My first coach I knew very well. In fact, I lived with him. He always made Sunday morning pancakes while never missing a flip or turn. He was positive, encouraging and come to think of it, he didn't care much for an occasional dropped pass or taking a called third strike or simply finishing last in the 100-yard dash. He simply knew how to motivate and what it took to bring out the best in me.

That coach was my Dad. He was a tremendous communicator "as most Army Sergeants were," and a caring father. He always knew how to bring out something special in every athlete he encountered. He was the ultimate coach.

Today, a lot of our youth coaches have many personal agendas such as prestige, bragging, reliving their youth, and of course the big curse…Ego! If anyone could have had a huge ego, it would have been me. But I learned a long time ago from that great youth coach I once had that you must first remove self and egos to allow the best coach in you to be present.

To many times we lose sight of why we are involved in developing young athletes. We should never underestimate our importance to the kids who play for us. Sports is a high priority to them, yet, we play a big part in their lives. The athletes look up to us. Wether we believe it or not, we have a bigger influence on them than their parents.

Being a youth coach takes time and skill. Not every adult is capable to handle such a task without some training or certification. Though the rewards aren't many, your personal satisfaction comes from watching those athletes grow and develop both personally and athletically.

A coach is a mentor and exemplifies these characteristics: Role Model, is colorblind, responsible, a good listener, positive attitude, giving and inspires. What you say and think and do does matter to them. It's not only what you say; it's how you say it. Negative treatment like yelling, using sarcasm and embarrassing them can do lasting damage. Remember, Woody Hayes we can never become. Vince Lombardi, we certainly are not. And Jimmy V's style may only be as good as he was. But a coach who can help shape a player's self image and build self esteem will increase the enjoyment and value of the experience for the player and yourself.

Just remember there are reasons why kids play sports: To have fun, stay in shape, excitement of competition, become a part of a team, and learn something new and to win. There is a positive and a negative approach to coaching. The negative approach uses punishment and criticism when undesirable behaviors develop. The positive approach develops self-confidence while establishing a philosophy of winning and an emphasis on encouragement and rewarding effort.

Sure, I'd love to win the Y.A.F.L. Superbowl Championship, but then I'd be just as excited when my players' enthusiasm is as high as my love for the game. Coaching our youth is really a lot of fun and exciting when it is approached positively and without the abuse.