Your Sports Resource: Recent Episodes
Renata Porter
Your Sports Resource Podcast discusses actionable strategies that clubs can implement so the operations of their team support the coaching staff and the direction of the organization. Your Sports Resource is committed to excellence in Youth Sports Leadership.
In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Mike Koleber dives into the essentials of starting your own club or business. He covers the pros and cons of running an organization, emphasizing risk tolerance and stability. Mike shares insights on navigating challenges with parent-run boards and the importance of having trusted advisors. Learn from his personal journey and discover key strategies for pricing swimming lessons, balancing recreational and performance tracks, and marketing effectively without poaching from other teams. Mike encourages you to take the first step, keep learning, and move forward.
Don't miss this valuable episode for aspiring coaches and business owners!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Evaluate your risk tolerance and stability before starting your own club or business.
- Surround yourself with trusted advisors who believe in your vision.
- Secure water to ensure stability and avoid the challenges of renting pools.
- Consider financial strategies such as side hustles to support yourself during the early stages.
- Evaluate your motivations and pain points before making the decision to start your own business. The cost of barrier to entry for starting a swim program is relatively low, as the main expense is renting or leasing pool space.
- Pricing swimming lessons based on the market demand and the value provided is crucial for financial success.
- Finding the right balance between recreational and performance tracks in swim programs is important to cater to different types of swimmers.
- When looking for new members, it's essential to avoid poaching from other teams and maintain integrity and reputation.
- Marketing strategies for swim programs can include promoting water safety awareness and leveraging influencers in the community.
- Coaches should not wait for all the answers before starting their own program, but rather take the first step and learn along the way.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Mike grew up swimming in Michigan. Summer league, then year round, HS, and competed in his NCAA years at Oakland University under legendary Coach Pete Hovland. He started teaching lessons at 13 yrs old with his Dad as his mentor. Went the corporate route for a number of years until the siren song of the chlorine called him back to the pool.
Spent a couple of years with Swim Atlanta in the late 90's and moved to the Austin, Texas area. Began coaching part time with a small club team. Was named Head Coach two years later and began to grow the program from 70 kids and one 6 lane outdoor rented pool to three years later, 370 kids, three rented pools and an expanding coaching staff.
Mike broke away from the board run program and Nitro Swimming was born! He and his wife Tracy risked everything with two young children and began work on building their own indoor 50 meter facility. June of 2007 they opened their first coach owned, 50 meter, indoor center.
Four years later, they did it again. They are now closing in on indoor 50 meter facility #3.
Today Nitro Swimming has approximately 2000 USA registered swimmers, and teach over 3,800 kids a week through the Nitro Swim Schools. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mike-koleber-5a0a853 Website: nitroswim.com
CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter Instagram: @yoursportsresource Twitter: @yoursportsresIf you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Jeff Kincaid dives into the concept of quality failures and their impact on personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the importance of communication, education, and proactive planning. Discover how building trust and effective communication between coaches and parents can lead to better outcomes and why self-reflection and humility are crucial for leadership.
Don't miss out—listen now and take the first step towards improving your sports program! KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Quality failures can be seen as failures that create a change in the course of events, either positively or negatively.
- Communication, education, and proactive planning are key in mitigating failures.
- Addressing minor failures in a timely manner can prevent them from escalating into more significant issues.
- Coaches should practice self-reflection and self-awareness to improve their coaching approach and communication skills.
- Coaches should seek continuous personal and professional development to enhance their coaching skills and relationships with parents and athletes.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Jeff is a trained, certified analyst through TTi Success Insights in the following courses for the delivery of assessments, debriefing, and coaching in behaviors (DISC), motivators (12 Driving Forces), EQ or Emotional Quotient (Emotional Intelligence); and Leadership Training in The Prioritized Leadership Masterclass Suite.
- TTI Success Insights – DISC Trainer
- TTI Success Insights – 12 Driving Forces® Trainer
- TTI Success Insights – Emotional Quotient™ Trainer
- TTI Success Insights – The Prioritized Leader Masterclass Certified Coach
- Certified Practitioner in Team Coaching: Global Team Coaching Institute
- Five Capitals Certified Coach
- Member of EMCC Global
Life experiences in the business industry and coaching sports led to Kincaid Consulting Groups’ beginnings to show the day’s modern business warrior through the battles and challenges we all face. The turning point began with a chance meeting with famous speaker Zig Zigler at a sales and motivational conference where Zig said, “If you just help enough people get what they want, you’ll receive the blessings and things you seek.” With the mix of coaching sports and being in business for over 35 years, Jeff has always found self-development and continuous improvement necessary to grow and solve problems.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
Email: jeffkincaid@kincaidconsultinggroup.com Facebook: facebook.com/THEKCG/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeff-kincaid-7490004/ Website: kincaidconsultinggroup.com
Phone #: 757-725-1502
CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter Instagram: @yoursportsresource Twitter: @yoursportsres
If you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Matt Sprang, CEO of Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Enterprises, discusses the current landscape of swimming.
Topics include swimmer retention, declining memberships, and the necessity of recreational and developmental programs. They also address challenges such as coach turnover and club operations. The conversation underscores the importance of meeting swimmers' needs, optimizing pool use creatively, and recognizing graduating seniors' achievements.
Additionally, it explores coaches' struggles with parental dynamics and business management in youth sports, highlighting the value of communication, clear expectations, and mentorship programs for coaches. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Swimmer retention can be influenced by factors such as high school seniors graduating and not registering with USA Swimming, and swimmers choosing not to join universities that require USA Swimming membership.
- Overall participation in swimming may be at or above pre-pandemic levels, but USA Swimming membership numbers may not reflect this due to teams registering swimmers with other organizations for insurance purposes.
- Clubs should consider offering recreational or development programs to capture swimmers who want to be involved in swimming but don't want the heavy workout schedule or competition cycle.
- Meeting the needs of swimmers and their families, finding creative solutions to maximize pool space, and celebrating the achievements of graduating seniors are important for long-term viability and financial stability of swimming clubs.
- Coaches are leaving the profession due to factors such as a decrease in swimmers pursuing teaching careers, the demanding nature of the coaching profession, and the lack of financial stability.
- Finding ways to attract and retain coaches, providing support and resources for professional development, and addressing the challenges faced by coaches can help mitigate the loss of coaches in the swimming profession. Open communication and setting expectations are crucial in dealing with parents and managing a youth sports program.
- Coach mentoring programs can provide valuable support and guidance for coaches.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Owner and CEO of Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Enterprises, which operates the Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club and Tidewater Swim School in Gloucester County, NJ.
Previously head coach of GPAC and a 2004-2017 (Coached numerous Junior National, National, and Olympic Trial Qualifiers; Coached Brendan McHugh (2014 National Champion, 2015 World Championship Team member; 2015-2016 USA Swimming National Team Member)
Middle Atlantic Swimming Board Member and (2006-2020; General Chair, Age Group Chair, Coach Rep, Performance Vice Chair, Treasurer)
USA Swimming Club Development Committee (2013-2017; Chair 2015-2017)
Owner of INSET Leadership, providing facilitation, strategic planning, and community development opportunities for non-profits, teams, and mastermind communities
Co-founder of Premier Aquatic Staffing, providing job search services for swimming, diving, and water polo teams in the United States.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-sprang-a811108/ Email: matthew.sprang@gmail.com
Substack: matthewsprang.substack.com CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter Instagram: @yoursportsresource Twitter: @yoursportsresIf you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
Dive into the world of swim coaching on this episode! We're tackling a crucial topic: professionalism in coaching and why it's vital to communicate this effectively to parents. Many parents may not grasp the high standards of the swim coaching industry. Join us as we explore how coaches can bridge this gap by sharing their qualifications and setting clear expectations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Swim coaches should communicate the level of professionalism required in their profession to parents.
- Parents may not have experience in swimming or sports coaching and may not understand the industry standards.
- Coaches should explain their qualifications and certifications to parents to help them understand the coach's expertise.
- Setting clear expectations and boundaries between coaches and parents is important.
- Discussing the club's culture, vision, and job responsibilities with parents can help create a positive and informed environment.
CONNECT WITH ME:Linkedin: /renata-porter
Instagram: @yoursportsresource
Twitter: @yoursportsresIf you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Mike Salpeter, associate head coach for Tide Swimming, shares his journey from part-time coach to full-time professional swim coach. He discusses the growth and evolution of the Tide team over the past six years, the challenges of managing multiple satellite sites, and the importance of building a unified team culture. Mike also talks about the transferable skills between teaching and coaching, including parent communication, leadership styles, and understanding the holistic development of the athlete. In this conversation, Mike Salpeter and Renata discuss the importance of being respected as a coach, the value of preparation and lesson planning, and the need for professional development. They also touch on the relationship between coaches and boards, the importance of building alliances with other coaches, and the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Building a unified team culture is essential when managing multiple satellite sites.
- Effective parent communication, including face-to-face conferences, is crucial for maintaining a positive coach-parent relationship.
- Understanding different leadership styles and learning how to motivate and lead colleagues is important for creating a cohesive coaching staff.
- Transferable skills between teaching and coaching include parent communication, leadership styles, and understanding the holistic development of the athlete. Coaches should prioritize being respected over being liked, focusing on the holistic development of athletes and understanding their individual needs.
- Preparation and lesson planning are essential for effective coaching, and season planning is no different from lesson planning.
- Professional development should be a priority for coaches, and it can be achieved through one-on-one meetings, staff meetings, and targeted skill development.
- Building a strong relationship with the board is crucial for coaches, and it requires effective communication, trust, and a shared vision.
- Coaches should actively seek out alliances with other coaches, both within and outside their club, to learn from different perspectives and share knowledge.
- Mentorship is valuable for personal and professional growth, and coaches should actively seek out mentors and be willing to mentor others.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Mike Salpeter joined TIDE in August 2018. Mike oversees all of our Chesapeake and Portsmouth programming and is Lead Site Coach for the Great Bridge/Hickory YMCA. Mike earned a BS in Psychology and an MS in Elementary Education, both from Mary Washington College.
Mike was Head Coach of the Virginia Swimming Long Course Zones All Star Team in 2021 and led the team to the Eastern Zone Championship. He has served on the Virginia Swimming Board as a coach representative for the past five years. And he is a Level 4 ASCA Certified coach and has completed the education component of Level 5.
CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter
Instagram: @yoursportsresource
Twitter: @yoursportsresIf you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Kier Braendel is the Head Coach and Owner of the South Louisiana Swim Team, an aquatic institution based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. With a robust background in coaching and a commitment to athlete development, Kier has made significant contributions to the swimming community. For Kier Braendel, coaching is more than a profession—it's a passion-driven journey dedicated to shaping athletes' lives and fostering a love for swimming.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Starting a swim team requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for coaching and teaching.
- Building a team from the bottom up and focusing on the development of young swimmers can lead to long-term success.
- The head age group coach plays a crucial role in building the pipeline of young swimmers and fostering a love for the sport.
- Having visibility and a fluid transition between swim programs is important to ensure a seamless progression for swimmers and minimize the need for reteaching.
- Investing in coach development is crucial for elevating the entire organization and improving the overall performance of swimmers.
- Peer networking and learning from other coaches' experiences can provide valuable insights and support in navigating challenges.
- Coaches should focus on holistic development, including character building and life skills, to create a positive and impactful swimming experience for athletes.
ABOUT THE GUEST:Kier's journey in coaching commenced at the age of 18, where she discovered her passion for coaching and teaching at her neighborhood country club, Green Acres. Her dedication and skill set flourished as she transitioned to coaching for the Crescent City Swim Club, the very team she competed for during her formative years. Over a decade-long tenure at CCSC, Kier honed her expertise, transcending beyond coaching to become a mentor and leader within the organization.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to nurture aspiring athletes, Kier founded the South Louisiana Swim Team (SLST) | Seahorses in 2010. What began with 23 members has since burgeoned into a thriving institution serving over 300 athletes annually across various program areas, including Learn to Swim, Recreational Swimming, and Competitive Swimming. Kier's leadership has cultivated a track record of success, with her athletes achieving notable milestones at State, Sectional, and Junior National levels, including state records and national rankings. More important to her though, is the family atmosphere and development of all athletes, not just the ones that are successful on the scoreboard. Fun fact: Kier is one of six siblings who were all raised in the world of swimming. Throughout her career, she's had the opportunity to coach alongside each of them.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kier-braendel-34b97226/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slstseahorses/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slstseahorses/ Website: www.slst-seahorses.com Email: slst.seahorses@gmail.com CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter Instagram: @yoursportsresource Twitter: @yoursportsresIf you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me atinfo@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our websitewww.yoursportsresource.com
In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, join us as we dive into the world of coaching and leadership with Paul Donovan, head coach and CEO of the Jersey Wahoos. Discover how Donovan seamlessly balances the dual roles, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and delegation, and shares insights into staff development and mentorship. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on trust, communication, and the vital relationship between the board and staff.
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with a true leader in the world of sports!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Balancing the roles of CEO and head coach requires having good people around you and delegating responsibilities.
- Investing in staff development and mentorship adds value to the organization and creates a positive experience for coaches and swimmers.
- Coaches should have access to resources and opportunities for professional growth, such as online certifications and attending clinics.
- Building trust and open communication within the coaching staff is essential for a successful organization. A strong working relationship between the board and staff is crucial for the success of an organization.
- Open, honest, and respectful communication is key to building and maintaining this relationship.
- Having an expertise-led board can bring valuable skills and perspectives to the organization.
- Managing the emotional weight of coaching can be challenging, and taking time for self-care is important.
- Acknowledging and appreciating volunteers is essential for their engagement and the overall success of the organization.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Since 2018 Paul has been at the Jersey Wahoos leading the organization as the Head Coach & CEO. Wahoos is a community based non profit with over 50 years of experience teaching people how to swim and operating a leading competitive swim program. The Team has supported swimmers representing Team USA at the World Championships & Junior Pan Pacs. Paual has worked with swimmers who have made the National Junior Team over the past 3 years and who have broken NAG records.
Prior to this Paul was the Head Coach of one of Swim Ireland’s National Performance Centres, based out of the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin for over 7 years. This role was focused on coaching a group of athletes with the aim of representing Ireland at the international level and supporting National programs at international meets, camps and local developmental pathways.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
Email: paul.donovan@jerseywahoos.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachpdonovan CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter Instagram: @yoursportsresource Twitter: @yoursportsresIf you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me atinfo@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our websitewww.yoursportsresource.com
In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, JP Nerbun, founder of TOC Culture Consulting, dives into the pivotal role of leadership and culture in sports. He shares his journey through a culture crisis as a coach and how mentorship transformed his approach. JP emphasizes intentional coaching, fostering relationships with parents, and building a strong coaching community.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into enhancing leadership and culture within the realm of sports, as JP Nerbun shares his wealth of knowledge and experience.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
J.P. Nerbun is a world-renowned leadership coach, sports consultant, and the visionary founder of TOC, a leading global sports consulting and coaching business. With an accomplished career as a professional basketball coach spanning over a decade, J.P. has solidified his expertise in team culture, drawing from his extensive background and knowledge.
J.P.'s mission is to empower leaders and their teams to reach their full potential through coaching, consulting, and community-building. Throughout his career, he and his team have provided personalized coaching and practical resources to hundreds of leaders across various industries, including sports, education, medicine, and business. J.P. is also the founder and co-host of the highly acclaimed sports leadership podcast, Coaching Culture.
In 2019, J.P. published his debut book, Calling Up: Discovering Your Journey to Transformational Leadership. This book has received critical acclaim for its captivating narrative and practical insights. In 2022, he followed up with The Culture System: A Proven Process for Creating an Extraordinary Team Culture, a groundbreaking book that explores a proven framework for developing team culture, embraced by top-tier organizations. Continuing his dedication to leadership development, J.P. launched The Culture System Online Training Platform in 2023, providing leaders with leadership training that equips them with practical skills and tools to enhance their team's culture.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jpnerbun Facebook: facebook.com/tocculture Twitter: twitter.com/JpNerbun Youtube: youtube.com/@tocculture Tiktok: tiktok.com/@tocculture Instagram: instagram.com/tocculture Podcast: Coaching Culture Podcast Website: tocculture.com Email: jpnerbun@tocculture.com CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter Instagram: @yoursportsresource Twitter: @yoursportsres If you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
In this episode, Renata discusses the importance of collaboration and how to be a team player without feeling overwhelmed. She emphasizes the need to focus on quality over quantity, streamline communications, set boundaries, build an empowered culture, and invest in training and technology. By implementing these strategies, individuals and organizations can collaborate effectively and achieve their goals.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Focus on quality over quantity in your work
- Streamline communications to avoid confusion and wasted time
- Set boundaries and prioritize your own work
- Build an empowered culture by trusting your team
- Invest in training and technology to streamline operations
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction: Balancing Collaboration and Individual Work
02:15 Chapter 1: Quality over Quantity
03:13 Chapter 2: Streamlining Communications
04:39 Chapter 3: Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Work
05:38 Chapter 4: Building an Empowered Culture
07:32 Chapter 5: Investing in Training and Technology
12:44 Conclusion: Putting What You Learn into Action
CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter
Instagram: @yoursportsresource
Twitter: @yoursportsres
If you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
In this week's episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Abbie Fish, founder of Swim Like A. Fish, shares her journey in starting her business and the challenges she faced. She discusses the importance of video analysis in swimming and how it can improve performance.
Abbie also talks about working with teams and individual swimmers, as well as the hurdles coaches face in their careers. She emphasizes the need for clubs to recognize coaching as a full-time job and provide support and development opportunities for coaches. Abbie shares her plans for the future of her business and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Video analysis can greatly improve swimming performance by providing visual feedback and removing ambiguity in technique.
- Coaches should be open to innovation and utilize resources like video analysis to help their swimmers improve.
- Clubs should recognize coaching as a full-time job and provide support and development opportunities for coaches.
- Balancing business and personal life is important for long-term success and well-being.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Abbie started Swim Like A. Fish in 2019 after 25 years of success in competitive swimming and 15+ years of Elite swim coaching. During their swimming career, Abbie was a 6x Olympic Trial Qualifier, SEC Finalist, NCAA Qualifier, and 2x USA Junior National Champion. On top of that, Abbie started coaching as they were studying for their master's degree and still competing. Abbie is a University of Georgia “Double Dawg” – where they swam and graduated with their M.S. and B.S. degrees in Exercise Science. It was a very natural transition for them from being the one in the water – to – the one standing on deck.
Abbie has worked with thousands of swimmers (including over 100 Olympians and Paralympians) across the world – through virtual coaching, clinics, conferences, camps, and lessons. Abbie is a consistent speaker at the ASCA World Clinic, ISCA Conference, and CSCAA Conventions. Currently, Abbie is a Sports Science Consultant Swimming Singapore. With their plethora of swimming knowledge, Abbie would describe themselves as a huge swimming nerd at heart. They love anything that has to do with stroke mechanics and underwater filming. Their favorite place to be on earth is sitting at the bottom of a pool.
Abbie’s goal with Swim Like A. Fish is to help any coach or swimmer (no matter their age or location) get faster through great stroke technique education.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fishswimfaster
Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/swimlikeafish
Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/theafish1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/afish1
Website: https://swimlikeafish.org/
Email: abbie@swimlikeafish.org
CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter
Instagram: @yoursportsresource
Twitter: @yoursportsres
If you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
Happy Listening!
In this week's episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Coach Mike Murray from the Victor Swim Club discusses how he balances his responsibilities, builds relationships with the board, develops coaching staff, communicates with parents, and time management and many other aspects of leading a Swim Club.
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in the coaching profession. Coach Murray also shares his strategies for managing a busy schedule and finding a balance between personal and professional life. He concludes by discussing the upcoming plans for his swim club.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Building strong relationships with the board is crucial for the success of a club team.
- Coaches should actively participate in the selection of new board members to ensure they have the necessary skills and commitment.
- Professional development is essential for both coaches and their staff to stay updated and improve their skills.
- Effective communication with parents is key to managing conflicts and fostering collaboration.
- Balancing personal and professional life requires careful planning and the ability to say no when necessary.
- Time management is crucial for managing multiple responsibilities as a coach.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:25 Balancing Responsibilities
03:27 Building Relationships with the Board
06:15 Involving Coaches in Board Selection
09:01 Developing Coaching Staff
10:28 Professional Development for Coaches
13:26 Communicating with Parents
16:20 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
22:16 Looking Ahead
24:26 Conclusion
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Head Coach Mike Murray rejoined Victor Swim Club as the Program Director and CEO in September 2019 after heading Islanders Aquatics for 2 seasons as the Head Coach.
Throughout the 2020-2021 Coach Murray was instrumental in helping guide Victor Swim Club, and assist many other teams in navigating the global Coronavirus Pandemic; Victor consistently participated in both competitions, as well as practice. Throughout the 2022 & 2023 seasons, Victor Swim Club continued to reach new success, at both the regional & national levels, culminating in a Niagara LSC Long Course Team Championship, and placing several athletes in the top 25 at Zones, Sectionals, Futures, Junior Nationals, TYR Pro Series, and Open Water National Championship events.
Coach Murray travels worldwide to help coaches and teams grow the sport of swimming, and to help coaches professionally organize and develop their teams.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-murray-2647a672/
Email: coachmurray3m@gmail.com
CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter
Instagram: @yoursportsresource
Twitter: @yoursportsres
Email: info@yousportsresource.com
If you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com
Happy Listening!
In this week's episode, Matt and I discuss the issue of Board Members not understanding their roles and overstepping into the coaches' space. It emphasizes the importance of clear roles and responsibilities between the board and the other top positions, such as the Head Coach or CEO. Lack of communication and trust between the Board and coaching Staff can lead to problems within the organization. Board Members must focus on long-term strategic thinking and the growth of the organization while allowing the professionals to handle day-to-day operations. The conversation also highlights the need for the Board and Parent Code of Conduct to ensure professionalism and accountability.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Clear roles and responsibilities should be established between the board and the top position.
- Effective communication and trust are essential for a successful organization.
- Board members should focus on strategic thinking and the long-term growth of the organization.
- Board and parent code of conduct should be implemented to ensure professionalism and accountability.
Matt talks with internationally recognized sports performance coach Vern Gambetta. Over the past 5 decades, Vern has worked with athletes in a variety of sports from around the globe and currently assisting with Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh's historic run-up to the 2024 Olympic games.
In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Jamie Platt, the Executive Director at Middle Atlantic Swimming, join us. Tune in as Jamie shares insights, strategies, and insider perspectives on the world of swimming, coaching, and sports development.
Discover the secrets of college recruiting success with Matt Bos. Take control of your search to stand out to coaches. Get essential insights for your journey. Tune in and unlock your potential!
In this week's episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Matt and I talk about pay for coaches and more specifically those coaches who tend to hold a full-time job with a club, and how these leaders (Coaches and Boards) should quit making assumptions, and view their situation realistically.
In this last episode of the year, we have Jennifer LaMont, the CEO of ASCA. Join us as we talk about how the year has been for ASCA, their current programs, and what's coming in the new year that we will be excited about.
Coaches Tyler McGill of Opelika Swim Team, John Butcher of Charger Aquatics, and Kevin Zakrzewski of Patriot Aquatics join Matt in a roundtable discussing USA Swimming club operations.
Today, Matt and I are going to continue our conversation about interview questions, but this time we are going to look at what the boards should be asking head coaches when they are looking to replace their head coach.
Tune in to discover the essential elements that boards should focus on during interviews to ensure they are selecting the right head coach for their team.
In this episode, we discuss the questions Head Coaches should be asking of boards before they agree to become the club's new Coach. While some of these questions may be difficult to ask, it's important that you do in order to safeguard yourself and your family. Potentially moving states and bringing your family with you only to find out that your values don't align with the board or finding out the board is less than prepared to truly lead the organization is disruptive to your life and the swimmers. Better to know up front!!
We have a summary document of the questions in the tools section of the website: https://bit.ly/3G3bIVc
Matt and I had a great discussion with Mike Koleber with Nitro Swimming. He gave us some great insights into how he leads his rather large staff, how he leverages professional development (including several references to people that coaches should be listening to!), and how coaches can navigate the delicate intricacies of working with a board.
This podcast is packed with great information that will serve both sides of the house - wet and dry!
Welcome to a brand-new episode of Your Sports Resource! Today, we have a fascinating discussion in store for you as we dive into the world of clubs and college programs. Joining me is Matt, and together, we're unpacking the complex dynamic between parents and sports.
This week we talk to Morgan Cordle the CEO/Head Coach of 757swim in Virginia. In this episode Morgan shares how over the last two years they have been focused on their culture, how the organization runs with their massive growth, and she shares how she held a successful coaches retreat this year to kick off the season. The retreat information alone is GOLD. Listen up!
In this week's episode, I had a great conversation with Brendan Hansen the Director of Team Services. We discussed his team and their role with the clubs, LSC's, the quad plan, and the opportunities that are available to coaches to learn from each other. (Opportunities that really should be taken. Get on those calls, coaches!) I hope you enjoy.
In today’s episode, Let’s dive into a critical topic: board reports and the pivotal conversation with head coaches. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this essential aspect of sports management.
Whether you’re a seasoned coach or a board member, this episode is something worth listening to. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of how board reports can play a significant part in your role.
In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of college coaching, and we have a very special guest with us – Caitlin Hamilton, the newly appointed Associate Head Coach at the University of Kentucky.
Discover the secrets behind the scenes of college sports, and gain a fresh perspective on what it takes to lead a successful collegiate program. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world of college coaching – tune in now!
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Happy listening!
Join me and Matt as we step into the fascinating world of coaching with our latest episode, "FIVE MESSAGES." If you're a coach looking to elevate your game and unlock the hidden potential of your athletes, this episode is a goldmine of wisdom and inspiration!
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Join Matt in this exciting 2nd part episode of "Attracting New Members"! With insightful strategies and real-life examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to boost their membership game. Tune in now to supercharge your growth journey!
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In this episode, Matt and I talked about how to retain membership and attract new members and to survey in one way shape, or form your athletes who are staying around and who are leaving. Attracting new members is crucial for the growth and sustainability of any swim club.
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This week Matt, Jack, and I discuss why internal development is so pivotal to the success of your coaches. Not all development needs to come from associations and governing bodies. You are sitting on a wealth of knowledge that your staff would appreciate.
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In this episode Matt and I welcome Jack Roach to talk about how he recommends coaches plan out their year. He also talks about finding a mentor and searching for the information you need. It is plentiful!
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In this episode, we kick off our series on planning by exploring how coaches can create the necessary space for reflection and what key factors to consider during this vital process.
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In this episode, we will talk about how sleep really affects the athlete's performance and the ways you can help them.
You will learn the areas that are affected when an athlete lack sleep:
✔ Accuracy & Speed
✔ Difficulty in Learning and Decision Making
✔ Injury Rates and Preventing Sickness
✔ Statistics Regarding Sleep and Athletic Performance
✔ Things that you can Recommend
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We're excited to introduce Matt Boss, our newest consultant, who brings valuable insights to the Your Sports Resource team.
In this episode, we explore the importance of building a strong relationship between the board and the head coach. Discover how open communication and transparency can bridge the gap when their visions differ, positively impacting long-term planning and strategy. Learn how this relationship can unlock valuable resources to support your team.
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In this episode, we will dive into the essential topic of building your club's parents manual. Setting expectations for families at the beginning of the season is crucial, yet many clubs fail to make it exciting and engaging. I will show you how to avoid this pitfall and create a parents manual that truly captivates.
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Parents strongly impact children's performance, and how we behave adds or subtracts to the equation.
In this episode, we talked about:
- The four essential cards to play to be a successful sports parent.
- Does a parent have the right to interfere with the Coache's ability to coach?
- How to handle parents' disappointment?
About the guest:
He is a former professional tennis player willing to share his experiences in parenting through books, talks, and online courses. He published My Son the Tennis Player, How to Help Your Kid Succeed in Sports, and has just released ParentShift, The Skills You Need to Become a Super Parent.
He also wrote Unplugged, A Rock Story, his first novel, where he could fuse two passions: music and writing.
Connect with Hernan:Instagram
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Website
Parentshift Online Course:
https://www.hernanchousa.com/courses/parentshift
(Use Code: ren777)
In this episode, I will discuss the importance of confronting negative behavior in the workplace and provide specific examples of how to do so with empathy and kindness. Listen to learn how to create a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. Don't miss this episode - it's a game-changer!
In this episode, we discuss a common issue among coaches - burnout. I will share some insights on how coaches can navigate burnout in a healthy way for themselves and their clubs.
Tune in to the Your Sports Resource Podcast and take your sports leadership to the next level.
In this episode, we're going to talk about why it's important for clubs to update their bylaws. As a nonprofit organization, your bylaws serve as the fundamental document that outlines how your organization should run. I will give some tips on how to avoid some common pitfalls and challenges. Remember, the bylaws are your main governing document, not just suggestions. Don't ditch the legal advice.
This week's podcast is about how an optimized structure is crucial for the success of your club. It can improve staff morale, efficiency, and productivity and ultimately lead to better results for the organization as a whole and the members you serve.
Everyone should have an understanding of the board's fiduciary duties. Whether you are an aspiring board member or a coach, you must understand what living up to those duties requires and how it serves the club business overall.
Sometimes, on the outside, decisions seem to be unreasonable or rash. What parents and coaches need to understand is more times than not, there's more to the story. Often information can't be divulged, but ultimately a board has duties to ensure the club is managed in a responsible manner.
Listen to this week's podcast to understand more.
According to research, people frequently simplify complex decisions using their basic preferences and judgments rather than acting fully rationally.
In this episode, I'm going to talk about the different biases we have as individuals so you will have an idea of how you see the world and how you interact with it from your own perspective.
As always, I'm happy to share one of my favorite book about leadership.
Happy listening!
Sometimes we approach a goal or new habit as an all-or-nothing situation. Small steps help you avoid fatigue, not only in the way you manage yourself with tasks but also in ensuring you have the headspace to make progress along with everything else you have going on. It’s also important to have little victories, so you can see your progress and feel good about what you are doing.
In this episode, we talk about breaking your goals into small steps.
Our guest, Shannon Harting, is the Board President of 757swim and a client of Your Sports Resource. In this episode, we discuss Shannon's thoughts on building a great relationship with the Head Coach.
Spoiler she says it's a combination on being a leader and knowing when to butt out!
Shannon also offers great advice on recruiting volunteers and how the work on the Vision, Values and Behaviors has made an impact on the club culture and how bought in the parents are because they did that work.
In this episode, Renata talks about having Growth as a value for your club and how it impacts everyone in your organization. She also discusses three main areas of growth she had in 2022.
This week's podcast is about a statement that I read that's been on a post-it note on my desk for quite some time.
Be confident, but not really sure.
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podcast #sports #youthsports #sportsclub #parent #volunteer #confidence #yoursportsresource
In this episode, I talked about how we are aware of the importance of connection. It also lends itself to those behavior statements regarding communicating in a consistent and timely manner or communicating consistently and transparently.
Does your club have a group of problem parents? Do you feel like you are jumping through hoops to respond to them? Is everything a fire drill? In this episode, Renata discusses how to shift your focus on the majority of the membership that are supportive and engaged positively. She provides example statements and how to handle these situations.
In this episode, Renata discusses how leaders in youth sports need to make the mental shift in accepting their true roles. She talks about how you are not a parent volunteer, you are a Board Member and a Business Leader. You are not just a head coach, you are a business leader. Her opinion is that the sooner clubs start behaving as the business they are, the easier it is to achieve their vision and create an incredible opportunity for the youth and families they serve.
This is the final in four-part series on Characteristics of Successful Clubs. Connection is the last litmus test of how successful your club is. How engaged are your members, volunteers, and staff? Do you build strong relationships or just hope they happen. Listen for what things you can do to build the connection factor in your club.
If you've been following along then you know that we are in the middle of a four-part series regarding what things a club can do to be successful as an organization.
In this episode, I talked about talent, and I know you're probably thinking about talent from an athlete's perspective, but no, this is about those that work in your organization.
So, I'm pulling this off of a worksheet that you can get on the www.yoursportsresource.com website if you go into Key Roles on the site then scroll down to Tools and you will see one that's titled Characteristics of Successful Clubs.
This is a checklist that you can go through and rate your organization and see how well you're doing what needs work, and where you've missed things right?
The Four Key Areas of a Successful Club for this episode are:
Number 1 - do you have a board or leadership team that leads, manages, and empowers others to work efficiently and effectively.
Number 2 - coincides with this and that the board or leadership team needs to be composed of people who have experience and talent that enables the club to meet its goals and objectives.
Number 3 - do you have a strong focus and investment in the development of your volunteers and your coaches.
Number 4 - do have a strong recruitment pathway which really just kind of falls into place when you have a strong understanding of what you need and then you have it all documented, right?
This third part of being a successful club is how you seek out talent and how you ensure you set yourself up with talented people who have the skills you need and the capacity to deliver.
Resources:
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Characteristics of a Successful Club
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In this second episode of a four-part series, Renata discusses 6 different areas clubs can work on to improve the overall performance of their organization. From staff to volunteers there are several ways to ensure everyone is efficient, effective, and working on all cylinders.
In this episode, Renata starts a 4 part series on what makes a successful club. She starts with what things in the area of strategy really sets a sports club apart. In this, she talks about your direction, strategic goals, measuring objectives, and how you must stay flexible and adaptable to achieve.
In this episode, Renata discusses Annual General Meetings and why sports clubs need to get back on the bandwagon of having them. While it’s not only a legal requirement for nonprofits, it’s also a great way to get your membership on board when trying to move your organization forward and have them get engaged in your success.
Articles:
Preparing For Your AGM
Why I Should Attend The AGM
How To Run An AGM
Find Other Tools and Resources:www.yoursportsresource.com
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Hiring a Consultant is a big decision, but one that can move an organization forward by leaps and bounds. In this episode, Renata discusses how hiring a consultant can help your sports club, but also what you should be looking for in that relationship.
In this episode, guest Danielle Locke provides ways that clubs can fundraise that move them out of just applying for grants or having the same old events year in and year out. She offers ways to not get overwhelmed and how to be purposeful in her approach.
You can read more about Danielle:
www.lockestep.com
facebook.com/lockesteppartners
instagram.com/daniellemlocke
linkedin.com/in/daniellemlocke
In this episode, Renata discusses what to do about non-productive volunteers. She talks about changing your mindset to delivery and provides short scripts on what to say to those volunteers who aren’t progressing. Moving your club to behave in a way that delivers wonderful initiatives will attract the right kind of volunteers.
In this episode, Renata discusses an article she found that talked about the 9 roles of great leadership. She evaluates each one and then offers a 10th role that she feels was left out. That is the role of a blocker. Please head over to www.yoursportsresource.com to check out and download that tool.
In this episode, Renata speaks to Tom Hinojosa with All American Archery. They discuss how families should introduce archery to their children as it’s a very safe sport and teaches them a variety of life skills. Tom also talks about how he works with Coaches and Families regarding the mental side of sports and how mental training is as important as the physical.
You can find more about archery at usarchery.org or nfaausa.com. And you can find more information about Tom Hinojosa at allamericanarchery.com and thementalperformanceacademy.com
In this week’s episode, Renata talks about how you can create a culture of communication. Through using the three keys of communicating promptly, consistently, and creatively, you will engage your audience whether it’s your staff and volunteers or your membership and stakeholders. Renata offers suggestions on how to ensure your communications are engaging and consumable.
In this episode, Lee Renata explains how listening impacts those around us whether it’s in our personal lives or in our work-life. People feeling like they are not heard or listened to is a common thread when they say communication is suffering. Lee explains the 5 levels of listening and offers some wonderful tips that you can implement today to be a better listener. You can find Lee’s book at www.successbeginswithlistening.com as well as being able to book a breakout session for your team.
In this episode, Renata discusses the issues with finding and keeping volunteers. She provides solutions to approaching volunteers and walks you through how to build a culture of volunteering.
In this episode, Renata talks about the overarching duties board members have when serving out their term on the board. In youth sports, most feel they don’t have much responsibility in the ways or direction of the organization. Renata explains that couldn’t be further from the truth in fact, as a board member you are liable for the health of the organization.
In this episode, Renata discusses why you should plan your fundraising, grant, and sponsorship efforts as well as how planning can elevate your efforts. While this sounds daunting, Renata explains how you break it down and put one foot in front of the other. She also explains how to pull together a team to deliver on the plan. This episode will help you exceed your financial expectations and put your club in a position of having choices.
In this episode, Renata discusses the importance of setting your club's Vision and Values. Most clubs don’t take this exercise seriously, Renata outlines how it can impact the success of your club, help you make decisions more easily, and how it can have an impact on all involved.
In this episode, Renata discusses Brave Questions that Leaders of youth sports clubs should be asking themselves and of their team in order to build a great culture. These questions help everyone grow and ensure your team is being valued and that everyone is adding value to your membership.
Renata talks about culture and how youth sports clubs can be purposeful in their approach to changing their culture. She provides practical ways to design behavior statements and how to make them part of your club ethos so they become actions of habit. As we all know nothing happens overnight and nothing happens without purposeful intention, Renata discusses how to persevere in shifting your youth sports club’s culture.
In this episode, Renata reviews the common issues most sports club leadership face when it comes to running their organizations. She discusses how to address the lack of skillset and capacity (time) for staff and volunteers, giving your vision statement a review, how the Head Coaches can level up their organization by investing in their coaches, and lastly, how boards should be enabling their coaches so they can coach.