Coach Power: Guidelines For Recreation Leaders And Coaches Of Youth
Planet Youth surveys Grade 10 students in Saint John every two years. The data obtained guide us in creating actions for a healthier environment for children and youth. This booklet shares what we’ve learned and celebrates the power of coaches and volunteers—offering simple, effective ways to support children and youth through sports and recreation
Building Community Through Sports and Recreation
This was the second Planet Youth survey, and it brought some
encouraging news about the involvement of teenagers in
extra-curricular activities. A remarkable 83% of teens said they
are involved in some form of leisure activity.
Coaches and volunteers play an important role in building a
sense of belonging and community. This protective effect
helps youth feel connected and supported, which lowers the
risk of negative behaviours. Creating healthier environments,
this helps youth stay engaged and make positive choices.
Coach’s Corner:
Host “Try It” Or “Bring‑a‑Friend” Events
Offer free, drop‑in or “bring-a-friend” sessions so youth can try
an activity without signing up.
Organize Team Volunteering Activities In The Community
Plan group activities where the team gives back together, such
as helping at local events or community clean‑ups.
Plan Simple Social Activities
Add things like team games, pizza nights, or end‑of‑season
celebrations. These help youth build friendships and feel like
they belong.
Cellphone Usage And Youth
The latest Planet Youth survey showed that many of our young people are spending 3 or more hours a day on social media. That’s a lot! Research tells us that too much screen time—especially for girls—can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Coach’s Corner:
Lead By Example
Keep your own phone away during practices, games, and team activities. Youth are more likely to follow expectations when adults model the behaviour.
Set Clear Expectations Early
Let youth and parents know the rules for phone use. For example, ask players to leave phones at home or in bags during team meals, practices, trips, and activities.
Energy Drinks And Sports Drinks
A whooping 54% of youth consume at least one soft drink with
caffeine per day, and this does not consider all the other
products they consume that contain caffeine.
Electrolyte (Sports) Drinks Are Usually Not Needed for regular
practices or games. They may be helpful only during long,
intense activity or in extreme heat.
Energy Drinks Should Be Avoided. They contain caffeine and
stimulants that can cause jitters, poor focus, dehydration, and
heart strain during activity.
Coach’s Corner:
Encourage water as the default drink, limit sports drinks
to when they’re truly needed, and set a clear rule of no
energy drinks at team activities.
Youth And Mental Health
From our latest data collection, more than half of youth rate their mental health as acceptable or worse. It shows the importance of creating a safe, consistent and predictable environment in all aspects of a youth’s life, like in sports and recreation.
Building Safety And Trust
For coaches and volunteers working with youth, clear and intentional communication is one of the most powerful tools to create a safe and trusting environment. When coaches listen actively, speak respectfully, and set clear expectations, young people feel valued and understood.
This sense of safety allows youth to ask questions, express concerns, and take healthy risks in learning and skill development. Consistent communication—both on and off the field—helps reduce confusion and builds confidence, especially for youth who may already feel uncertain or vulnerable.
Coach’s Corner
Validation can be a powerful tool to create a safe and healthy environment.
It involves showing that a person’s feelings, thoughts, or experiences are understandable and important. It does not mean agreeing with the behaviour or not following through with consequences, but more so connecting with the emotion that leads to a behaviour.
Instead of saying “why did you do that?” try saying: “It sounds like you are frustrated” or “It seems like this made you mad.”
Setting Boundaries
When coaching, boundaries are the clear limits that
define your role and guide how you interact with others.
They protect everyone and keep the focus on growth and
learning.
Setting boundaries as a coach or volunteer is critical to creating
a safe, respectful, and effective environment for learning and
growth. Clear boundaries establish professional expectations,
protect the well‑being of young people, and help coaches and
volunteers model healthy relationships.
When boundaries are consistent and transparent, youth feel
secure, trust increases, and coaching remains focused on
development rather than confusion or discomfort.
Coach’s Corner
Things to consider when setting clear boundaries with
athletes, parents and other coaches/volunteers:
What is your role within the team?
What are your expectations, and how do you handle negative behaviour?
How and when can you be reached?
When do you refer concerns beyond coaching to the proper supports?
Coaching Association of Canada
For futher training and education opportunties
Sport NB
on-profit organization promoting and supporting sport across New Brunswick with location specific resources.
International Coaching Federation
International Coaching Federation’s guide to trauma-informed coaching.
What Does The Research Say?
Check out these research articles to learn more about research on coaching!
