AskPCA

Our Ask PCA service has answered hundreds of questions over the years. Most come from coaches and parents trying to serve youth as well as possible, but not always knowing how. Answers come from PCA Staff, or the PCA Trainers who lead our live workshops throughout the U.S., and the occasional PCA guest expert. Less concerned with x’s and o’s, Ask PCA typically answers questions that come down to nuanced interpersonal relationships among the coaches, parents, athletes, administrators and officials who make youth sports work.

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  When Should Kids Start Pitching In Games?

  Article

  Speaking as a past Little League Baseball and Softball coach, here are some observations and considerations.

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  How To Handle The Pouting Athlete With Attitude Problems

  Article

  Work with the player to set up clear, consistent, and simple expectations for positive things he can do.

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  My Kid Acts Disinterested In Sports But Says She Loves It

  Article

  Her body language says that she is bored and she complains a lot about practically every aspect of the game.

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  What To Do When An Opponent Doesn’t Follow Eligibility Rules

  Article

  Before making any sort of accusation, you would be well-served to communicate with the school to understand.

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  How Coaches Can Learn Quickly When Put In A New Coaching Position

  Article

  One of the things I’ve noticed that truly great coaches have in common is that they are insatiable learners.

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  Parents Intervening When Coaches Act Inappropriately In Front Of Kids

  Article

  If a coach ignores pitch count or playing time rules, he is willing to win at the cost of his players

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  What Takeaways Are There, If Any, From The Show Friday Night Tykes?

  Article

  What is PCA’s viewpoint on the show *Friday Night Tykes * that sensationalizes screaming coaches and parents?

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  Why A Positive Culture Matters When Coaches Come And Go

  Article

  Assess the current culture as if you were a brand new family entering the program for the first time.

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  4 Ways Assistant Coaches Can Help Their Head Coach Be More Positive

  Article

  Talk to the coach in private during a calm time to let him know how his behavior affects you and the players.

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  Coach Ignores My Kid – What Should I Do?

  Article

  While it won’t be easy, you have an opportunity to teach your son a challenging skill he will surely need.