The Sideline Fix

There are far too many of us still on the sidelines. Let's fix that.

So, what exactly is SBYD, anyway?

SBYD= Sport Based Youth Development Programs

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When you hear about youth sports, you likely hear people talking about how they are great for children, how sports will make them better people. Well, that is not guaranteed. We all have heard about horrible coaching or hazing experiences that have forever altered the course of players’ lives. Or maybe your sport experience was just meh, you could take it or leave it. Either way, if you want sport to have a positive impact on a child’s life, you have to do it intentionally.

SBYD programs are basically youth development programs that occur in sport settings. They focus on positive relationships, intentional skill development, and safe environments. When you add sport, you add sport skill development and norms of sportsmanship.

When you decide to make your sport program an SBYD program, you need to include these three elements:

  1. Active learning: Use multiple teaching styles, provide players the opportunity to reflect, and ensure leaders provide feedback
  2. Opportunities for recognition: Acknowledge players’ success and progress
  3. Strengths-based focus: Make sure youth have opportunities to increase their skill sets so they can prepare for life challenges have opportunities to serve their communities

All of these elements are based in positive relationships. When and your players connect authentically through active listening, you can build trust, set high expectations, and create an environment that is motivating and generates sustained commitment.

Whatever you do, make sure that you stay up with the most relevant and recent findings in best practices for all aspects of administration, training, and teaching.  

Sources

Perkins, D. F. & Noam, G. G. (2007). Characteristics of sports-based youth development programs. New Directions for Youth Development, 115, 75-84.

Theokas, C., Danish, S., Hodge, K., Heke, I., & Forneris, T. (2007). Enhancing life skills through sport for children and youth. In N. L. Holt (Ed.), Positive Youth Development Through Sport. (pp. 71-82). Routledge: New York, NY.

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