Key Sport Design Principles 1
Evaluation Strategies-Surveys or Focus groups
Assess the program to see where programming should be focused: i.e. if data shows that youth don’t feel a sense of belonging, incorporate more team-building activities
Targeting strategies
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Use Data to Drive Decision-Making
Environment needs to be safe, clean, free from hazardous obstacles
Equipment needs to be used that provides optimal protection
Set rules, norms, and healthy conflict resolution skills should be developed to promote positive peer and adult interactions
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Provide Physical & Emotional Safety
characteristics or experiences that increase the likelihood of the occurrence of problem behaviors
Sport and the Development of Family, School, Peer, and Community Strengths (Anderson & Bates, 2016)
Risk Factors
School, Community and Family all have resources to give and share with youth: holistic approach to youth development
When sport is linked to schools, it is more likely to have positive educational outcomes
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Engage School, Family, & Community Partners
Many youth participate in sport for social and physical aspects not high-pressure, competitive environment
Meet the youth where they are and match activities with skills of youth involved
Build on ideas from youth
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Be Enjoyable & Fun
characteristics or experiences that decrease the likelihood of the occurrence of problem behaviors
and/or minimize risks; buffer
or ameliorate risks and indicate the possession of the skills or resources needed to help a person cope
with a challenging circumstance
Sport and the Development of Family, School,
Peer, and Community Strengths (Anderson & Bates, 2016)
Protective Factor
Adults should encourage and reinforce sport participation for dedication and effort as well as learning of new/improved sport and life skills
Ample time for youth to practice and refine skills in safe environment
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Promote a Mastery Motivational Climate
Sport youth programs help with public health issues such as obesity, diabetes, etc
Promotes mental health
Mastery-oriented versus ego-oriented
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
More than Winning, Competition, and Elite Performance
potentially traumatic events or aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding that occur in childhood (0-17 years)
(Centers for Disease Control)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Time on task-Each session should have learning objective and desired outcome
Incorporate cutes, feedback, scaffolding
Adult vs Youth driven
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Organize Activities that are Structured, Focused, & Intentional
Provide opportunities for youth to socialize both inside and outside sport setting
Use inclusive language
Make sure all are included, ie all have equipment they need
Hire qualified staff who reflect demographics of youth that look like the youth or are relatable
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Create Opportunities for Connectedness & Belonging
Relationships: Belonging, Peers/Adults, etc.
Competence: Knowledge, Skills, and Values
Autonomy-Support: Voice and Choice, Leadership, Decision-Making
Basic Needs: Food, Shelter, Family Support, Access
Opportunities: Novel, New, Access
Motivating and Engaging Kids (Recruitment and Retention)
Recruitment and Retention: What Motivates Kids and Keeps them Engaged? (Anderson-Butcher, 2004)
Youth leadership roles
Allow youth to make decisions
Empowers youth to responsible for not only themselves but for others as well
Youth voice and choice
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Be Youth-Centered
Introduce life skill and what it looks like in the sport and in non-sport settings
Provide opportunities to practice within the sport and nonsport activities
And provide reflection time
Encourage modeling from adults (ie. Coaches, parents, etc)
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Teach Both Sport & Life Skills
Intrinsic motivation- Autonomy: set boundaries, recognize youth feelings, and give choice to the youth
Engagement- opportunities in sport have meaning and relevance outside of sport
Directed Effort- Long-term goals—cultivating event or end of season competitions
Hint: this is one of the key sport design principles
Key Sport Design Principles to Maximize Adolescent Developmental Outcomes (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2011)
Foster Initiative