Leadership in Action: In Focus - Positive Coaching - Youth Sports Hold a Lesson for Leaders

NEGATIVE FALLOUT

One has only to open any local newspaper to read about the negativity and even violence that youth sports can bring out in people. Negativity is becoming more and more the accepted norm for behavior in the stands, and it is sending a distinct and misguided message to young athletes. In various coaching surveys, coaches identify criticism and constant negative feedback from parents and themselves as the most damaging influences for young athletes.

Although children receive benefits from participation in competitive sports, they also often experience negative feelings such as low self-esteem, aggressive behavior, and excessive anxiety. Low self-esteem may develop from receiving negative verbal and nonverbal messages or experiencing ...