Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate Making the Parent Role Fun and Rewarding by Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate The Role of Administrators in Creating a Caring and Task-Involving ClimatePART IV. Conclusion Bringing It All TogetherAcknowledgementsIndex