I. The Issues
The disturbing revelation of coaches (at every level) sexually, physically or psychologically abusing players should give every parent pause as they consider their child’s sport participation. Parents must ask:
- Do we know who is coaching our children and were they properly screened through Nationwide Criminal Background Checks?
- What should we expect from those who coach our children? Did we provide them with the training necessary to give our children a positive and productive experience?
- What can be done to help ensure that children participate in a safe and healthy environment? Did my association do everything they could to protect my child?
- Is there an easy way to find answers to these important questions, such as an online coaches’ registry that parents and association administrators can easily check?
II. The Solution
Trusted Coaches believes that more needs to be done to protect our children since young athletes do not have the power to protect themselves. Parents and sports association administrators must be ever-vigilant in screening and monitoring those who coach kids. The vast majority of coaches are positive influences in the lives of our children, but there are always some who are not.
Our process is simple. Set up the season based on what you want each coach’s role to be certified in, invite your coaches, and track an manage their progress on our website. This entire season set up should take about 15 minutes.
III. The Program
The Trusted Coaches program maximizes the probability that positive things will happen to young athletes! First, by screening coaches. Second, by giving them the tools to be effective. Third, by creating an online National Coaches’ Registry that parents and associations can check.
IV. The Benefits
Coaches will be able to complete these online courses in their own home and at their own pace. Coaches will be placed on our national registry once they have completed all the courses assigned to them.
The benefits of Trusted Coaches that help promote 100% compliance for an entire organization include:
- helping coaches minimize the risk of harm or injury to young athletes.
- providing information about fundamental coaching concepts which enhance volunteer coaches’ effectiveness.
- presenting a “one-stop shop” for youth associations to deliver best practices training to their coaches.
- offering an online repository capable of keeping track of coaches’ certifications and renewal dates – easily checked by associations and parents.
