Healthy Sports Parents

https://healthysportsparents.com/

https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-carone-52145778/

What we cover:

• Where parental pressure really comes from
• How identity and ego show up in youth sports
• Why kids value development over winning
• The “24-hour rule” and why it matters
• What kids actually want out of sports
• The current youth sports landscape and where it is heading
• How organizations can create better environments for athletes

Key Takeaways:

Parental Pressure is Identity Driven
A lot of pressure comes from parents tying their self-worth to their child’s performance. This often leads to behaviors that hurt both enjoyment and development.

Winning is Not the Priority for Kids
Research shows kids would rather lose in a growth-focused environment than win in one centered only on results.

The 24-Hour Rule
Avoid giving immediate feedback after games. Let athletes decompress and come to you if they want input.

Fun Drives Retention
Kids stay in sports when they are:

• Playing with friends
• Competing
• Learning new skills
• Supported by adults

Youth Sports Needs a Reset
The system has become overly focused on outcomes, travel, and cost. There is a shift happening back toward development and balance.

Why it matters for Rugby NorCal:
This conversation reinforces the direction we are taking as an organization:

• Development over standings at younger ages
• Long-term athlete growth
• Creating environments where players want to stay in the game

Action Items:

• Parents: Focus on support, not coaching
• Coaches: Set expectations early with families
• Clubs: Continue building development-first environments

worldrugbyshop.com

rugbynorcal.org

goffrugbyreport.com