• Emphasize participation over win/loss records
• Provide opportunities for everyone to participate
• Balance competition with cooperation
• Encourage lifelong participation in activities
• Emphasize having fun

Skillbuilding

• Develop age appropriate skills
• Focus on fundamentals
• Develop skills as a foundation for improvement

Sportsmanship

• Develop a positive team attitude
• Encourage, cooperate and collaborate with peers
• Present positive adult role models that demonstrate self control and (mutual) respect

Middle School Coaches Shall Understand

• Students have varying levels of ability, and coaches need to present a developmentally appropriate program for students.
• Positive encouragement is the strongest tool for learning.
• Coaches should provide a safe environment for kids to “risk” and grow.
• Activities should be meaningful and fun.
• Fundamentals and practice are the building blocks for a successful athlete.
• Coaches are a key role model.
• Every team member’s responsibility is to encourage one another.
• Today’s superstar could be tomorrow’s bench warmer and vice versa.
• The importance of commitment and responsibility.