https://healthysportsparents.com/

https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-carone-52145778/

What we cover:

• Where parental pressure really comes from
• How identity and ego show up in youth sports
• Why kids value development over winning
• The “24-hour rule” and why it matters
• What kids actually want out of sports
• The current youth sports landscape and where it is heading
• How organizations can create better environments for athletes

Key Takeaways:

Parental Pressure is Identity Driven
A lot of pressure comes from parents tying their self-worth to their child’s performance. This often leads to behaviors that hurt both enjoyment and development.

Winning is Not the Priority for Kids
Research shows kids would rather lose in a growth-focused environment than win in one centered only on results.

The 24-Hour Rule
Avoid giving immediate feedback after games. Let athletes decompress and come to you if they want input.

Fun Drives Retention
Kids stay in sports when they are:

• Playing with friends
• Competing
• Learning new skills
• Supported by adults

Youth Sports Needs a Reset
The system has become overly focused on outcomes, travel, and cost. There is a shift happening back toward development and balance.

Why it matters for Rugby NorCal:
This conversation reinforces the direction we are taking as an organization:

• Development over standings at younger ages
• Long-term athlete growth
• Creating environments where players want to stay in the game

Action Items:

• Parents: Focus on support, not coaching
• Coaches: Set expectations early with families
• Clubs: Continue building development-first environments

worldrugbyshop.com

rugbynorcal.org

goffrugbyreport.com

NorCal Pipeline

• ~80% of the roster comes from California
• Strong ties to Jesuit, Danville, SFGG, Marin, and more
• Kyle’s background as a Granite Bay national champion

Program Identity

• Blue-collar mentality
• Physical, high-effort rugby
• Culture built on camaraderie and accountability

Player Development

• Recruiting “rugby players,” not positions
• Position changes to get the best 15 on the field
• Young roster with long-term upside

Training Environment

• Year-round indoor training facility
• Structured, high-intensity sessions
• Built-in academic balance with winter downtime

Strength & Conditioning

• Same S&C structure as Boise State Football
• Led by high-level performance staff

Scholarship Opportunity (WUI)

• 3.5+ GPA = automatic qualification
• $16,000 per year for four years
• No SAT/ACT required
• In many cases, more affordable than in-state California schools

Why Boise

• Safe, clean city
• Strong academics (Business, Nursing, Construction Management)
• Access to outdoors, travel, and big-time college atmosphere

• Website: https://www.boisestatemensrugby.com/
• Next Phase: https://app.nextphaserugby.com/dashboard/about-school
• Recruiting Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNvaKll5OPvfw70nyEX0oZ1T2KhCiWUZuk2FSi6HNfyyxXsA/viewform?usp=header

Boise State Rugby isn’t trying to be flashy.

They’re building a team that’s tough, physical, and connected. And with the pipeline they’re tapping into, don’t be surprised when they’re competing at the national level in the next few years.

worldrugbyshop.com

rugbynorcal.org

goffrugbyreport.com

Key Topics

Brendo’s rugby journey

• Starting at San Francisco Golden Gate as a sophomore

• Lessons from coaches Mike Caravelli and Tony Wells

• The influence of the “15 vs 15” philosophy

Saint Mary’s College rugby

• Why he chose Saint Mary’s

• The impact of Tim O’Brien and the program’s culture

• The power of the alumni network

Building a coaching career

• Volunteering for seven years at Saint Mary’s

• Joining the USA U20 pathway

• Learning foundational coaching from J.D. Stevenson

Entering professional rugby

• Assistant coach and academy role with the Austin Gilgronis

• Working with international coaches and learning professional systems

• Experience coaching in Super Rugby Americas with the American Raptors

Utah Warriors and MLR coaching

• Role as Attack and Backs Coach

• Team success leading the league in tries and points

• What it takes to run a professional weekly training cycle

Player development in the United States

• The importance of core skills

• Why players must be able to carry, pass, and kick

• How watching professional rugby improves decision making

The future of professional rugby in the US

• MLR’s reset to a smaller league

• More opportunities for American players

• The importance of community support for the league and national team

worldrugbyshop.com

rugbynorcal.org

goffrugbyreport.com