Coaches Information
Becoming a Coach
The coach is the key component to fulfilling the mission of Upward: “To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports.” This entire mission is in the hands of the coach.
As an Upward coach, you have a tremendous opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of your players and their families. For this reason, it’s important that you understand your responsibilities as a coach:
- Share the love of Jesus Christ with each player. You may provide the only opportunity for children to know and hear about Jesus.
- Recognize the “winner” in every child. Find ways to encourage and show each player that he or she is valued through Jesus Christ.
- Prepare for practices and games. Be prepared not only to teach skills but to look for ways to instill confidence, boost self-esteem, and share Christ with your players.
- Teach the fundamentals of the sport. Upward is designed to teach fundamental skills.
- Know your role in the Circle of Affirmation. Remember, people care more about what you do than they do about what you say.
- Support the referee with positive comments. Choose to start the Circle of Affirmation found in your Coaches Playbook. Your lead will instill respect for authority and create a positive atmosphere for all who participate or watch.
- Distribute Upward Stars. The multi-colored stars should be distributed at the end of each game, and the Scripture learning stars should be distributed at the end of each practice. These stars play an important role in building the self-esteem of your players. Explain why the player is receiving a particular star. Be sure to include the parents. This should be a special time for parents and players. Encourage clapping and praise!
The success of a coach is not based on wins and losses. The success of a coach is characterized by how he or she conveys Christ in actions and attitudes on and off the court as well as how he or she teaches and encourages within the sport of basketball. That is the Upward Experience. The Upward Experience is where solid ministry components and great sport instruction meet.
Forms
Helpful Tips for Coaches
Once Your Team Has Been Established…
Step 1: Contact your players as soon as possible to make them aware of your first practice & game location, date, and time. You will receive a team roster at the first Parents & Coaches meeting. Usually the best first point of contact is a group e-mail.
Step 2: Schedule a team meeting during the first practice with all parents and players (see below for details).
What to Discuss at the Team Meeting:
- Introductions: kids say their name, school, and favorite ice cream (make it your own!)
- Your goals as coach for the season
- Establishment of any assistant coaches needed
- Establish a designated team “Mom” or “Dad” to help organize events such as uniform distribution and a calling tree in case of schedule changes. (Recommendation: Use a group e-mail list to communicate information to team members between practices)
- Discuss practice and game time guidelines (Arrive at practice at least 5 minutes prior to start, be ready to pick up child before the end of practice, arrive at game 15 minutes prior to game time).
- Never leave the field until you have personally seen each of your players with their parent or guardian.
