Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Main(e) Event

Local resident, Wes McCauley, rose through the ranks to become an NHL referee. We'll learn what it takes to make it to the top of your profession, and we'll talk about what life is like on the road for the long 80 plus game season. Together with Dean Gilbert, who referees college and high school hockey, we'll find out if the new rule changes that improved the professional game have had an impact on college, high school, and youth hockey programs.

We'll also have information on how to become a referee, what it takes to get certified, and who to contact if you are interested in becoming a hockey official.

During the second hour, we're delighted to have Bill Green who hosts "Bill Green's Maine" on WCSH Channel 6, Saturday evenings at 7 pm. As a long-time TV personality, Bill needs no introduction to most Mainers. You'll be surprised to hear Bill's views on what school kids should be exposed to for lifelong physical activity here in Maine where year 'round outdoor activities are plentiful.

The Coaches Corner

OK, so why is the Little League season over for 95% of our kids who are not "All-Stars?" The big complaint from high school and LL coaches is that the playing season (spring) is too short, cold, rainy, snowy, and muddy.  July and August are generally nice and the kids are out of school. So what if a handful are gone on vacation? Its a shame to see all of those LL fields vacant when they could be filled with boys and girls playing ball all summer instead of "chillin', or just hangin' out" until school resumes.

Regis' Rant

Insights on how referees, umpires, and officials should become part of the "teaching triangle" together with parents and coaches. At the youth and high school level, to see them as "enforcers" or "the bad guys" is to underutilize their role. Seeing them in a different light should also change the way out-of-control-coaches, and out-of-line parents treat them!

The Parent Trap

Resist the temptation to have your kids spend most of the summer at camps and clinics because you fear they won't make the high school or travel team next year. For 99% of you, your kids won't be moving to the next level, so why put them through the crazed pressure cooker of a year 'round sport? Nearly every professional athlete will tell you that your kids need to play several sports, just as they did. They will also tell you to "back off" and let your kids be kids, be with their friends, and to play what they want, when they want, and however they want!

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.