Play My Kid is a resource for coaches like you who want to learn how to build strong kids and get parent support.
If you are a coach of youth sports team and would like tools, tips and advice to partner with parents to provide the best youth sport experience possible, you are in the right place.
Who’s behind this?
My name is Kurt Rheaume. I’m a proud husband and father of five wonderful kids. I have built a career in K-12 information system development and management in metro Detroit.
I have been blessed to be able to coach my kids for the last fifteen years, mostly basketball. Although basketball is my passion, I have always encouraged my kids to follow their passion but diversify their experiences in youth sports.
Consequently, I each of my kids have played on teams I didn’t coach. Therefore, I also have plenty of time observing other coaches; the good, the bad, the great and the clueless!
Why we started Play My Kid
My coaching philosophy is based on respect. The universal value of youth sports is to show respect of:
- players;
- coaches;
- officials;
- competition and
- yourself
It seems that respect is increasingly rare in youth sports these days. I’m sure your seen the headlines, it feels like hundreds of incidents every year where parents have gone overboard with coaches or officials. Unfortunately, I think there are far more times that don’t grab headlines. These incidents cause tension between parents and coaches or officials. The tension spoils the fun of kids sports because it is disrespecting players, coaches, officials or the competition.
Most coaches of youth sports typically understand the game, skills and drills, because they have played the game. They get into coaching because they want to share that knowledge and experience to the next generation.
However, few coaches get any training or experience dealing with parents. Like it or not, these days, coaches need to manage expectations and behavior of parents if they are going to provide the best experience for kids. In other words, coaches have a pivotal role making sure parents show respect. This site will help!