Understand the Philosophy of the Organization
Before you set expectations for your team, take time to understand the league’s philosophy and purpose. Every organization exists for a reason, and knowing that reason will help you coach in a way that aligns with its goals. Is the league focused on development, competition, or building community? The answer will shape what you prioritize and how you coach.
For example, in a recreation league, the emphasis is usually on participation, fun, and fostering a love for the game. Winning is a secondary concern, if it’s even a concern at all. The goal is to allow every child to grow, learn, and experience the joy of being part of a team. A coach in this setting should prioritize equal playing time, building confidence, and teaching the fundamentals in a low-pressure environment.
On a middle school or high school team, the focus becomes a blend of development and competition. These programs aim to develop well-rounded athletes while striving for team success. You’ll make different decisions here—balancing skill-building and game strategy—because representing the school well in competition matters. Winning becomes more important, but not at the expense of long-term growth.
At the club level, the stakes are raised. Winning and performance often become primary goals. Athletes and families are heavily invested, and the coach is expected to help players reach the next level, whether that’s making a varsity team, earning a college scholarship, or competing at a national level. Coaching at this level requires advanced technical knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to manage high expectations from players and parents alike.
When you move into elite-level programs—Olympic development, national teams, or professional environments—winning is no longer a goal; it’s an expectation. Development is still important, but the emphasis shifts to performance, precision, and preparation for success on the national or international stage. Every decision you make aims to maximize results and prepare athletes for the most intense competition of their lives.
The Pendulum of Expectations
Across these levels, a pendulum swings between development and winning. In a recreational league, the pendulum is firmly on the side of development—winning is nice, but it’s not the focus. At the highest levels, winning becomes the focus, and the athletes are assumed to be fully developed.
It’s critical to understand where you are on this spectrum and adjust your coaching decisions accordingly:
Recreation League: Focus on fun, participation, and basic skill development. Winning is secondary.
School Teams: Balance development and competition. Teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience while pursuing success.
Club Teams: Emphasize advanced skills and competitive strategy. Prepare athletes for high-level play while maintaining their physical and mental health.
Elite Levels: Prioritize performance. Every decision is about winning and maximizing results in high-pressure environments.
Paid to Win vs. Paid to Develop
Another layer to consider is whether the coach is paid to win or paid to develop players. This distinction affects coaching decisions in a big way. A youth coach in a development league may not even have a win-loss record that matters to anyone. Their primary responsibility is to help kids improve and enjoy the sport.
In contrast, a high school or college coach’s job may depend on their win-loss record. If they lose too many games, it could cost them their job. In professional settings, a coach’s livelihood and their family’s future may be tied to their ability to win. The pressure to succeed can be immense. This reality isn’t talked about enough, but it’s an important factor to consider—this pressure is not nothing. Coaches at this level are making decisions not just for their athletes, but also for their careers.
A coach paid to win will naturally make different decisions than a coach expected to develop players. A paid coach may prioritize immediate results over long-term growth. While that may not align with every parent’s expectations, it’s a necessary reality in high-pressure competitive environments. On the other hand, a coach focused on development might take more risks, give different athletes a chance to lead, and focus on fundamentals over flashy plays.
Why It Matters
If you coach without understanding the organization’s philosophy, you risk misaligned expectations, which leads to frustration for everyone involved. For example, if you approach a recreational team with the intensity of a college coach, you’ll burn out your athletes (and yourself). Conversely, treating a competitive club team like a rec team’ll frustrate players who want to push themselves and compete at a high level.
When you align your coaching approach with the organization’s purpose, you create a cohesive, purposeful experience for your athletes. Whether you’re helping 8-year-olds learn the basics of a new sport or preparing an Olympic hopeful for the world stage, understanding your role and the organization’s goals will help you make the right decisions at the right time.
