Entitlement is unfortunately becoming more prevalent in youth sports today, and we have no one to blame but ourselves.
What exactly is Entitlement? Easily put it’s the feeling of having the right to something. In the world of sports it is often used in the context of athletes feeling as if they “deserve” certain consideration regardless of preparation or effort.
Examples of Entitlement:
If you are supporting any of the above behaviors you are part of the problem.
Many athletes truly believe they deserve an outcome that they haven’t earned, and many times it’s a delivered message. Parents, coaches, mentors, grandparents, leaders of young people are all influencers on youth athletes and can deliver the powerful message of working hard to earn an opportunity or outcome.
Here are 5 Ways to Prevent Entitlement in Youth Sports
Athletes will one day have the enormous responsibility of being productive members of society on their own, and it is going to be more difficult than most think. Sports is a great way for us to prepare youth athletes for life. The lessons inside of competition are irreplaceable. Create a winning culture of un-entitlement on your team. Firmly encourage parents to buy-in and work together to develop youth athletes who are inspired and un-entitled.
For related reading for coaches click HERE. To access the JVA webinar "Create a Winning Culture of Un-Entitlement From the Club Level to College and into Life" click HERE.
Kevin is presenting "Beyond the Ball" for athletes, parents and coaches at the upcoming JVA SummerFest presented by Mizuno USA in Columbus, Ohio. “Beyond the Ball” is a collective approach to creating the most conducive learning environment for everyone involved in organized sports. Addressing athletes, parents, and coaches together helps all of us understand the roles and responsibilities that make the best clubs in the country function more efficiently while producing America's finest, on and off of the paying field.
Republished with permission of the Junior Volleyball Association. Original publish date: April, 25th 2019
The JVA is an association of Junior Club Directors and Coaches who are dedicated to all facets of junior volleyball and have a desire to offer the best programming possible to their members. We are the leaders and forward thinkers in Junior Volleyball Programs and we are a voice for junior clubs. Our number one goal is to help club programs and events thrive.