The Main(e) Event

Where do we draw the line when it comes to parents' involvement in the games their children play? Dozens of coaches across the country have either resigned or been fired because of undue influence and pressure from parents. As my good friend, and frequent guest on this show, John Gerdy says, "universities have lost their moral compass and voice because they have caved in to the corruption of intercollegiate athletics." When the same thing happens at the high school level, parents had better take notice.

We're going to examine why parents get so caught up in their children's athletic activities. What is it that drives some to "lose it," and draw a .357 Magnum on a coach over playing time? What is it that causes disgruntled parents to go before a school board to have a coach relieved because of playing time or because they didn't win?

And why do some people feel that their local municipal Parks & Recreation departments must provide or endorse select or travel teams so their kids can compete against other "selected" kids from neighboring communities? Some local papers ran a story this week about the S. Portland Parks & Recreation Department that defended its philosophy of fair play, broad-based participation, equal opportunity and equal playing time against the complaints of a tiny group of parents.

It's the same insanity that compels some dads to use their kids to compete against other dads all the way to Williamsport, or wherever, to decide on a national champion for 10-12 yr olds. It's the same loss of balance and perspective that drives some wealthy people (because they can) to transport their own children, their "select" friends, coaches, parents and siblings in their private jets to play basketball against other 12 yr olds to see who is No. 1.

It's NOT about the kids, their development, or reaching their potential. What is it that enables a Catholic school in Ohio to allow the teenage LeBron James and his high school basketball team to crisscross the country in private jets to satisfy ESPN's need to crown #1. St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, Arizona is doing the same thing this year with one of the nation's "top high school seniors."

In the second hour, my guests will be S. Portland High Athletic Director, Kevin Woodhouse; S. Portland High Head Football Coach, Steve Stinson; and Steve Lechner, Freeport High Head Football Coach. Coach Mike Bailey of Portland High, one of he senior statesmen in Maine high school football will also be on hand to talk about maintaining a high level of play over he long haul. We’ll look at how difficult it is to build a new program, and to rebuild an old, and storied program. We’ll also hear from several players on why “they suit up” every week to represent their school.

Forecaster Sports Editor, Michael Hoffer, will also be on hand for the entire show sharing his insights on everything we talk about.

Kids don't need this pressure and exposure. Parents and families surely don't need it, and our schools have no business crossing the line into the arena of professional entertainment. And the rest of us don't need or want to watch adolescents and pre-adolescents mugging for the camera, acting out, or hawking equipment for sports manufacturers.

The phone lines will be open this week. I'll want to hear what our listeners are thinking.

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