Happy Holidays! In today’s December Newsletter you can expect:

• NIL's Seismic Shift: Major changes ahead as non-profit collectives face dissolution - including BPS Foundation's closure. What this means for $5M+ in athletic program salaries and donor contributions.

• Game Changers Podcast Launch: New series exploring Social-Emotional Learning in athletics debuts this Wednesday, featuring innovative coaching strategies and team dynamics.

• California's Coaching Revolution: Ambitious 25×25 Coaches Challenge aims to train 25,000 coaches in positive youth development by 2025, backed by major sports organizations.

• 2025 Coaching Excellence Guide: Comprehensive breakdown of essential Social-Emotional Learning competencies and implementation strategies for modern coaches.
  
  

Major Shifts in NIL Collective Structures:

What Coaches Need to Know

Recent developments in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space signal a significant transformation in how collectives operate, particularly regarding their tax status. This shift could have major implications for athletic programs nationwide.

The End of Non-Profit NIL Collectives

A seismic change is occurring in the NIL landscape as major non-profit collectives begin to dissolve or restructure their operations. Most notably, the BPS Foundation, widely recognized as one of the largest non-profit NIL collectives, has announced its closure by year's end (Libit, Sportico, 2024).

Why the Change?

Several factors have contributed to this evolution:

1. Increased Federal Scrutiny: The IRS has explicitly included "tax-exempt collectives utilizing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)" among its compliance enforcement priorities for 2024.

2. Legal Challenges: Multiple state attorneys general have begun investigating these organizations, raising questions about their compliance with existing regulations.

3. Expert Consensus: Tax and accounting experts have long questioned the legitimacy of NIL collectives operating under non-profit status. As noted by Indiana University accounting professor Bridget Stomberg, these organizations likely should never have received non-profit status in the first place.

Impact on Athletic Programs

For athletic departments and coaches, this transition period requires careful attention:

• Existing non-profit collectives may need to restructure or dissolve

• Donor contributions will no longer be tax-deductible under the 501(c)(3) structure

• Athletic departments may need to prepare for potential fund transfers from dissolving collectives

Looking Forward

While the non-profit model may be ending, this doesn't signal the end of NIL collectives themselves. Instead, we're likely to see new operational models emerge that better align with current regulatory frameworks and market realities.

Introducing Game Changers: A New Podcast for Forward-Thinking Coaches

🎙️ Game Changers: New Sports Innovation Series Launches 

MyCoachingTree.com is proud to announce "Game Changers: Innovators in Sport," a new video podcast series showcasing pioneers transforming the sports world.

The series features forward-thinking coaches, athletes, and companies who are revolutionizing athletic performance and development.

Each episode explores the journeys of sports innovators, from coaches implementing data-driven training methods to athletes breaking conventional barriers.

In addition, the series also highlights companies introducing groundbreaking products and technologies that are shaping the future of sports.

Don't Miss Our First Episode! Our inaugural episode features Scorability, a company revolutionizing high school football recruitment. Learn how their free tools help coaches promote athletes and connect with college programs at all levels, from Power 4 to JUCO.

Whether you're a coach seeking fresh perspectives, an athlete looking for inspiration, or a sports enthusiast interested in innovation, "Game Changers" offers valuable insights into the future of sports.

California Launches Ambitious Initiative to Transform Youth Sports Coaching

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize youth athletics, California has launched the 25×25 Coaches Challenge, an innovative program targeting the training of 25,000 coaches in positive youth development practices by the end of 2025.

A Response to Critical Need

The initiative comes at a crucial time: only half of California's youth currently participate in sports, with a staggering 70% dropping out before high school. The program, spearheaded by the California Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being in partnership with the Susan Crown Exchange's Million Coaches Challenge, aims to reverse these concerning trends.

Comprehensive Training Approach

Led by the Positive Coaching Alliance and the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, the program delivers cutting-edge training in:

• Social-emotional learning techniques

• Healing-centered practices

• Culturally responsive coaching methods

• Mental health and wellness support

Strategic Implementation

The initiative has garnered support from major organizations including the Dodgers Foundation, the Los Angeles Clippers, the YMCA of Greater Los Angeles, and various parks and recreation departments. Training will be accessible through multiple channels, including in-person sessions, virtual training, and self-paced online options.

Anticipated Impact

This pioneering approach could serve as a national model for transforming youth sports culture. By focusing on positive coaching practices and holistic athlete development, the program aims to impact hundreds of thousands of young athletes, promoting not just athletic achievement but also cru

Elevating Your Coaching Game: A Guide to Professional Development for 2025

As we approach 2025, the landscape of youth sports coaching is evolving beyond traditional athletic instruction. Here's how you can enhance your coaching toolkit with essential Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills that are becoming increasingly vital in modern coaching.

Why SEL Matters in Modern Coaching

Research shows that coaches who master SEL competencies create more successful athletic programs and, more importantly, help develop well-rounded young people. Athletes under SEL-trained coaches show improved academic performance, better behavioral outcomes, and stronger team dynamics.

Key Areas for Professional Development

1. Master the Core SEL Competencies

Focus your professional development on these essential areas:

• Self-awareness: Understanding your own emotions and their impact on athletes

• Self-management: Modeling emotional regulation and stress management

• Social awareness: Reading and responding to team dynamics

• Relationship skills: Building strong connections with athletes and parents

• Responsible decision-making: Making choices that prioritize athlete well-being

2. Practical Implementation Strategies

Enhance your coaching practice by:

• Arriving early to practice to build informal relationships with athletes

• Creating structured opportunities for team building and emotional support

• Developing specific, growth-oriented feedback techniques

• Learning to recognize and address mental health concerns appropriately

3. Professional Development Opportunities

Immediate Actions:

• Join coaching development programs focused on SEL

• Attend workshops on youth mental health and emotional development

• Participate in online training modules for social-emotional coaching

• Connect with mentor coaches who excel in SEL implementation

Long-term Growth:

• Pursue certifications in youth development and sports psychology

• Build a network of fellow coaches focused on holistic athlete development

• Document and measure the impact of SEL practices on your team

Making the Transition

Start implementing these changes gradually:

1. Assess your current coaching style and identify areas for SEL integration

2. Set specific goals for incorporating new SEL practices each month

3. Gather feedback from athletes and parents about the impact of these changes

4. Adjust your approach based on what works best for your team

Remember: The most successful coaches of 2025 will be those who can effectively blend athletic instruction with social and emotional development. Your investment in these skills now will pay dividends in both your athletes' success and your coaching career.