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 - Expanded

Michael 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, Michael 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

My featured guest will be Brooke de Lench, author of a newly released book entitled The Home Team Advantage.  Brooke is the founder and editor-in-chief of www.MomsTeam.com , an online publication for mothers parenting children active in youth sports. She is the mother of three sons (triplets) and lives in the Boston area.

The Home Team Advantage is a book written by a woman for women, and it addresses the concerns specific to mothers and empowers them to step onto the  out-of-control playground to assume whatever role they choose - spectator, advocate, administrator, coach, fund-raiser, or team mom. Brooke offers advice for mothers on how to confront out-of-control coaches to countering the win-at-all-costs mentality.

We'll be discussing Brooke's unique perspective on the role of moms and women in the male-dominated world of youth sports. Brooke will provide constructive, practical, and forward-thinking advice to help mothers understand the critical role they can play in putting the words fun, game, and play back into youth sports.

Dr. Ben Grasso will be back for the entire show, but in the first hour we'll be exploring his insights into why youth sport parents act with a "Stone Age Brain." I'm sure Ben will have some interesting "primate brain" insights on the role of women and moms in the world of youth sports organized by men. Ben will be a regular guest on the show and from time to time will offer advice and answer questions from callers.

Podcast Update

I'm experimenting with Podcasting the weekly show. Since I'm self-taught, the learning curve is steep at this point. Nevertheless, there are three "sample clips" of the show that can be listened to and downloaded at:

 http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/Podcasts.htm

I would appreciate any and all feedback, especially with regards to which player your browser used, i.e. Windows Media Player, Quick Time, etc. Were you able to download and save the file? How long did it take to download/play? What was the quality of the sound?

Once I figure out the best way to do this, anyone, anywhere will be able to listen to the show whenever it is convenient.

The Coaches Tip Of The Week

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! 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 have nothing to do with the game you are coaching.

This week's Tip:

Everyone matters, and everyone must have a significant role to play on every team. Greatness comes when people trust each other and can put away their egos and hidden agendas to become a team. (Phil Jackson, Sacred Hoops)

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

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