WELCOME
TRAIN to GAIN
Coach’s Handbook
SHEPPARD
Laying A Strong Foundation for tomorrow’s leaders by providing
opportunities for learning and growth through sports and fitness.
Youth Sports & Fitness
 Staff Introductions
Chain of Command
Youth Sports Director – Wayne Bishop 676-2342
Youth Program Director – Terry Baggott 676-5437
Family Member Programs Flight Chief – Jim Gillespie 676-3798
82 FSS Commander – Maj. Robert Hoskins 676 2331
Why are you here?

To be a positive role model
 To give back to the community.
 Love of the sport
 Love of children
 To help children develop good sportsmanship
 To teach children how to put winning and loosing in
perspective
 To learn and understand the philosophy of NYSCA
and Sheppard Youth Sports
Benefits of Membership
Initial
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$1,000,000 Excess
Liability Insurance
Youth Sports Journal
Delivered quarterly
Intro to Coaching Youth
Sports publication
Membership Card
Discounts for selected
hotels, car rentals, theme
parks, products
Continuing
 Youth Sports Journal delivered
quarterly
 $2,000,000 excess liability
insurance
 $250,000 excess
accident/medical insurance
($50 deductible) for injuries
sustained while performing
coaching duties
 Membership card and member
decal
 Discounts for selected hotels,
car rentals, theme parks,
products
Mission Statement
We develop, control and oversee programs that
foster children’s social, physical, character and
leadership development. While nurturing
children’s capacity to learn life skills while
enjoying team sports, we also strive to deepen
children’s commitment to pro-social values such
as kindness, helpfulness, personal responsibility,
and respect for others – qualities we believe are
essential to leading humane and productive lives
in a democratic society.
PHILOSOPHY
- Focus on Participation
- Help Youth Develop Physical, Emotional
and Social Skills
- Placing Winning and Losing In a Healthy
Perspective
- Defining success as striving for the best that
they can do
- Develop a lifetime commitment to sports and
personal fitness
GOALS

Familiarize youth with the fundamentals
 Provide opportunity for participation
 Emphasis on good sportsmanship, fair play, and
discipline
 Instill in youth the values associated with team
sports, make new friends and have FUN
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY &
POSITIVE GUIDANCE
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Sense of Personal Identity
– Picture ID
Building A Team
– Allow everyone to play every position
– Give them a chance to lead warm-ups or run a special play
Build Character
– Set Goals
– Learn From Mistakes
– Teach players how to handle pressure
POSITIVE GUIDANCE
– Positive guidance employs techniques which teach children respect for themselves, for others, and for their
environment. It provides children the direction and tools necessary for developing positive social experiences
with peers and adults.
– Guidance practices will include redirecting the child to acceptable activities. Using simple, positive reminders
to restate the rules. Ignoring inappropriate activities when applicable. Using logical and natural consequences
to help children be responsible for their actions (encouraging problem solving skills in children) and helping
children to identify feelings and learn acceptable ways to deal with these feelings.
– Inappropriate guidance techniques that may not be used: spanking, pinching, shaking, biting, or any other form
of punishment. Binding to restrain movement of mouth or limb and depravation of meals, snacks, outdoor play
opportunities or other program components.
– Verbal or mental abuse is a technique that will not be allowed under any circumstance. For example: telling a
child you do not want them in your group, or name calling. Food may not be used as a punishment or reward.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

FUN FIRST!!!
 FUNDAMENTAL SPORT CONCEPTS
 MINIMUM PLAY RULE
– All players MUST play a minimum of 50 percent in
all games played.
– A child must not be penalized if an excused absence
has occurred (sick, school work or activities), etc.
SPORTSMANSHIP
 Respect your opponent
 Role model
– Shake hands with opposing coach
– Compliment opposing team
– Show respect toward officials
 Continuously discuss importance of good sportsmanship
 Ignore conduct from opposing team – don’t become part of the problem
 Removal Procedures and Suspension
– If a child becomes unruly, or disruptive, the VC will make every effort to speak to
the child and curtail the situation. If all efforts have been exhausted by the VC,
parents are called to remove their child. A conference will take place with the
parents, coach, and Sports/Youth Directors
– If a child cause physical injury to another child, immediate removal will occur and
a conference will be held with parents, coach, and YP representative.
– Youth sports should be fun and engaging and every attempt to correct the behavior
shall be conducted prior to suspension from play.
– The Youth Sports Director, Youth Programs Director, or Family Member Programs
Flight Chief will make recommendations for suspensions if need.
The Value of Sports

Lessons learned
 Fundamentals
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Ethics
Abiding by the rules
Winning and losing with grace
Coping with success and failure
Respecting authority figures
Always striving to do your best
Problems and Issues
in Youth Sports
“Youth sports have become a hot-bed of chaos,
violence and mean-spiritedness.”
“Physical and emotional abuse of children, rampant cheating,
and total disrespect for opponents are but a few of the
unacceptable behaviors being tolerated.”
“These disgraceful behaviors have polluted the youth sports
landscape, poisoned the fun, distorted child development and left
behind countless children with broken hearts, crushed dreams and
shattered psyches.”
Kids Speak Out:
Violence in Youth Sports
 Sports Illustrated for Kids, Aug 01
Bad adult behavior children witness:
- 25% - Coaches yelling at officials/kids
 Witnessing bad adult behavior,
children feel:
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36% - Embarrassment
25% - Disappointment
23% - Anger
16% - Fear
Kids Speak Out:
What they want from sports
 Interest
– Teach them to fall in
love with the sport
 Industriousness
– Develop Skills through
playing experiences
 Independence
– Need Authority
Kids Speak Out:
Why they quit?

70 % drop by age 13
– Not fun anymore
– Needs Not Met
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION,
IDENTIFICATION, AND REPORTING
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All volunteer coaches are trained in child abuse
prevention, identification, and reporting. All
suspected cases of child abuse and neglect should be
written on an AF form 1187 and reported
immediately to the Sports or Youth Director. The
incident is reported within 24 hours telephonically to
FAO, the FMP Flight Chief, and HQ USAFE.
Volunteer coaches must complete an IRC. VC may
start before thr completion of theNAC provided they
are kept under carefully regulated supervision.
VC are required to sign a drug, child, and alcohol
statement.
VC shall be trained and provided written information
about child abuse identifiaction, reporting procedures
and methods of good touching, to protect themselves
from unwarranted accusations of child abuse through
the use of acceptable guidance techniques.
Confidentiality by all must be maintained at all
times.
Explanation of Terms:
o
Physical Abuse: Intentional infliction of physical
unjury if a child including hitting, shaking, burning,
etc.
o
Child Neglect: Failure to provide the child with
physical and emotional requirements of life
necessary for growth and development.
o
Sexual Abuse: Tricking or forcing a child into sexual
activity of any kind including fondling, exposure,
verbal stimulation (obscene phone calls), intercourse,
etc.
o
Emotional Abuse: Threatening a child with physical
injury and abandonment, excessive name calling,
yelling abusive language, withholding care and
attention.
o
o
All Youth Program staff and vol;unteers are
mandated reporters. You do not have to prove abuse,
but must suspect it and report it.
Youth Programs 676-6670/3246, Family Advocay
Progam 676-6452/8721, Safety Office 676-6331

Is the need to excel emphasized more in one
area than another?
 Do we respond with positive reinforcement
that is similar in both areas?
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
AND EXPECTATIONS

To the children
– Unwavering support, including positive reinforcement
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To the coaches
– Be supportive of decisions and understanding
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To the league
– Report situations that arise, evaluate coaches
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To other parents
– Competition and taunting between parents not acceptable
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To themselves
– Enjoy watching your child participate and learn
What Parents Want
From A Coach
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To be in the
information loop
 To hear good things
about their children
 To see their kids play
 To be included
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Make contact with parents:
– Hold orientation meeting
 Goals for the season
 Your coaching philosophy
 Things they can expect from you
 Things you expect from them
 Snack Schedules
 Uniforms/Equipment
Requirements
 Cancellation Notification
– Make them feel important
 Help out on drills
 Team parent, stats
– KEEP THEM INFORMED
 Send emails; make phone calls
How Parents Can Help
o
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Provide Transportation
(carpooling).
Provide treats for
practices/games.
Help prepare/inspect facilities
before/after use.
Notify you for excused
absences (i.e., illness, school,
church, or family function)
Make phone calls.
ROLES OF A
YOUTH SPORTS COACH
Teacher – Help children practice appropriate
techniques specific to the age division.
 Psychological Supporter – to give positive advice
and support.
 Motivator – to maintain participation.
 Organizer and Facilitator – be prepared and on
time for practices and games, assign tasks to
children & parents.

*Review NYSCA Coaches Code of Conduct
Coaching Challenges
Sports Must Be Fun
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Fun = Skill + Respect + Encouragement
Constant Activity = Skill
Eliminate threats, negatives
Separate self worth & performance – put errors
in perspective
Keeping Winning & Losing In Perspective
– Opponent as respected facilitator
– Personal best as standard
Coaching Challenges cont’d.
The Gift of Skill

Skill = Trial and Error
– Repetition is the key
to success!
 Kids as teachers = gift
of understanding
…checklists
 Imitation important to
learning
Involve/Teach Parents
 Explain rules of
“classroom”
 Have athlete teach parent
to watch for skill cues
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Positive reinforcement
Skill words
Perspective
Sportsmanship
Coaching Challenges cont.
The coach has the
ultimate power to get a
player to focus on their
behavior – the carrot of
participation.
Constant Repetition
of
Value Messages
How you play is who you are.
Responsibility
as
Discipline
Deliver value messages in a
non-judgmental, matter of
fact, way…no anger.
Coaching Challenges cont.
TEACH HEROES
Coaching Your Own Child
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Challenge Players to be
role models from day 1
 Teach generosity
 Teach pressure = fun
 Teach confidence/humility
 The illusion of confidence
is as important as the
reality of confidence.
Examine your motivations
(must be willing to do
whatever is best for your
child’s overall development)
 Preferential treatment
 Harder on Your own child
Coaching Challenges cont.
Embrace Diversity
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Females
Racial minorities
Disabled
Our inclusion policy states that all children are given an
opportunity to participate in sports.
Held to the Highest Standard
Recognize dangers of sport history
INSEPARABLE
SKILLS AND VALUES
TEACHING CHILDREN
Building confidence
Picking something
that the athlete is
capable of doing and
reassure
Build momentum so
that child feels good
about trying and
seeing improvement

Tell each athlete that
they are contributing
 Make less skilled
athletes feel as if they
are an equal part of the
team
 Give each child
chance to show, feel
and be a part of the
team
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Shared Responsibility
– Profane, derogatory or demeaning language
will not be tolerated.
– Alcohol, smoking, dipping, chewing tobacco,
or such will not be allowed during any Youth
Sports & Fitness event or activity.
– All players should wear appropriate clothing
during practices and uniforms during games.
(shorts or pants without pockets or belt loops)
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Coaches Responsibilities

Coaches Certification
Requirements
 CPR/First Aid
 Monitor
– Weather conditions
– Equipment
– Playing surface

Adequate Supervision
– Never leave any child
unattended
– Never transport any child
to/from practice/hospital
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First Aid Kits
Heat Stress
– Water Breaks
– Bring Water Bottles to practice
& games
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Cool Comfortable Clothing
– Cotton clothes
– Dress in layers
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Stay Hydrated Drink before you’re
thirsty.
 Drink 8 oz.
Immediately before
sports activities
 Drink at least 4 oz.
every 15-20 minutes
 Drink 8-16 oz. After
sports activities

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Injuries

CHECK, CALL, CARE
+ Check - the scene for your safety and the safety of the victim; check the
victim’s ABC’s (airway, breathing and circulation) and look for life
threatening conditions (bleeding, broken bones, wounds, injuries)
+ Call - decide whether you need to call for immediate medical support
(911) or if you can help them up and move them to the sidelines (if you
suspect a head, neck or back injury DO NOT move the victim)
+ Care - provide first aid / CPR until victim is okay, more help arrives or
until the emergency medical service arrives.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Treatment of Injuries
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R.I.C.E.
R – rest the injured
area
I – apply ice to the
injured area
C – compress to
minimize
swelling / bleeding
E – elevate injured area
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Emergency Treatment of Athletic Dental Injuries
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Avoid additional trauma to the tooth.
(do not handle by the root, do not brush or scrub tooth)
If debris is on tooth, gently rinse with water.
If possible, re-implant and stabilize tooth by gently biting on
towel or handkerchief (within 30 minutes is best).
If unable to re-implant place tooth in milk, under athlete’s
tongue or in a cup of water.
Save any broken portions and fragments and transport to the
dentist.
Avoid contact with other teeth, air or tongue.
Immediately transport injured athlete with tooth to the dentist.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Injuries, cont’d
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IF 911 is called:
– CALL Youth Sports & Fitness Staff if there is not one located
at your location (WE ALL HAVE CELL PHONES).
– CALL the parent(s) if the parent is not at the location.
Document all accidents on the Accident Report Form & return it
to the Youth Sports & Fitness Office within 24 hours.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Injury Prevention

Warm muscles prior to
stretching and sports
activities
(stretching is not a warm-up).

Stretch muscles
specific to the type of
sport before and after
activities
Communication
On everyone’s part is the key to success.
If you’re going to be late to practice.
If you’re going to be canceling practice.
If practice schedule will change.
If you have an issue with behavior.
(parent and / or child)
– Updated game schedules.
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PROGRAM SPECIFICS
•Age Divisions – Required 2 Year Age Span
•5-6 Developmental – No Scores or Standing Kept
•7-8 Instructional – No Scores or Standings Kept
•9-10 Organization – Team Building – No Scores or Standings Kept
•11-12 Skill Enhancement
•13-15 Complex Skill Enhancement and Game Strategy
•Rules – Should be Stepping Stones
•Physicals Required to register and for continued participation
•Disciplinary Procedures
- in place for Coaches, Youth and Parents
• Weight and Skills Assessment
•Each sport that is offered will conduct a weight and skills assessment are assessed in
establishing a fair and equal league for youth
PROGRAM SPECIFICS
Practices

Policy on Parents Attending Practices
- parents are required to remain at
practices for ages 5-8
- parents can leave with the consent of
the coach for ages 9-15

Location of Practices
- length
45-60 minutes for ages 5-12
60-90 minutes for ages 13-14
90-120 minutes for ages 15-18
- frequency
Practices/Inclement Weather
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Allowed only on scheduled days and times.
Allowed only in assigned gyms / facilities.
NOT allowed on Holidays.
Inclement Weather
During inclement weather days of practices and games, a call to the command post
will be used as guidance for play.
Practices and games will continue during light rain, but will be cancelled if
lightening and thunderstorm occurs. The command post will always be called for
guidance.
Safety is first!!
For excessive heat, we will follow the base heat category guidelines.
No play will occur during Cat 5 condition black
Practices
(How to conduct your practice)
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Brief team meeting previewing the day’s practice
session.
Warm up and stretches
Practice specific skills
Team drills, station work
Water / rest break
Fun game incorporating skills and drills
Brief review
Practices
Be prepared!
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Know the site
Time allotted for practice
Team Rosters – take attendance, have team info,
phone numbers
Skills to cover and drills to use
Set goals – what does each practice lead
to…evaluate your practices at the end of each week
Keep practices moving and fun, kids become bored
and can cause discipline problems
Practices
(Proper Techniques)
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Consider what is appropriate for the age group
Consider differences in maturity and experience within the
age group
Do the kids understand you?…keep techniques simple,
basic and fun
Get and keep everyone involved
Use skilled players to demonstrate
End on a positive note
Avoid frustrating phrases like, “It’s easy!” and “Why can’t
you do it?”
SEASON SPECIFICS
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Team Structure
Special Requests
Waiting Lists
Game Schedule
- Friday evenings or Saturday Mornings
- released a week prior to 1st game.
- distribute to parents
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Play Time and Rules
Inclement Weather – Play In Rain
Concession Stand
Playoffs
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Drug, tobacco, and alcohol beverages are not
permitted at any youth programs events or
facilities. Any player, coaches, parent, or
officials found guilty of substance abuse will
be asked to leave from the program. Failure to
comply will result in the Security Forces being
notified.
SEASON SPECIFICS
GUESTS IN FACILITIES
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Ensure safekeeping of the facility
Children supervised at all times – includes
sibling(s) – not running around
Theft or damage to property will not be tolerated
Cleaned and left the way you found it – remove all
trash, clothing and bags
NO FOOD or DRINKS allowed inside
(other then bottled water)
Most Commonly Asked Questions
WHAT DO MY REGISTRATION FEES COVER?
 Uniforms
 Individual
Participation Awards
 NYSCA Coaches Certification
 Safety Gear
 Staff Payroll
 Sports Equipment
Program Primarily Supported By Parent Fees
CAN I GET A REFUND?
Before teams are formed……100% refunded
 After uniforms are purchased ….. NO REFUNDS
are given.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

MINOR INJURIES Parents will be informed immediately if their child has a physical injury, any significant
emotional distress, or becomes ill. In the event of minor injury to a child such as scraped knees, slight bumps and
minor bites, the following steps will be taken.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Injury will be cleaned and examined by VC or staff in first aid procedures.
Bandages, ice or other appropriate treatment will be applied when necessary. The wounds will be cleaned with anti-bacterial soap
and running water.
The child may be asked to rest or lie down until he/she is calmer or feels better
Full description of the accident and who witnessed it will be written on AF Form 1187, Youth Flight Accident Record of Injuries
Parents will be notified of the injury by phone or in person.
For injuries of a more serious injury such as deep bites or blows to the head the same procedures will be used, and parents will be
notified immediately to come and examine their child. VC or staff will closely watch the child until the parent arrives.
SERIOUS INJURIES: In the event of an injury that requires immediate medical attention such as unconsciousness, diffulty breathing, and
damage to eyes or extremities, etc. the following steps will be taken:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
If needed, a staff member or VC will give the child emergency first aid treatment. If the child cannot be moved, the hospital will
be contacted by 911, and asked to send an ambulance immeditaely.
If an ambulance is called, a remaining staff member will notify the emergency room of arrival of child and nature of injury, call
676-6666
Parents will be notified immediately, given the account of the injury and requested to meet their child at the hospital.
In the unusual circumstances that the parent cannot be reached, the authorized emergency contact will be notified, given an
account of the injury and requested to meet the child at the hospital.
A description of the accident will be recored on the AF Form 1187 and AF Form 1023
All staff and VC will be certified in CPR and Pediatric First Aid. A first aid kit will be available at all sporting events
Important Information

Office phone numbers and staff
cell phone numbers
 Season timeline
 Field and/or facility locations
 Rules for facility users
 Photographer information for
team photos
 Accident report forms
Evaluations
Coaches
End of Season
(Comprehension, Outlook, Affection, Character, Humor, Overall)
Program
Customer Evaluation Survey
End of Season – via Email, Fax, Mail or in Person.
CHALLENGE TO ALL
Remember, it’s not about winning – it’s about developing
ALL children to their fullest potential. Gifted athletes are
going to step up and perform at their highest level – what
we want to see is that you are training all of your team to
perform at their highest level. You should be challenging
your “gifted” players to develop some of his/her
weaknesses. Remember, when they reach the high school
or college level, these children may not be playing in the
position that you put them in now. Children should be well
aware of what each position demands and acquainted with
all aspects of the game. ALL players should have the
opportunity to experience the “ENTIRE” game.
"Volunteers don't get
paid...not because they are
worthless, but because they
are 'priceless'."
INFORMATION LINE
Let’s have a great season!
SHEPPARD