Key Takeaways
- Day uses the “10-80-10 rule” to focus coaching energy on the middle 80% rather than problem players
- Character development starts with clear behavioral agreements established upfront with players and families
- Ohio State players read leadership books and present chapters to teammates as part of culture building
- Day recruits families who prioritize earning over entitlement, viewing parents as cultural partners
- His perspective as a father directly influences how he treats young athletes
via: Youth Inc. / Asia Mape – Ohio State Coach Ryan Day talks about Championship Culture, Process, Family and More
Building Accountability Through Clear Expectations
Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s approach to managing 100+ college athletes offers a scalable framework for youth sports organizations. In a recent Youth Inc. podcast, Day outlined how he establishes culture through what he calls behavioral agreements.
“Culture is really just the behavior that’s in your building,” Day explained. “One of the most important things is having an agreement on the front end of what the expectations are.”
This upfront clarity makes accountability conversations easier when challenges arise. Day applies his “10-80-10 rule” across his roster: 10% of players are naturally elite, 10% consistently resist expectations, and 80% fall somewhere in the middle. Rather than spending disproportionate time managing the bottom 10%, he focuses energy on elevating that middle 80% toward elite standards.
Character Development as Daily Practice
Day integrates character building into regular team operations. This summer, Ohio State players read “Chop Wood, Carry Water,” with different players presenting chapter summaries to teammates each day.
“It’s about process over results,” Day said. “It’s the daily habits that matter who you hang out with, how you fuel your body, what time you wake up. Over time, those decisions compound.”
This systematic approach to character development goes beyond typical team building activities. By having players teach concepts to peers, Day creates multiple leadership opportunities while reinforcing core messages about discipline and preparation.
Recruiting Families, Not Just Athletes
Day’s recruiting philosophy extends beyond athletic ability to family dynamics and values. He specifically seeks families who emphasize earning over entitlement.
“The parents who say, ‘We want our son to earn everything he gets, no excuses, no shortcuts’ those are the families I value most,” Day said. “Because in today’s world it’s easy to give kids an escape hatch. But the best success stories come when kids are pushed to figure things out on their own.”
This family-centered approach has become more relevant as Day navigates his own son’s recruiting process. His dual perspective as coach and parent has sharpened his decision-making framework.
Coaching Through a Parent’s Lens
Day’s experience as a father directly influences his coaching decisions at Ohio State. “I think a lot about what kind of coach I’d want for my own son,” he said. “That’s how I frame decisions at Ohio State. How would I want my son treated? That lens makes everything clearer.”
This perspective emphasizes humanity alongside high performance standards. Day believes players need to see coaches as complete people, not just tactical instructors.
“The more your kids and family are part of your coaching life, the more enjoyable this profession is. The players need to see you as a dad and a husband, not just a coach. That humanity matters.”
Strategic Implications for Youth Sports Organizations
Day’s culture-building methods translate directly to youth sports environments. His emphasis on clear behavioral agreements, systematic character development, and family partnership offers a blueprint for organizations seeking sustainable growth.
The 10-80-10 framework helps coaches and administrators allocate time and resources more effectively. Instead of reactive management focused on problem players, energy goes toward developing the majority of participants who respond well to clear expectations and consistent support.
For youth sports businesses, Day’s family-centered recruiting approach highlights the importance of aligning with parents who support organizational values. These partnerships create stronger retention and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the leading source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. We deliver comprehensive coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert team provides in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment
- Sports technology and data analytics
- Youth sports facilities and management
- Sports content creation and digital media
Whether you’re a sports industry professional, Youth sports parent, coach, or youth sports enthusiast, we deliver the sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
