A Coach's Guide to Maximizing the Youth Sport Experience

This book provides a guide for coaches, sport administrators, parents, and sport psychology practitioners for helping teams develop caring/task-involving climates that optimize athletes' sport experience and performance.

Mary Fry is a professor of Sport Psychology and Director of the Sport and Exercise Psychology Lab at the University of Kansas, USA. Lori Gano-Overway is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at James Madison University, USA, and certified mental performance consultant. Marta Guivernau is an assistant professor in the Department of Foundations, Leadership and Administration at Kent State University, USA, and certified mental performance consultant. Mi-Sook Kim is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at San Francisco State University, USA. Maria Newton is an associate professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Recreation at the University of Utah, USA.

Preface PART I. Introduction A Caring and Task-Involving Climate: The Key to Maximizing Sport Performance and Experience The Many Benefits of Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport PART II. Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Mutual Kindness and Respect is Fostered and Valued Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Effort and Improvement are Valued and Recognized Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Mistakes are Part of Learning Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Every Athlete Plays an Important Role on the Team Features of a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport: Cooperation Among Teammates is Fostered and Valued PART III. Special Considerations in Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate in Sport Planning for and Developing a Caring and Task-Involving Climate Throughout the Season Experiencing a Caring and Task-Involving Climate: Who Benefits Most? Overcoming the Challenges of Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate Making the Parent Role Fun and Rewarding by Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate The Role of Administrators in Creating a Caring and Task-Involving Climate PART IV. Conclusion Bringing It All Together Acknowledgements Index