Ongoing membership through expanding the program to middle school, and high school.
Limited numbers.
Leadership opportunities.
Awareness
Focusing on skill development and independent practice time are ways to emphasize effort and self-direction.
Providing peer coaching opportunities and having special rules, like all-touch or soft defense, are ways to emphasize respecting others.
Empowerment
Emphasizing that participation is the choice of the child.
Providing opportunities for choices, input, and problem solving. To be effective, at least some suggestions must be taken.
Evaluation of their performance during reflection time and on the reflection sheets is their responsibility.
Management is their responsibility too. Negotiating and positive dialogue are often used when serious conflicts occur. Contractual escalation is used for more serious misbehaviors.
Caring Environment
We have a large number of caring adults in the gym. There are six staff members and several volunteers. A mentor works with each club member at his/her at school.
Praise, empathy, and affirmation of their decisions are used to create a positive environment.