As another sports season nears its end, parents should remember that all coaches deserve a small token of appreciation. 

This can come in the way of a gift from the entire team, or if not, should come individually from each family. 

Usually if the parents all chip in for a gift it’s easiest to buy a gift card to a favorite restaurant — which allows the coach to also thank his or her spouse for putting up with the long hours — or a sporting goods store. One of my favorite less expensive “team” gifts was a ball signed by each of my players. It still sits on my desk.  

But it’s not always feasible to organize a team gift. When that’s the case it’s still important for families individually to let the head and assistant coaches know how much you appreciate all of their volunteer hours.  

One of my favorite gifts to receive as a coach and give as a parent is a nice card with a thoughtful message written by the player about his or her favorite memory of the season. We always put a $10 gift card to the local donut shop in the thank you note, which isn’t necessary but I’m sure appreciated. 

Other inexpensive but thoughtful gifts that a family can give are a team T-shirt, a tervis from Super Fan with the team logo, or a cup from SpiritCups with their favorite team on it. This not only gives the coach something they'll appreciate, but it also supports the league or school financially.

Asking the coach’s spouse if there’s a favorite book or other small item of interest is another idea. 

Coaches don’t coach for the “thanks,” but I’ve never met one who didn’t appreciate being appreciated.  
 
Remember -- it’s not the price of the gift, but rather the thought that counts the most. 

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 8- and 10-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Not an Expert, Just a Dad … In this Crazy Game Called Life,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.