The Complete Coach How social and emotional learning and DEI training help coaches advance youth sports equity By Alexandra Reynolds and Nelson Musselman Y outh sports coaches play a pivotal role beyond influencing the scoreboard. Coaches are a major factor in shaping kids' youth sports experience and remain one of the top reasons why a child may decide to stop playing sports. Beyond keeping children safe on the field and improving athletic skills, well-trained coaches help participants gain self-confidence and build critical skills and attitudes, like leadership and teamwork, self-awareness, appreciation and respect for others, emotional regulation, and responsible decision making. That's why training coaches to understand and embed social and emotional learning (SEL) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) best practices alongside safety and injury prevention is critical - that way park and recreation agencies can develop and retain quality coaches who support holistic youth development and encourage children to stick with sports. 34 Parks & Recreation | MARCH 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G