Private sport coaches are increasingly popular, especially in youth sports. Before you choose someone for your child, it's important to do some proper vetting.
When seeking a private coach for your child, it's important that you maintain your role as the parent and protector of your young athlete's well-being. Your child may insist on a certain coach, and you may give it a trial, but don't ignore the red flags or even the pink ones. If the coach is using shaming language, anger, or ignoring tactics, or isolating your child away from others to scold them, they are not appropriately trained to work with adolescents. Does the coach look physically healthy for their age? (This doesn't include older coaches who may not have good knees left :-). Do they role model appropriate public social behavior for impressionable minds? Make sure you talk to the parents of other athletes under this coach's guidance, and not just the parents of successful kids. Whether the coach will be working with your child virtually or in-person, consider asking these important questions:
WHAT IS THE COACH'S WORK BACKGROUND? Check the coach's LinkedIn page. If they have primarily worked on the college level, they might not understand youth development and appropriate best practices for adolescents. If there are gaps in the CV, ask why. People who have been school teachers tend to have some of the best youth development training you can find, and they are mandated reporters--people required by law to report suspected or known instances of abuse. They have also been vetted by school systems to work with minors. Check references.
DO THEY HAVE ALL OF THEIR CLEARANCES TO WORK WITH MINORS? Ask to see current documentation of their child abuse, criminal background, and FBI clearances.
ARE THEY SUPERVISED BY A SPORT GOVERNING BODY? Many sports organizations offer education and testing for coaching certification, such as the US Center for Safesport. If a coach claims to have these certifications, check the governing body's member list. If you can't find the coach listed, they may not have maintained the proper refresher courses to claim their credentials. If you have a complaint against the coach, this organization would be where you report it, but only if the coach is a member.
IS THERE EVIDENCE THAT THE COACH CAN PUT THEIR EGO ASIDE? Since competition is enacted in public, it is imperative that the coach does not attach the athlete's results to their brand. The last thing a young athlete needs is to be burdened with the expectation that they are also promoting the coach. Check the coach's social media, website, blog posts, and how they language support of athletes. If all of the coach's revenue streams are simply from one-on-one coaching, they may pressure athletes into performing well, and bail on them if they don't.
HOW DOES THE COACH CREATE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT? Coaches need to be able to express empathy for setbacks, do active listening, and show respect for the athlete's unique experiences. Ask for examples of how they helped an athlete through a difficult time.
HOW DOES THE COACH DEVELOP A STRONG WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH PARENTS AND ATHLETES? Ask the coach how they build rapport with kids to establish mutual trust and understanding. Maybe that means asking the athlete about their Squishmallow collection or their favorite food. Also, get clear on communications. Since many private coaches now work remotely, ask about the frequency, duration, and form (phone call, video, email, text), of check-ins.
Don't ignore the red flags or even the pink ones.
HOW ARE COACHING SESSIONS CUSTOMIZED? Each child is unique and learns and performs in their own way. How does the coach adapt training to get the most out of each athlete while reducing chances of injury and burnout?
WHICH EVIDENCE-BASED TECHNIQUES DOES THE COACH USE? For example, does the coach stay up-to-date with the latest research and practices in youth development and the particular sport? How do they incorporate proven techniques plus experience into the sessions. Ask the coach to provide examples of training plans, workouts, or any videos they use. Understanding some basics around strength training, block training, periodization, and recovery is helpful.
HOW DOES THE COACH ENCOURAGE SELF-AWARENESS AND REFLECTION? Does the coach guide the athlete to develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and triggers. Do they help the athlete identify areas for improvement and recognize patterns that impact performance. Many of my clients journal, and we also use The The 3 Post-Performance Questions (The 3PPQs): What went well? What did I learn about me? What do I want to change for next time?
WHAT CAN THE COACH ADD TO THE ATHLETE'S TOOLBOX? For example, does the coach help the athlete with practical skills and strategies that they can apply in their training, competing, recovery, and daily lives. Is the coach moving the athlete toward becoming emotionally independent and self-directed?
WHAT ARE SOME MEASURES THE COACH MAINTAINS TO ENSURE CONFIDENTIALITY? Do they ensure athlete confidentiality and maintain professional ethics throughout the coaching process. How does the coach create clear boundaries and clarify expectations with the family and athlete regarding privacy and confidentiality so that they can be trusted, and so that kids can create healthy boundaries in their own sport lives?
At the end of the day, the coach works for you, and not the other way around.
WHAT DOES THE COACH DO TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS? For example, do they commit to ongoing professional development and education? Do they MAINTAIN certifications from any governing bodies of the sport (not just a record that they took a course 10 years ago)? Do they consult with peers, and attend workshops and competitions to enhance knowledge and skills? Do they have an advisory board?
You will feel better when you have thoughtfully vetted a private coach who can provide effective, trustworthy, and caring guidance for your young athlete.
Meg Waldron has her Masters in Sport Psychology and works with athletes to help them recover joy in success in sport. A long-time sport coach, Meg was a high school All-American track athlete and competed full scholarship in college. She brings 14 years of school teaching to her work.