There’s no question success in youth sports depends largely on the willingness of parents to step up and coach. Whether it’s a head coach or assistant role, parents can make the difference in the lives of kids by volunteering their time.

But before you make that commitment, here are four questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you really want to coach?

This is a question to ask whether you're a veteran or first-timer. If the thought of putting in the time and effort it takes to be a volunteer coach excites you, that’s probably all the answer you need. However, if you're on the fence about coaching, you might want to think longer before making the commitment.

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Are you the parent of a youth, middle school or high school football player who’s looking for more tips or resources? Check out our Parent Guide, Parents 101 course, nutritious recipes and more.

2. Do you have the knowledge to coach?

Depending on the age of the players and the level of the team you're considering, the amount of knowledge required will vary. If it’s a flag football team of 5-year-olds, the knowledge necessary is far different than if it's a tackle football team made up of middle school kids. 

3. Do you have a coach’s personality? 

What exactly are the personality traits of a good coach? Good question. At the very least, a good coach likes to work with kids, is patient, can handle constructive criticism, is a good communicator (especially with parents) and is willing to improve by listening to veteran coaches. Also, since it's likely your child will be on the team, you (and they) have to understand the complexity of the parent-coach role, which can be one of the toughest challenges in youth sports. 

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4. Do you have the time?

A committed youth football coach takes part in every aspect of the season, from planning the first practice through the end-of-season party. While most coaches can’t be at every practice, game or team activity, they should be able to commit to most of them. If you can’t make that commitment due to work or personal reasons, this might not be your season to coach. 

Coaching youth football can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have, if it’s a good fit. And don’t forget, if after reading this you decide it’s not a good fit this season, that doesn’t mean it won’t be next time.

Next week’s blog– Being a head coach for the first time

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 9- and 11-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” 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.