Communication for Trust and Consistency
This domain tests whether you can build trust with children and parents so that coaching stays consistent and safe.
Core rules
- Give one instruction at a time and pair it with a demonstration. Check understanding by asking the child to show you.
- Use behaviour-specific praise ("you kept your chest up on every rep") rather than generic praise.
- Listen actively: repeat back what a child or parent has said before responding.
- Keep expectations consistent between sessions and coaches; inconsistency reads as unfairness.
- Avoid body-composition comments; focus on what the body can do.
- Communicate with parents about goals, progress, and safeguarding concerns promptly, and document it.
Worked example
A 10-year-old is afraid of box jumps. Rather than coaxing or removing the task, you say, "I see you're unsure. We'll start with step-ups on a low box and you tell me when you're ready to jump." The child chooses the box height and pace. You praise the attempt, not just the outcome, and update the parent on the plan.
Traps
Sarcasm or comparing children; over-cueing; promising outcomes you cannot control; discussing a child's weight in front of them; and letting a parent's anxiety push you past a child's readiness.