1.      Honoring the Game

2.      Redefining what it means to be a "Winner," and

3.      Filling Emotional Tanks.

A Positive Youth Sports Culture involves not only the coaches and athletes, but also the parents of the athletes. That's where the "Culture-Keeper" comes in. The Culture Keeper's job is to spread the word about Positive Coaching to parents on the sidelines. Here's how you do it:

• Become familiar with the three themes of Positive Coaching (Honoring the Game, Redefining Winner, and Filling the Emotional Tank). Ask the coach about anything you don't understand. In particular, memorize the elements of Honoring the Game (ROOTS) which includes respect for
• Rules
• Opponents
• Officials
• Teammates
• (One’s) Self
• An AVYSL Culture Keeper is a firm believer and advocate for the principles of Positive Coaching. They make it their business to study and understand the theories and methods of Positive coaching, and expand their knowledge in the subject by reading materials on the positive coaching alliance website and by attending further training on the subject at workshops provide by AVYSL.
• Get to know other parents on the team at the beginning of the season. Talk with them about your role and the three themes early on and ask for their support on the sidelines during games. Make sure they have seen the Positive coaching Parent Letter and ask if they have any questions about it. If they haven't, give them a copy. As the season progresses, continue to keep the idea of Honoring the Game alive with all the parents.
• Carry a supply of "Honoring the Game “ cards to give to parents / spectators.
• Attend a meeting with the coach, other culture keepers and the team parents at the beginning of the season, and discuss the three themes of positive coaching and how they will be followed by the team during the following season
• Wear the AVYSL Culture Keeper Hat to games, and answer questions about it from parents and players.
• Uphold the constitution of the AVYSL which says that our league will “provide a framework in which participants can experience the rewards and sacrifices which accompany group activities and to learn the discipline of good sportsmanship”
• If parents get upset about calls made by officials or act in any way that doesn't Honor the Game, gently remind them that this team is committed to Honoring the Game no matter what. We Honor the Game even if the official makes a bad call, even if the other team doesn't Honor the Game. This may also be a good time to hand them an “Honoring the game” card.

•   Don't forget to enjoy the season. It's going to be a great one.