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

They raise thousands of dollars every year so their kids can play high school sports. They are Athletic Boosters, and they volunteer countless hours to save interscholastic sports from the chopping block, to buy new equipment, and to cover travel costs. There are rules and guidelines that must be strictly observed, and we'll learn all about it first-hand from S. Portland High School Athletic Director Kevin Woodhouse, and Boys Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Mike Edgar. They will be joined by booster club presidents, Bob Murray, Kathy Adams, Jane Harmon, and Kathy Cabana.

During the second hour, we'll talk with one of the foremost experts on hazing and the author of several books on hazing. If you think hazing is just a simple rite of initiation or team bonding, you will be shocked to learn what Hank Nuwer has to say about it. This show will be an invaluable eye opener for parents, coaches, and administrators on the unnecessary and potentially deadly practices that many kids and adults still consider harmless.

We'll also be joined in studio by Gary Stevens, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Bonny Eagle High School where a Hazing Policy and an education program are in place to educate parents, coaches, and players.

You will learn about hazing in high school, the deadly combination of hazing and alcohol, how your kids could be breaking the law and held responsible for their actions that lead to serious injury and death. Hank will tell us about actual hazing incidents across the country and explain the psychological "groupthink" that leads to hazing.

We'll also find out what you can do to attack and eradicate this dangerous practice in your schools and communities. You can learn more about Hank and his research on hazing by visiting his website at: http://hazing.hanknuwer.com/

His two landmark books are: High School Hazing, and The Hazing Reader. Both are available from Amazon.com

The Coaches Corner

Remember: 1) These are just kids. 2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will NOT be about learning a game.

Regis' Rant

Read my blog this week on "An Overweight Nation." What are the causes you didn't realize that cause obesity.  http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/

The Parent Trap

Next week's blog on http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/ will be my thoughts about the Parent Trap. I hope you will visit and add your comments.

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.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org