“Protect the Joy is an important resource in a time of crisis for youth sport. As I discovered with my own son, well-intended but misguided coaches and leagues can make a child hate a sport they once loved. I wish I had this resource when my son was struggling to find any joy in a sport he no longer competes in. As parents and guardians, we feel helpless on what to say or what to do. We want our children to participate in sport and get the most out of themselves that they can, but we don’t always feel like we have the right to ask questions or allow our child to be on a different path than their peers. 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, World Championships 10,000m silver medalist, and bestselling author of The Longest Race

“Dr. Amanda Stanec and Richard Way have provided a much-needed course correction for sport. In Protect the Joy, they expertly guide us on how to let our kids thrive and to utilize sport as a vehicle for growth and development over the long haul. 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

“An inspiring and empowering read, Protect the Joy counters the increasingly prevalent ‘win at all costs’ youth sport culture, embraces a holistic approach to developmental sport success, and serves as a pragmatic source of truth for those who mentor young athletes. With its profound insights into character development, resilience, and the potential transformative power of sport, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders on and off the field. In her role as an expert advisor for USADA’s TrueSport program, we’ve long known that Dr. Stanec brings great wisdom and wit to the youth sport landscape. I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable work for its invaluable contribution to the conversation around ethical and sustainable sport systems.”

—Travis T. Tygart, CEO, United States Anti-Doping Agency

“Let’s bring back the joy! Finally, a book that guides us through the true meaning of growth and development in sport. Dr. Amanda Stanec and Richard Way share their expertise in a witty and authentic way. Protect the Joy is a must-read for anyone in youth performance.”

—Dr. Beth McCharles, Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC)

“If only we could transport parents into the future to witness the impact of their child’s sports journey on the adults they will become, they would realize that what truly matters is the joy, life skills, and sense of security experienced by their child along the way. While time travel may elude us, Protect the Joy lays the pathway to ensure that every child lives the most fulfillment from their sports journey.”

—Richard Monette, managing director of Activeforlife.com, and performance coach for Olympians and professional athletes

“Joy is the foundation for everything good in sports. But in today’s increasingly commercialized youth sports landscape, it’s easy to think the purpose of play is something else. 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, and founder of Aspen Institute’s Project Play