Just in case you have not made (or kept!) any New Year’s Resolutions, Positive Coaching Alliance would like to suggest a few. In fact, here is a whole line-up of ideas.

Some of these resolutions may prove easier to keep than others, but all will move coaches, players and their parents toward a rewarding season, where players have a positive, character-building experience.

Resolve to:

1. Help conduct a fair player draft.


2. Teach players about PCA’s “ELM Tree of Mastery,” which rewards Effort, Learning and bouncing back from Mistakes.
   
   
3. Recognize that the official, who may have a very different view of the game than you do, is, in fact, human and worthy of your respect.

4. Finally convince that one kid not to throw his bat.

5. Make it through at least one game without stepping in a wad of chewed gum on the dugout floor.

6. Persuade league leaders to create a Positive Coaching culture, where coaches, parents and players get to the ROOTS of Positive Play by respecting Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self.

7. Help players understand the signs...for take a pitch, for bunt, and for "flush that mistake," the PCA "mistake ritual," where coaches make a toilet flushing motion to remind players to get rid of that last mistake and prepare for the next play.

8. Help parents understand the signs...including PCA's "We Honor the Game Here" banners and whenever necessary, the universal sign for "zip your lips."

9. Get to a PCA Double-Goal Coach^® workshop or take an online course to learn how to pursue wins while teaching life lessons.