"Firm, But Not Strict"
Emily, 11, said a good coach is "someone who is firm, but not strict, who respects our privacy and feelings, and teaches us good things." If she's a coach someday, she says: "I would encourage everyone, treat everyone equally, and make sure everyone comes to training, but if they didn't I wouldn't be harsh."
Forrest, 12, said good coaches watch out for injuries — both physically and mentally. The best lesson he's learned from a coach is that staying fit is the key to success.
M., 12, said he learned this great lesson from a coach: "Never lose hope. Keep trying and make a game of it."
Kellie, 9, said a good coach will "sit down and help someone if they're stuck." She said her coach taught her how to be a great swimmer.
Katy, 11, likes to have fun, but a coach who says, "Just have fun!" can be both good and bad, she said. "I once had a coach who did not care about winning, so every practice he would give us a drill to do," Katy said. "Even if we were horrible at the drill, he would still say we were great and he wouldn't even tell us how to improve."
Jude, 9, said his dad is a coach and taught him to "keep my eye on the football and receive it."
Lizzy, 11, said a coach taught her a lesson about being jealous of someone else's talent. She was jealous of a friend who could swim really fast. "My coach showed me that I had to work for what I wanted and helped me reach my goal."
Deja, 11, said coaches need kindness, discipline, fairness, respect, support, and good sportsmanship. But it's a two-way street: Coaches need to be supportive, but kids need to listen and cooperate with the coach.
"Fun and Loving"
Ally, 12, is a skater. She said good coaches are strict, but also "fun and loving." She says, "I think you have to be a kind and caring person and not someone who just says: 'Kid, do this or else.' "
KaRa, 11, said her coach taught her to always do her best.
Cobi, 10, said a good coach would "be nice even if the team wins or loses. Still be happy, the game is supposed to be fun." The best lesson he learned from a coach is: "If I lose, it does not mean I am no good or lousy. And I do not need to get mad or upset if I lose." If Cobi was a coach he'd let everyone play, even the players who are not the best. "That's how they will become better."
Kelly, 11, said her coach taught her to: "Never give up, eat right, and be prepared." If she's ever a coach, she would tell the team: "Make sure you do your best, no less (thank you, Mr. Jones, for that phrase)."
Shakara, 12, said her coach taught her: "You have to play hard to succeed." If she's ever a coach, she'll tell them it's OK to lose sometimes.
Chaza, 9, said a good coach would tell you how you need to improve, but also give you positive comments.
Camille, 11, said a good coach is understanding. If she's ever a coach, her team will practice a lot but she won't stress them out!
Andrew, 11, said a good coach teaches everyone and lets everyone play. His coach taught him to "always concentrate and learn."
Kasia, 10, said a good coach gives everyone a chance to play.