Helping boys make great decisions

What is a good decision? 

A good decision is a choice we make carefully, by thinking about all the options, the good and bad points, and what might happen to us and others as a result. Good decision-making skills are important not just in sport but in life too. 

Why is it important? 

We make lots of decisions, big and small, every day. Bad decisions can cause problems like feeling upset, hurting friends or missing out. Bad choices can also lead to more bad choices. The bigger the decision, the bigger the consequences. That’s why it’s important to make good decisions that support positive relationships with our friends and community, and that are good for us as people.  

How do we make decisions? 

Good decisions need careful thinking. But sometimes we make quick choices based on feelings or habits. Some decisions are fast because we have experience and know what works. This is something kids need to learn and practice as they’re growing up. 

How can we help as role models?  

Boys and men affect everyone’s experience in sport, including women and girls. Boys are still learning, so we need to support them to be their best. For example, we can: 

• think out loud during training so boys can see how decisions are made – talk through the steps like ‘Here are my options, this is what might happen, this is why I’m choosing this’ 
• give kids choices during practice – let them pick between different skills or strategies to work on, within limits to keep things safe and fair while they practice making decisions  
• involve them in team decisions – ask questions to help them consider how decisions can affect others like ‘What do you think? What happens if we choose this? How might others feel?’  
• let them learn from mistakes – calmly talk about what worked and what didn’t afterwards to help them understand and improve 
• model calm, thoughtful behaviour and thinking when under pressure – stay calm when things get tough, so boys learn from watching you stay steady and make fair decisions under stress. 

Further reading:  

Helping Kids Make Decisions - Child Mind Institute, opens in a new tab 

The Negative Consequences of Bad Life Decisions (and How to Reverse Them), opens in a new tab