The Principles of Ethical Youth Coaching

About the Book

Coaches: Would you like to coach your players in an ethical environment where you are developing the character of your players while sti ll being competi ti ve? Parents: Would you like your son or daughter coached in a safe environment where they will be able to develop life skills that will maximize their performance in areas outside of sports like educati on? The Principles of Ethical Youth Coaching provides the answers! The reality of sports is that very few athletes ever make it to the highest level of a given sport. Yet the training resources off ered to youth coaches focus almost exclusively on strategies to promote winning. The techniques advocated by these training programs may be acceptable for professional athletes; however, they are not acceptable for youth athletes. The overwhelming focus on winning causes coaches to miss opportuniti es to promote character development skills in their players. When, if at all, ethical player development skills are brought up in these programs, it is done so in passing and no concrete strategies are off ered. On the other hand, some well-intenti oned programs seek to eliminate winning from the equati on. This is not a realisti c approach, as winning is a fundamental aspect of sports and it must be embraced in the appropriate manner. The Principles of Ethical Youth Coaching shows coaches how to develop the character of their players while embracing the competi ti ve nature of sports.

About the Author

Justin Mayer Biography:
Sports have always been a crucial part of my life. From little league baseball to Ironman Triathlons, sports have helped in shaping me into the person I am today. My purpose in writing the Principles of Ethical Youth Coaching is to provide coaches with the tools to maximize the benefits young athletes receive from their participation in sports.

I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Chicago in 2005, and I am currently pursuing my JD at Loyola University Chicago Law School. I played baseball competitively through high school and ran Cross Country. Upon entering college, I decided to focus on marathon running and triathlons. I have completed 20 marathons and 4 Ironman triathlons. In addition to serving as Executive Director of the Center for Ethical Youth Coaching, I have also been the Executive Director of The International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA) since 2008. I have previously coached triathletes of all ages and levels and little league baseball players. I am married and we our expecting our first child in November of 2011.

John Mayer Biography:
John E. Mayer is a practicing clinical psychologist specializing in teens and families. His office is in Chicago, IL. He received his doctorate from Northwestern University Medical School. He is a published author of 20 books and monographs and 40 scientific journal articles. He consults to schools and institutions across the country and lectures frequently on the issues of youth and families. He is quoted often in the media for his expertise on teenagers and family problems. A life-long athlete, he continues to maintain fitness through multi-sport training and marathon running. His web site is: www.DrJohnMayer.com