Org Practice Call to Action
Connect Training to Organizational Values
Coach training is most impactful when it’s directly tied to what an organization stands for. When training reflects the mission, vision, and values – and supports the outcomes the organization is most focused on – it becomes part of the culture.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coach development. What works in one organization might not fit another. That’s why it’s essential to choose or design training that’s aligned with goals and speaks to the needs of local communities.
→What this looks like when we get it right: Coach training resonates because it’s tailored to context, grounded in values, and clearly connected to the real impact on kids.
→Who’s driving this change? Sports Governance; Program Operators
Why This Issue
Effective coach training must do more than teach competencies. It needs to connect those competencies to the values of an organization and demonstrate how and why it’s relevant to the communities an organization serves.
Getting Started
Connect training to values. Coaches are more likely to engage with training when they see how it supports the outcomes their organization cares most about. Clearly link training content and competencies to real-life goals, expectations, priorities, and success stories. The U.S. Soccer Foundation named their training program, Coach-Mentor Training to signal the importance that they place on developing relationships and creating a safe sport environment, which are articulated in their values.
Tailor coach education to specific needs and contexts. While some training topics, like CPR or first aid, apply to a wide variety of organizations, most training needs to be tailored to the sport, setting, or community. For example, Girls on the Run has created training programs unique to their program model, curriculum, and population.
Communicate the why. When coaches feel like training is just a checkbox, they’re less likely to take it seriously or apply what they’ve learned. While policies can help move the field forward, real impact happens when organizations help coaches understand why training matters and how it impacts kids in the gym or on the field.
It’s up to organizations to take expert-backed content or mandated training and make it meaningful to their coaches. This means adjusting how a training is framed, connecting it to organizational values, or translating content to better reflect the needs of their coaches and communities.
Game Changing Content
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| USA Baseball Coach Education | USA Basketball’s approach to coach training, including recommendations for implementing effective programs. |