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

They named their robot Tubeadactyl and won The Judges Award at the GAE Granite State Regional competition in Manchester, NH. They call themselves The Riot Crew, and they've been around since 1995 when they were founded at S. Portland High School. What started with 25 students, 3 teachers, and 4 engineers from National Semiconductor, now boasts more than 40 young men and women.

Nick Dehaas, team captain and strategist, along with four teammates, teacher Ralph Newel, and their coach, Jon Meade, will join me in studio to talk about this "real life" learning experience and their quest for a national championship.

When I visited the Riot Crew in their shop at S. Portland High, I was completely blown away by what I saw. This is not your father's erector set! Each year, along with several engineers from local companies, parent volunteers, and teachers, the students build a very sophisticated robot and then compete in regional and national competitions.

This is an amazing story about a group of kids and adults who collaborate for months - every weekday night - to design, build, and prepare the robotics team for competition. They learn about mechanical and electrical engineering, computer programming, wireless remote control, and teamwork. Everything good about learning is present and I'm anxious to share this with our audience.

In the second hour, we'll explore and debunk some of the myths and stereotypes that prevent people with disabling conditions from being fully intgrated into mainstream sports, recreational and educational opportunities. The Maine Handicapped Skiing Program helps kids overcome their disabilities and take to the slopes. The stories you will hear will inspire, educate, and hopefully motivate adults involved in youth sports to integrate children with disabling conditions into all aspects of contemporary life, including sports and recreation.

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: Visit the website, use the "Coaching Tips" link or just click on the link below to see my Tips for Coaches. These tips come from my 48 hour Coaching Development Workshop and have nothing to do with X's and O's or game winning strategies. These tips are all about your professional and personal development as a teacher of kids who happen to be organized for playing a sport.

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

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