WAYA - West Austin Youth Association

About WAYA: Our Culture

Awards and Honors:

  • Voted Best Youth Sports Program by readers of the Austin Chronicle every year since 2005.
  • Nationally awarded the coveted Honor the Game award from Positive Coaching Alliance and Stanford University.

Mission

Statement

WAYA offers an array of activities in a fun, and safe community environment, providing children with the opportunity to reach their potential.

Before the Game:

  • Tell your child that you are proud of him regardless of how well he plays.
  • Tell your child to play hard and have fun. Remind her that it's okay to be nervous. ("Nervous is normal.")
  • Make a commitment to yourself to Honor the Game no matter what others may do.

During the Game:

  • Let the coaches coach. Avoid giving your child or other players advice during the game.
  • Fill your child's and teammates' Emotional Tanks.
  • Cheer good plays and good efforts by both teams.
  • Have fun and enjoy the day!

After the Game:

  • Thank the officials for doing a difficult job.
  • Thank the coaches for their effort.
  • Let your child tell you about the game (avoid giving a post-game analysis unless asked.)
  • Ask open-ended questions:
    "What was your most/least enjoyable part of the game?"
    "What did you learn from the game?
  • Tell your child again that you are proud of him/her.

What if:

  • The official makes a "bad call" against your team?
    Honor the Game and be silent!
  • Another spectator begins to berate the official?
    Remind them to Honor the Game!
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