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COACHING GUIDELINES

The following suggestions will help you have a successful session with your KEEN athlete.  Give them a try and have fun!  If you have any questions or need extra help anytime during the program, a member of the Coach Committee will be available to assist you and your athlete.

Code of Conduct

  • Provide the athlete with proper attention and respect
  • Stay with your assigned athlete always
  • Be enthusiastic and be patient
  • Wear comfortable clothing and apprepriate footwear
  • Be on time
  • If your plans change, let us know in advance that you can't make a session
        you have signed up for
  • Have Fun !!!

    Know Your Athlete:
    Study your athlete's Profile Report and keep with you at all times
  • Pay attention to any helpful hints or suggestions on how to work with your athlete
  • Pay attention to the outcomes/goals the athlete's parents are seeking
  • Make a mental note of any medical concerns or cautionary information on the profile
  • Engage in a dialogue with your athlete's parents, looking for news of changes in the athlete and
        any questions you might have
  • Make connection with your athlete by engaging in conversation on such topics as his/her school,
        siblings or favorite activities
  • Your athlete may use special equipment (such as a wheelchair or braces) that need to be
        removed for a particular activity.  Before doing so, observe carefully how the equipment works
        and fits, so that you can easily refasten it correctly and safely when the activity is over

    During the Program Session
  • Inform your athlete of the planned activities.  This is a very important step for some athletes who
        may need more time to adjust.
  • Help your athlete expand the range of movement during the warm-up. This will ease the athlete
        into the sporting activities you have planned.
  • Always be alert to the safety of your athlete and other athletes around you.
  • Engage in a variety of activities with your athlete
  • When giving directions to your athlete, eye contact is essential.
  • Keep your directions short and simple and repeat as needed.
  • Use "Show and Tell", demonstrating desired movements in small increments.
  • Praise your athlete for each accomplishment, keeping in mind that each step is significant.
        Putting those little steps together can lead to a real break-through.
  • Redirect the athlete to a new activity or take the athlete out of the situation if negative
        behavior occurs.
  • Be firm with your athlete.  Disruptive behaviors are not acceptable.
  • Be patient and persistent.  Do not get discouraged when your athlete does not respond or
        communicate.  Making progress with an athlete may be difficult, but when it comes -
        and it will - it is the most rewarding of all experiences.
  • In the event of an emergency, stay calm and ask for help.

    End of Program Session
    Please take your time to update the Athlete Profile Report for your athlete at the end of each session, adding information such as what activities the athlete particularly enjoyed or disliked and helpful hints on what measures proved helpful (or not so helpful) in working with him or her.  All the information will help the coach at the next session pick up where you left off.
        
    • Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) - 601 South Figueroa Street, Suite 2500, Los Angeles, CA 90017 - info@keenlosangeles.org
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