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

March is National Athletic Training Month, so Audrey McKenzie, Head Trainer at Portland High, along with Dr. Doug Brown of Orthopaedic Associates will return to help us heighten awareness of the athletic training profession and to promote overall health and wellness.

National Athletic Training month, and this show will inform us about the important services athletic trainers provide in their local communities. Certified athletic trainers must hold a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in athletic training from an accredited educational program. Board certified athletic trainers are well educated, trained, and evaluated in the major practice domains.

Athletic trainers practice under state statue recognizing them as health care professionals who practice under the direction of physicians such as Dr. Doug Brown.

In the second segment of the show, Marion Doyle, Project Director for WinterKids will be my guest along with Lori Bobinsky, second grade teacher at Reiche Elementary in Portland. Lori will also bring along some of her pupils.

WinterKids is a non-profit organization who's mission is to help kids learn healthy lifestyles through participation in outdoor winter activity. Their Outdoor Learning Curriculum provides teachers with lesson plans for grades K-12 that are academically challenging with an outdoor active component.

We'll learn about this innovative approach and how WinterKids works hand-in-hand with classroom teachers to help all children become and remain healthy through good nutrition and lots of daily activity.

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 Coaching 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:

A written out mission statement for why you coach is a must for anyone who enters this important and critical profession. Start out by asking yourself these questions:

• why do I coach or want to coach

• what is my role(s) as a coach

• what is my philosophy for coaching children

• what are my goals for each individual child, the team, and myself

Hopefully you see yourself as a teacher first and foremost. What does it mean to be a teacher? What are the opportunities you have in this role? Is it just about winning? I hope not, because you will be missing countless opportunities to shape and mold the lives of your players.

Are you intent on making the experience for ALL kids fun, challenging, and meaningful?

If you already have a mission statement, pull it out and review it. Has anything changed because of the experiences you have had?

When you have written it out, share it with every one of your parents. Give them copies. I believe you have an obligation to each of them and everyone one of your players to make clear why you coach and what your purpose it. You also owe it to yourself.

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