This resource stems from a question submitted to the Ask PCA blog. Responses come from our experts including PCA Trainers, who lead live group workshops for coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes

"If a coach constantly uses the F-word directed at youth soccer players doesn't respond to repeated requests to stop, and who declares to all around him, 'Nobody tells me what to say or what to do at my practice,' how can one stop him?"

PCA Response by Ray Lokar (@CoachLok), PCA Trainer-Los Angeles and Joe Scally, PCA Trainer-Chicago
Profanity on the playing field is nothing new, but a coach dropping F bombs around young players is not appropriate. A coach who is so casual about swearing undermines parents who work to teach their kids not to curse. This coach can certainly develop a better vocabulary to express himself, one that does not demonstrate disrespect for everyone around him.

The type of language you describe should not be tolerated around youth athletes. Parents may ignore a coach’s foul language for a number of reasons including a winning record, a mistaken belief that it toughens up the players, or a view, based on watching professional sports, that this is how coaches are supposed to act. But this coach is swearing at kids. It’s hard to imagine that parents would tolerate that in another setting.

To your credit you have tried to resolve the issue by talking with the coach. Submitting his name to the league was an appropriate next step. If the league doesn't take action by warning or firing him, you will have to consider whether another club might be better for your child.

Download a printable version of this resource, including any additional commentary from PCA, by clicking the PDF below. To read more questions and answers like this, or to submit your own question to the Ask PCA blog, click here