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

Is there a connection between adult behaviors and the reason 75% of our kids quit, get cut, or otherwise drop out of organized youth sports? We'll talk about how play has been transformed into performance and we'll examine some of the outlandish and immature behaviors of adults that have ruined the games children play. We'll also examine the pressure that well-intentioned parents directly and indirectly place on their children. We'll take a look at the signals warning parents to beware of The Parent Trap.

Do you think there is any connection between Lou Piniella, the manager of the Chicago Cubs, who threw another of his famous temper tantrums that led to a four game suspension, and your kids' coach who screams at game officials with red face and veins popping? Or who screams and demeans your kid all in the name of "bringing the best out of her?" Get real! If these supposed teachers manifested that behavior in the classroom, they be thrown out before the final bell!

Could there be any question that violence in sports - on the playing fields and in the stands - is ever acceptable? Did you see the Chicago Cubs players fighting in the dugout? Have you seen bench clearing brawls in baseball and thought it just part of "the game." Or what about those infamous NBA brawls that nearly sparked riots in the stands? Have you stood and cheered during a hockey fight like a blood thirsty fan? Do you think profanity laced tirades by any coach and any player at any level is acceptable? If the games our children play are an extension of the classroom, what are they really learning?

If we truly want the best for our kids, placing their needs FIRST demands that parents and coaches examine themselves and the games our children play. Play is the work of childhood. It is how they learn and grow up to be healthy.

In the second hour, Dr. Charles Lyons, President of York County Community College along with Claudette Dupee, Dual Enrollment Coordinator, will discuss how Maine's community colleges are responding to the unmet needs of thousands of students and opening the doors to college, work, and citizenship. We'll hear from several students whose academic achievement has blossomed thanks to the opportunity to enroll in community college classes while still in high school.

Maine's community colleges are investing in Maine's future by enabling thousands of students the opportunity to learn valuable skills required in the new economy.

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. 4) Never get angry or holler at your kids with an angry or impatient tone. Remember, there are two kinds of "holler:" a good holler to get their attention, and a bad holler that expresses anger, frustration, and disappointment. And 5) Be positive in all of your comments. Always focus on what the child did right even if it was just going up to the plate without crying!

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