#30 Standards > Rules

About this episode

Coach Mike discusses the importance of standards over rules in youth sports.

In youth sports, every team has rules — but the best programs live by standards. In this episode, Coach Mike breaks down the three non-negotiable standards that shape culture, effort, and identity: being coachable, being a great teammate, and giving 100% effort. Using real stories from a full program rebuild, a Geno Auriemma quote on fatigue, and a behind-the-scenes look inside his junior high and high school basketball teams, Mike explains why rules only work when someone is watching — but standards work all the time. If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete who cares about building something that actually lasts, this episode is for you.

People in this episode

Host: Mike Earles

Topics covered

• youth sports
• standards
• coaching
• team culture
• effort
• athlete development

Keywords

• youth sports
• standards
• coaching
• teamwork
• effort
• athlete
• culture

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