All coaches at Voices of Faith, regardless of the sport or activity, must be certified through the Athletics Department. It is the upmost importance that our coaches be on one accord when it comes the teaching of our participants.

The role of the Coach: A coach is a role model. A coach must place the well being of the child ahead of the will to win and to remember the different developmental stages in each age group. They must organize practices that are challenging but also increase all players self esteem. A coach should always lead by example by demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship.

Certified Coaches’ Ten Commandments:

• Thou Shall Lead by Example
  
• Thou Shall Insist on Manners
  
• Thou Shall Emphasize Team Effort
  
• Thou Shall Not Win at All Cost
  
• Thou Shall Have a Sense of Humor
  
• Thou Shall Succeed
  
• Thou Shall Stay Positive
  
• Thou Shall Promote Safety and Well Being
  
• Thou Shall Promote Lifetime Fitness/Wellness
• Thou Shall “Turn the Other Cheek”
  

Bonus Commandment

• Thou Shall Not Expect More or Treat My Own Child Differently Than Any Other Team Member.

S.P.O.R.T.S.

Safety
Participation
Organization
Relationships
Training
Sportsmanship

Why should a coach become certified?

Answer: Certification represents a commitment to furthering one’s skills as a coach. It also represents a level of professional development and recognition within the coaching community, indicative of one’s experience and expertise. Maintaining one’s certification is indicative of a coach that never stops learning. No matter one’s level of responsibility within the sport, a coach should always seek better methods of teaching skills, new and innovative drills, and ways to make any sport more enjoyable overall experience for everyone.

Certification clinics deal with a variety of issues including basic sport instruction, risk management, sport safety, and good sportsmanship.

• Coaching Sports in a Christian Environment (ministry vs parks & rec)
  
• Importance of Communicating Effectively
  
• Teaching Sports Skills
  
• Preparing a Practice Plan
• Managing Risks and Creating a Safe Environment