Takeaways from REV - Coach Recruiting, Investment & Retention
Sprocket Sports hosted REV: The Conference for Youth Sports in Chicago with successful clubs from across the country sharing ideas and best practices. If you missed REV, be sure to check out the key takeaways and video recording below from our Coach Recruiting, Investment & Retention panel.
Key Takeaways:
Hire Based on Club Values
Coaches are more often let go for reasons related to character than for incompetence. The coach with the most championships is not necessarily the coach who’s the best fit for your club. If your club’s focus is on teaching kids to be good humans and teammates, then make sure that the coaches you hire embrace your mission and aren’t in it to win at all costs.
Build a Support Structure
Coaches need more than just training, they need to be supported – especially when it comes to dealing with parents and players. Collaborate on issues that arise and agree on the best approach rather than letting coaches go it alone when interacting with families.
Create Community
According to John O’Sullivan, the 2 keys to retaining coaches are: pizza and beer! Coaches need to feel like they belong to a community just like players and parents do. You might not be able to pay the top salary in your area, but if you encourage camaraderie among your coaches and build a fun and supportive community, your coaches will stay. Do a monthly “coaches’ night out” with beer and pizza…or organize fundraiser games with the coaches as players and the kids as coaches. Get creative!