The Dual Lens: Volunteer and Founder Perspectives
As a coach, I’ve always believed that sports are about more than just competition. They’re about building character, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for growth and not just for athletes but for the coaches who guide them. My journey as both a volunteer coach and a sports organization founder has shaped how I approach these goals. Reading the latest Ontario Coaching Report reaffirms just how vital support systems are in sports culture and why we must address the continued barriers for volunteers.
Values At Heart
At the heart of OWF’s coaching philosophy lie three core principles:
Inclusion: Every athlete, regardless of their background or skill level, deserves a place to learn, grow, and feel valued.
Development over Winning: While competition drives improvement, it’s the skills and values learned along the way such as resilience, teamwork, and discipline that matter most.
Mental and Emotional Wellness: A coach’s role extends beyond the field; we are mentors, advocates, and, sometimes, confidants. A positive sport environment nurtures both physical and mental health.
These closely align with the findings of the 2024 Ontario Coaching Report. It’s sad to see a growing recognition of the importance of positive sports culture, even as challenges like hazing and burnout are still very prevalent.
Volunteer Woes
As a volunteer coach, I’ve felt the joy of giving back, but I’ve also experienced the weight of financial and time constraints. According to the report, 76% of coaches pay out of pocket for equipment and training. This statistic hits close to home, highlighting the delicate balance between passion and practicality.
Another key finding: while 83% of coaches agree on the importance of creating a positive sports culture, only 40% feel equipped to define or foster it. That’s why accessible resources like the "Safe Sport 101 Playbook" are so valuable. They empower volunteers with tools and guidance to make a lasting impact on their athletes while reducing burnout and stress.
Responsibility
As a founder, I feel a responsibility to address these continued issues. Program costs, as we know, continue to rise. If we’re asking parents and communities to invest more, that money must align with the real demands and needs of the people we serve. This means allocating funds for coach training, providing financial relief for volunteers, and ensuring no one feels unsupported.
The Ontario Coaching Report presents clear data for the second consecutive year: we need to prioritize our unpaid volunteers. If they are the backbone of youth sports, then organizations must become the scaffolding, providing structure, resources, and recognition for their vital work.
Why This Matters
Coaching is about making a difference. Whether it’s seeing a shy athlete find their voice or watching a team achieve a goal they didn’t think possible, these moments are why we do what we do. But they don’t happen independently. Coaches, especially volunteers, need support.
The Ontario Coaching Report reminds us of the incredible impact we can have and the work still to be done. As we reflect on the data, let’s commit to aligning our values with actionable change. Together, we can create programs that support not just athletes but the dedicated volunteers who make these moments possible.
Coach Steph
References
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2024 Ontario Coaching Report - The latest comprehensive study examining the state of sport culture and coaching practices in Ontario. It emphasizes the need for increased support for unpaid coaches and the challenges surrounding resource allocation and hazing prevention. Available at Safe Sport 101.
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2023 Ontario Coaching Report - Previous findings highlighting foundational challenges and opportunities for improving coaching experiences in Ontario, including funding pressures and volunteer retention. Download at Coaches Association of Ontario.
Newswire Release on 2024 Report - Highlights major findings on positive sport values, hazing concerns, and discrepancies between coaches' values and actions. Read more at Newswire Canada.
