Choosing Captains Is Hard, Here’s Some Help

Coaches can pick captains, but they can’t choose leaders. Leaders distinguish themselves. Coaches who plan and take the time to carefully select leadership based on strong leadership traits and information gathered, have a better chance at selection success. #DailyMight

Choosing captains for leadership on a youth sports team is hard. Like super hard. Most of the time, coaches are often left choosing without all the info needed and with no tried and true formula for success. Coaches can pick captains, but they can’t choose leaders – because leaders need to want to be chosen. Leaders distinguish themselves, so relying on a coach to pick them can be a little tricky initially. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do a couple of things to increase your odds of choosing strong leaders. Leadership is hard, so here’s some help.

Know the plan.

In my experience, the most successful selections have almost always come from being clear on the selection process. Lay out what the plan for leadership is and what is expected once they are selected ahead of time – and in writing. I remember one year, preparing a one page document that went over character traits, desire, availability etc. It turned out to be worth it’s weight in gold, and I replicate it each season now. Strong leaders are high achievers. If they know what the expectations are, they are likely to meet or exceed them. It’s in your best interest to have the process is writing, so everyone knows the criteria. Trust me on this.

Involve everyone.

Ultimately it’s the coaching staff’s decision on who should make up the leadership team, but it is important for players, parents, and even outside influences to have some input (or at least gather input). Granted, to a lesser degree and extent in the decision making process, but it’s worth the time to involve non coaches in the hopes of uncovering information that might not yet be known. I also enlist parents to go over with their athlete on what leadership looks like and ask their child if they are willing to fill that role. It can be very valuable insight.

Seek out traits.

Although there isn’t a full proof plan, there is and are some common denominators when it comes to strong leadership traits. Be on the lookout for them always. Start early, and always being paying attention to things like punctuality, encouragement, work ethic, energy, confidence, etc. Here’s a few more that I look for:

• Leads by positive example on and off the ice to overcome challenges;
• Is respected as a player and as a person – a role model for the team;
• Prepares mentally and physically for practices and games;
• Very competitive within the rules – never quits;
• Finds solutions not excuses, is able to receive critical coaching;
• Disciplined – keeps their cool and has their emotions under control;
• Demonstrates sportsmanship and is unselfish;
• Is well liked and stands up for their teammates on and off the ice;
• Is a strong communicator – to teammates, coaches, referees;
• Performs well under pressure;

Talk with the finalists.

Not every player wants to be the leader, and that’s not a bad thing. Successful teams have positions filled by willing and able teammates in a variety of roles. Even role players. Take the time to investigate potential finalists for leadership and ask them if they’re interested in the role. Take time to explain to them what’s required of the role and if they’re up for the task.

In the end, both coaches and players will have the most say in who will be voted to wear C’s and A’s each season. It’s a difficult task and I’ve seen it work well via a variety of methods. My final encouragement to you would be to gather as much info as you can and don’t go into the season knowing who the captains are. Be unbiased, and ensure you are taking the proper steps to put team leadership in place that will lead and direct the team in line with the mission and values of it. And one more, decide how many captains and assistants will be named after you see the results by following the steps above. Let the leaders dictator the number of leaders.

Give everything your everything. And then some.

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