The NICA Superstar Ballot is an “official” yet fun way you can acknowledge the awesomeness on your teams every day. You’ve probably seen our digital Superstar Ballots on social media this month (if you haven’t yet, check out our Instagram story highlights!) – the concept is simple: the Superstar Ballot is a short, standardized form that allows you to acknowledge your athletes, families, and fellow coaches for all the positive things they bring to the team.

Coaches who have taken the Online Leaders’ Summit will recognize the Great Teammate Pledge as an early season activity that helps the team work together to set expectations and is an important aspect of behavior management.

Student-athletes in team captain positions have the opportunity to learn effective leadership while being positive role-models and cheerleaders for their teammates. Choosing team captains should be done based on character and leadership qualities.

What we as coaches say to our student-athletes matters and impacts their experiences. What parents say to their student-athletes can make an even bigger impact and can influence their love of the sport. John O’Sullivan, founder of the Changing the Game Project and best-selling author asserts that the best thing a parent can say to a student-athlete after competition is “I love watching you play (ride)”.