By Dr. Michele Mitchell

The American medal sweep at the 1984 Olympic Games confirmed and at the same time revitalized the physical fitness trend in this country. Those medals illustrated that anyone, young or old, handicapped or able-bodied, can benefit from sports involvement. That realization has increased the numbers of participants in virtually every Olympic sport in the United States.

However, if you've never enrolled your child in gymnastics, judo or diving lessons, how are you going to match your child's special needs with those opportunities offered by clubs and teams in your area? How do you know if the coaches running those programs are qualified? And how are you supposed to know if a program will enhance your child's experiences?

As a Silver Medalist in diving I get asked these and many other important questions by mothers in my community who are concerned about their children. And they should be! From 20 years of athletic participation in five different sports I can tell you that a coach and the coaching environment may be one of the most beneficial or detrimental experiences that your child will encounter. Finding a qualified coach is critical. A coach as much or more impact as a Science or English teacher.

The following is a list of important areas and specific questions you need to ask before you offer your child to any coach. The list is extensive as it is designed to cover all sports. Thus, when selecting a sports program for your child, use the list as a guide map of areas to investigate according to your needs.

Coaching Philosophy

Assistant Coach Qualifications

Facility

Is it safe? (e.g. brightly lit, spacious, high ceilings) Is the equipment fairly new? Is the equipment maintained properly? Has the equipment been sized down to fit children's needs? Is the building/facility properly air conditioned or heated? Are bathrooms/locker rooms nearby? Is water available at all times? Is there a First Aid kit and backboard present? Are exits clearly marked? Is the safety equipment maintained properly? (e.g. fire extinguishers) Is the area generally clean and safe?

Program Organization

Are the children supervised at all times?  Are there established levels/teams of progressions?  How are the teams organized? (e.g. age vs. skill level)  Is there a Code of Conduct, and if so, what is included in it?  Is there an active Booster Club, and if so, what are your responsibilities as a parent, to that Booster Club?  Are the athletes required to participate in fund raising or publicity for the club?  What insurance does the club/coach carry?  Is the team/club/program registered with its National Governing Body? (e.g. in order for a diving club to carry United States Diving liability insurance, that club must be registered with U.S. Diving which is the National Governing Body)  What waivers will the parent be required to sign?

Billing Travel and Uniforming Policies

How is the billing system set up?  Is credit given for missed lessons?  Are there annual registration fees on top of lesson costs?  Are private lessons available?  Who pays for travel to competition?  Who travels to competitions with the children?  Are there other adults to accompany the coach(es) on trips?  Does the team/club/program/coach's insurance cover the athletes during travel?  Is there a dress code or suggested uniform policy?  Are the athletes required to wear special uniforms to practice in? (e.g. the club T-shirt and red shorts)  If uniforms are required, who pays for them?  If uniforms are required, do they have to be purchased from the team's store (if there is one)?  What happens if your child forgets his/her uniform?  Can he/she still practice for that session?

These questions, though numerous and detailed, are very important factors to consider when

shopping for a coach. After all, you wouldn't be satisfied with an incompetent Math teacher, nor should you commit your child's time to an unqualified coach! If for some reason you are unable to locate a coach/program

For a specific sport in your area, contact:

This information will be able to give you the contact information of the National Governing Body for any summer or winter Olympic sport. That organization will then be able to give you contact information for all of the registered clubs in that sport in your area.