Philosophy of Middle School Athletics By Mike Stark

Philosophy of Middle School Athletics By Mike Stark- Principal / AD Cheney Middle School Dave Tikker- Executive Director- WSSAAA

INTRODUCTIONS Configurations No Cut Budget Cuts Effect District Philosophy

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, . . . we had everything before us, we had nothing before us…” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859 And ANY U. S. Middle School Teacher/Coach on ANY day of ANY School Year

Why is it Important to Discuss Middle School Philosophy – Many coaches begin their careers at this level, therefore, they start with drills, game preparation/plans, and motivational techniques similar to their most recent experiences. (high school or collegiate) – Middle School Experience Looks Different- We have activities because of there educational value. Philosophy and educational value should be synonymous

What Characteristics of Middle School Children Should Be Considered? n 1. Values-- Peer Acceptance – They want to be accepted by everyone and do not apply selectivity n 2. Perception-Limited – What do my friends say? n 3. Emotions--Peaks and Valleys – Self-concerns – Image and self-awareness are emerging and malleable n 4. Decisions – Impulsive – Based on limited data

What Characteristics of Middle School Children Should Be Considered? n 5. Physical Development--11 to 15 years old – Speed, quickness, size, endurance n 6. Intelligence--What range – Cognitive Impaired to genius

Table Discussion n n What is your role as a middle school coach? Is it a personal philosophy? District Mandated? Combination of Both 7

Program Philosophy n The mission of middle-level athletics should be to provide an enjoyable educational experience for young adolescents based on their developmental characteristics and needs. 9

Program Philosophy (Continued) n All athletic experiences must be viewed in terms of THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS of the middle school student and not the parents and / or the coaches Competition is kept in perspective!!!!!!!

What Should You be Teaching Your Athletes n n n n n Academic Commitments School Attendance Respect Civility Positive Conduct – In-School – Out-of-School Effective Decision Maker Personal Effort and Work Ethic Self Control Personal Confidence Accountability for personal conduct, roles and responsibilities

Middle School Programs Contrasted With High School Programs Implications for Coaches n Keep in mind the differences in physical strength and endurance when developing schedules and numbers of contests. – Not a Farm Team for the High School • Everyone Should Play

How are you coaching? n What is your focus? – – X and O’s- Skill Development Winning Participation Little bit of each

Group Discussion n In light of the philosophy and objectives suggested, are the developmental characteristics of your athletes considered as a foundation for your coaching and your districts philosophy? 14

“Don’t Forget the Athlete” n n n n The 12 Most Important Reasons Why Young Adolescents Participate in Athletics: 1. To have fun 2. To improve skills 3. Competition excitement 4. To be part of a team 5 Challenge of competition 6. To stay in shape – 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. To do something I’m good at To win A higher level of competition To get exercise To learn new skills For the team spirit Sample: 2000 boys, 1900 girls grades 7 -12 15

Defining the Philosophic Value “To Have Fun. ” n #1 reason kids play sports and quit sports n One outgrowth of sports participation is that up to 50% of children who begin sport participation in grade 9 no longer participate in school athletic programs after grade 10. The percentage is higher for girls than boys. The common reason given is “It wasn’t fun anymore!!!” n Is it possible that coaches and students have different definitions of “fun”?

Defining the Philosophic Value “To Have Fun. ”. ” n Contributors to “FUN” – – – – Consistent application of rules Well organized practices Information-rich teaching and skill coaching Focus on individual athlete and his/her personal knowledge and skill needs Constant encouragement to to improve Recognition of individual improvements and work-ethic End practices with encouragement and recognitions of good work Understanding “colors” one size does not fit all

Defining the Philosophic Value “To Have Fun. ”. ” Fun. ” n The term “to have fun” does not mean the absence of rules and discipline – Make positive rules that are athlete and team-centered. – Coaches must recognize their responsibility to model appropriate behavior at all times and they must motivate their athletes to do the same. – Coaches must be “Fair” – Fun means fair treatment, individual recognition and communication and a sense of self-worth established for every athlete

Middle School Athletics “Kids First……Winning Second” 19

A Successful Middle Level Coach n n Is winning an expectation? If so, whose expectation? Winning should not be the primary goal of the program. • Programs should promote behaviors that include cooperation, sportsmanship and personal improvement. • Middle level athletes should focus on positive personal growth and consistent effort regardless of the outcome of a game. • These objectives have direct implication for coaching style and communication methods

Athletics as a Motivational Tool for Working With the Young Adolescent n n Make coaches aware that athletics are an integral part of the total middle school program. They must understand the importance of the school’s academic and behavioral expectations for athletes and coaches. – Numerous Research studies have established the following correlation: • On an average, students who are involved in extracurricular activities maintain higher grade point averages and have better attendance patterns then the rest of the student population. • Extracurricular participation is the best predictor or collegiate success

The Coach’s Influence n YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN THEIR LIVES: – Don’t Under-estimate your influence • Mike Stephens • 0 -10 season teaches many lessons – THINGS YOU SAY TODAY WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR DECADES! –. 22

Middle School Athletics Summary “Athletic participation is a unique forum for the education of children that cannot be duplicated in the class room setting” setting n n (NFHS Philosophy) 23