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 Weekly High School Sports Report

Mike Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Mike will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

"Hooking, Holding, and Slashing," will take a look at how the so-called "new rules," being enforced in professional hockey will effect the youth and high school game this year. We'll hear Denon Konopka of the Portland Pirates, referee Tom Clifford, and coaches Jason Tremblay, Bart Keinath, and Nick Dambrie, talking about the new rules and get their views on whether they like them or not and how they have changed the game.

Also joining us will be hockey blogger Chris Roy, and Justin Pelletier of the Lewiston Sun Journal. They will give us their views on the new rules and comments on the upcoming high school season.

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

Parents, Beware! Your schools may be cutting back on recess and free play in order to increase more "seat time," and to avoid possible litigation. The problem with much of what is happening in our schools is that the majority of parents are "sleeping at the wheel," and not aware of what is going on.

It makes no sense whatsoever to eliminate or reduce the amount of daily physical activity our children receive in light of the incidence of childhood obesity, and it makes no sense in terms of how children learn. Years of research and "common sense" support the need for children and young adults to move about frequently and vigorously throughout the day in order to burn off calories and energy, stay alert, and renew the brain's source of oxygen.

Schools are now using the "liability" issue to reduce or eliminate recess and free-play. They say they can't control bullying and rough play that can lead to injury. Poppycock! Insanity! Well-supervised activity periods on safe playgrounds protect the kids and the school. Injuries happen to kids. My son broke his collar bone this week playing in an after-school, school-sanctioned 5 on 5 flag football game. I'm not going to sue anybody, and neither are 99% of us parents who want our kids to have a "normal" childhood filled with healthy activity and fun, free from out-of-control parents and over-the-top coaches! Its worth the occasional broken bone or bloody nose.

Parents! Don't let the so-called "experts" trump your common sense and the basic needs your kids have for daily, strenuous, physical activity that keeps them healthy and enhances learning! Speak up and tell 'em you aren't going to take it anymore!

The Parent Trap

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