When the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center opened up in Little Falls, NJ – families and kids flocked to take part in the programs inspired by his values. One day, Yogi’s friend turned to him and said, “Isn’t it great to see all these kids and 
families here at the museum?!” Yogi replied, “Yes, it’s a great site to see, but we need bigger bathrooms.” This comment is a microcosm of what Yogi stood for. With all the great things happening, Yogi noticed something that needed improvement. He noticed an overflow of kids and families in the bathrooms. He sensed discomfort and chaos. As opposed to getting angry and frustrated with the crowds filling up the museum’s bathrooms, Yogi went directly to the root of the problem and said this needs to be fixed. Today, the bathrooms have been renovated and families can flow in and out of the museum with comfort and ease.
Youth coaches face the issue of chaos at practice, during clinics, and at camps more often than not. Bringing a large group of kids together on a vast field can make it very difficult to get things done. However, if you as a coach notice the kids in your group talking to each other, trying to knock their teammates stick out of their hands, or simply standing around for long periods of time; you’re immediate instinct should never be to blame the kids. Do what Yogi would do. Change the way you run the drill or change the way you engage with player’s in that huddle. Create an experience with shorter lines, challenging rules, a faster pace, and more fun! Let’s not forget why kids truly enjoy youth sports, it’s because they love to play. Talk less, challenge, encourage, and have your kids play more. If you do this, you’re player’s will start saying, “Hey Coach! It gets late early out here.”
This Blog Post is in honor of Yoga Berra – An iconic role model for his peers, his public, and the thousands of children who read about and visit the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. Rest in Peace.
