PROTECT THE JOY
A Positive, Collaborative Approach to Youth Sport
“Discover the most common sense youth sport book on the market”
Being Supportive ⚪ Building Confidence ⚪ Empowering Kids
“Dr. Amanda Stanec and Richard Way have provided a much-needed course correction for sport. This should be required reading for anyone involved in sport, especially parents and coaches.”
—Steve Magness, bestselling author of Do Hard Things and Peak Performance
Protect the Joy offers a fresh, positive approach to youth sports, helping parents, coaches and sports leaders create a supportive environment where children can thrive. With practical strategies for collaboration and empathy, this book ensures that sports remain fun and growth-focused, empowering kids to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for physical activity.
The youth sports industry has gotten so big and powerful, but for many, joy has been left behind. This book is a guide on how to get that joy back and allow children to have a holistic approach to sports that will truly enhance their lives and help them to grow from sports in positive ways.”
—Kara Goucher, two time Olympian, bestselling author of The Longest Race
★★★★★
“Amanda and Richard are your trusted guides in creating an experience for kids that will change lives—and our society—for the better.”
—Tom Farrey, author of Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children, founder of Aspen Institute’s Project Play
★★★★★
“Dr. Amanda Stanec and Richard Way have provided a much-needed course correction for sport. This should be required reading for anyone involved in sport, especially parents and coaches.”
—Steve Magness, bestselling author of Do Hard Things and Peak Performance
★★★★★
Amanda Stanec, PHD
Dr. Amanda Stanec, originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, played soccer at St. Francis Xavier University. She earned her Master’s in Physical Education Pedagogy and Sport Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a PhD from the University of Virginia, where she was named the top doctoral student. Dr. Stanec has published over 20 articles and co-authored book chapters on physical education, health, and wellness. She has worked with notable organizations, including the International Olympic Committee and True Sport. She lives in St. Louis with her partner Jim and their three daughters, enjoying an active family life.
Richard Way, MBA
Richard Way is the CEO of the Sport for Life Society and a co-author of the Long-Term Athlete Development Framework. He has applied this model to over 60 sports in more than 100 countries and contributed to over 100 resources on sport and physical literacy. Under his leadership, Sport for Life earned national and global recognition, including the Canadian Medical Association’s Award for Excellence in Health Promotion. Richard has held leadership roles in major sports organizations, including the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Bid and the International Luge Federation. He lives with his wife and three children, all of whom are active in sports.