Soccer is a great way to develop children, but there are some challenges young soccer players may encounter, such as bullying in soccer. Bullying is one of the most severe issues in young sports. It can damage the team’s morale and cause players to have a terrible experience. Bullied athletes may even opt to leave the sport in some cases.
Communication is the most effective strategy to combat bullying. Young soccer players turn to adults for direction, and discussing bullying with your soccer team can help prevent and eliminate any bullying. Remember that you have the most power to prevent and end bullying in soccer and on your team as a coach. Here are strategies to discuss bullying with your soccer players:
ESTABLISH YOURSELF AS AN ANTI-BULLYING ROLE MODEL
If coaches make it evident that they are against bullying, it can be a powerful barrier. Your players’ relationships are essential, and athletes who say they have a good connection with their coach are less likely to engage in unfriendly conduct like bullying. Tell your players at the start of the season that they must adhere to certain norms in terms of social respect. It offers them a clear objective and keeps them on track. You and the other adults on the team must uphold the same high standards. Children imitate what they see adults doing, so better set a good example.
DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE BULLYING
Coaches can reduce bullying by talking about acceptable and unacceptable behavior on and off the field. Discuss the difference between being aggressive during a game and employing that hostility to harm outside practice and competition. Coaches should spend time identifying the roots of bullying to reduce reactionary behavior like revenging against the bully. As a coach, you should assist the victim in developing positive responses to the bully and remind them to report events rather than requite.
ENCOURAGE PLAYERS TO REPORT BULLYING
Create an environment that does not tolerate it at the start of the season. Discuss bullying and make sure you are present throughout practices and games to supervise your players’ unstructured time (when bullying is most common).
ESTABLISH BULLYING CONSEQUENCES
Clearly define the consequences of bullying. Make it clear what will happen if bullying occurs; for example, there will be a punishment if they bully. Don’t just tell the players what you want them to do. Otherwise, they might not take you seriously if you explain the implications of not fulfilling those expectations.
Loss of playtime is one of the most effective outcomes of bullying. Bullying implies your players won’t be able to play the next game; therefore, they will be less likely to do so. If they do it nevertheless, sitting out the next game lessens the likelihood that they will bully anyone again.
ENCOURAGE A SENSE OF CAMARADERIE AMONG TEAMMATES
Tell your players that working together is an essential aspect of having a team and that they will be much more successful if they get along. Explain that negative and bullying behaviors, such as disparaging one another, are harmful to the team’s spirit. Players can avoid bullying by forming a solid bond amongst each teammate.
MAINTAIN THE ATTENTION OF YOUR PLAYERS
Coaches can reduce negative interactions by regularly monitoring athletes and setting clear goals. Because this is when most bullying occurs, more monitoring during unstructured play is critical to preventing and reducing bullying.
ALL ATHLETES SHOULD BE EQUALLY PROTECTED
Coaches and teachers are more careful in shielding overweight victims from bullying but make sure that all athletes are looked after and supported equally.
As a coach, you have one of the most powerful effects on the lives of your athletes. Ending bullying starts and ends with you, in many ways. Take the time to teach your athletes about what is and is not acceptable behavior, as well as the consequences of bullying.
For more tips, fun, and creative football content, click here: https://www.instagram.com/coachussein/
You may also read our blog on WAYS TO RAISE A MORE CONFIDENT YOUNG ATHLETE
CHOOSING M.#USSEIN FOOTBALL ACADEMY
If you are an aspiring football player or want to enhance your skills, choose m.#ussein football academy will help you be so good that you can’t be ignored. If your goal is to get you a talent scout or go on trial and look like a pro to be signed up as if you are being transferred from one club to another, this is M.#ussein football academy.
2 Responses