Are You a “Positive” Coach?

By Kathy Toon

Being involved with youth sports, I enjoy reading articles and  insights from coaches and trainers. One of my favorites is Coach Kathy Toon.  I strongly recommend you visit her site. Great articles and philosophies on all aspects of sports.

Since I work with the Positive Coaching Alliance , this article by Coach Toon struck a chord. 

 

 

Are You A “Positive Coach”

A seemingly simple question. Yet when asked whether he was a “positive” or a “negative” coach, one of my coaching mentors replied, “neither, rather I am an honest one”. He went on to say “I feel that the connotations for “positive” are the whole hovering helicopter parent phenomenon and the give trophies to everyone movement. The always give positive feedback movement has not been a good one for our kids.”

Now, many of you know I worked for the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) for 8 years and remain a senior trainer for the organization. My mentor’s comments made me pause. I thought back to my first introduction to PCA – an article in the SF Chronicle featuring Phil Jackson. I still remember my eyes rolling when I first read the phrase “positive coaching” and thinking that’s for little kids. I’m a college coach. Still to this day, I describe myself as a “challenging” coach vs a positive one.

Next, my curiosity drove me to Webster’s. What does the word “positive” actually mean? I discovered 17 different entries! Number 3 dealt with mind set so I started there. It reads a) “having the mind set or settled; confident; assured [a positive person] b) overconfident or dogmatic”.

Here in lies the rub. As coaches we want our athletes to be confident and assured yet not overconfident. I guess what really matters is what a coach is, not what they are called.

What kind of coach are you?

For more great informaton visit Coach Toon 

Why Michael Vick Should Get A Second Chance

When the Michael Vick story originally broke,  it was hard to find people who weren’t disgusted by the description of his dog fighting business.

So now,  after twenty three months of jail time, has he paid his debt to society enough not to  wear one of the most hated athletes banner?

That is a personal decision by each and every one of us. I have to admit, as an animal lover ( I have 2 dogs & 4 cats, all but one rescued), I still find it hard to stomach what he did.

Here are my questions and answers for sitting back and giving Michael Vick a second chance. I also included some quotes from his press conference at the end.

He served his time (23 months) should he be allowed back in the NFL?

His debt to society has been fulfilled according to his sentence. If the Philadelphia Eagles, feel that he can benefit their team, why shouldn’t they hire him? If Michael  Vick was a plumber, would he still be able to find work as a plumber after he was released from jail? He is a professional football player. That is his profession. He has every right to find employment. We all know the NFL is really in the entertainment business. The Philadelphia Eagles must feel he will sell more tickets and help them to a Super Bowl. An interesting side note is Donavan McNabb and Michael Vick are good friends. Vick stayed with McNabb during his recruiting trip to Syracuse and they have been close ever since. McNabb was instrumental in bringing Vick to the Eagles. If you can’t stomach watching, don’t buy the tickets and turn off the tv. My guess, he will create a huge turnout.

Could Michael Vick really be a changed man?

It appears from all I have read and seen, prison did have an effect on him.  Losing ones freedom can cause some serious reflection, especially for someone so privileged. Having Tony Dungy as a mentor speaks volumes. No one in the sports arena is respected more. He is the right person to guide Michael Vick.  Lastly, if you don’t believe a person can change and turn their life around, look no further than our last president, George W. Bush. Regardless of your party affiliation, he has to be respected for admitting to abusing alcohol until he was 40 and then quit.  He went on to become the President of the United States.  Michael Vick’s journey does not need to go quite so far.

Is he truly remorseful?

Some will say he is just sorry for getting caught or feels remorse because of all he lost. Others  might feel he is showing genuine remorse for his actions. I believe it could be both! Of course he is sorry for getting caught and everything he lost. I’m sure everyday of his twenty three months, he had to think, how did I let this happen?  I can’t believe I lost my career, gone bankrupt,  and my freedom. But at the same time, I also believe he could gain a sense of what he did wrong. How his actions affected his family, his career, and how wrong his beliefs were about dog fighting by listening to others and learning.

Is Michael Vick’s association with the Humane Society genuine?

My first reaction was, of course he would align himself with animal rights groups and the Humane Society. What better way to try and rehabilitate his image? As far as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is concerned, their opinion doesn’t carry much weight with me. They are just too over the top. After all, President Obama’s killing of a fly on TV was not acceptable to the organization’s leaders. Enough said.

However, what did have an influence on me was the statement made in the LA Times by the Humane Society’s president and chief executive, Wayne Pacelle.  Recognizing the importance of Michael Vick playing for the Eagles he said,  “It’s a city ( Philadelphia) we’ve been looking at very closely because it has a major dogfighting problem,” Pacelle said in a phone interview today with our colleague Sam Farmer. “So Vick’s landing there has the potential to turn around the issue. This gives us a big boost.”

Sounds to me he might be able to have a positive impact in the city and beyond.

What good can come from hating Michael Vick?

Some will never be able to get over it. Some will march and protest forever. I am not going to use my energy in that way. Instead, I am going to watch closely, and see if he truly is a changed man. If he isn’t, I can be disgusted by him. But maybe, just maybe he has seen the errors of his way. He would then have the ability to have an impact on our youth and hopefully in the culture of dog fighting.  Check back with me later.

Excerpt from Michael Vicks new conference:

Vick said: “I was wrong for what I did. Everything at that point in my life was wrong, I was involved in pointless activity. We all do certain things and have things in our lives. I think everyone deserves a second chance. But you only get one chance at a second chance and I am conscious of that.

We all used the excuse of it being part of the culture. I don’t think that’s right. i saw peoples’ reactions once I went to prison, and I realize they care about their animals. That’s why I want to help animals, do what I have to do. I want to help more animals than I hurt.

It was a part of my life that I felt was wrong, I was trying to turn the corner but it was too late. There is a reason for everything in life. I have to deal with that shame and embarrassment. I knew it was wrong. It was unethical and inhumane. I paid my debt to society, two years away from my family. It was a humbling experience. I can’t express how sorry I was. I had to explain to my three kids it was because of Daddy’s faults. I wanted a second chance at being a better father and to show them the way.”

‘I’ve done some horrible things”

What are your thoughts on  Michael Vick’s return? Love it? Hate It?

Repetitive Stress Injuries in Young Athletes

By: Dr. Mark Walter

www.vsas.com

There has been a definite increase in overuse injuries in children. Repetitive-stress injuries (RSI) used to be a relatively rare problem for the young, or so it seemed. This has all changed.

Of course, you would see an occasional Osgood-Schlatter’s or epicondylitis, but with the emergence of organized sports and their emphasis on repetitive drills, as well as the more recent trend toward sports specialization in young athletes, RSI is now a relatively common problem. Chiropractors are experts at treating these types of injuries. If managed carefully, most adolescent athletes can recover completely from these injuries.

Let’s take a specific example of a RSI: spondylolysis (stress fracture of the vertebrae). It is estimated that 15 percent to 20 percent of gymnasts develop this type of stress fracture. However, it affects many young athletes who perform any activity that requires repetitive hyperextension of the lower back. Dancers, divers, gymnasts, high jumpers, offensive linemen, pole vaulters, weight lifters and wrestlers all demonstrate an increased incidence of spondylolysis. Read more

Michael Vick and Teachable Moments for Parents

How do you feel about Michael Vick being released from prison and most likely playing in the NFL? To some, the mere mention of this brings disgust due to his abhorrent involvement in dog fighting.

I am not going to tell you how you should feel about Michael Vick, or your thoughts on dog fighting.

The bigger question?

How can we use this situation, and others like it, as one of those “teachable moments” between parents and their kids?

These situations provide a terrific opportunity to have a great discussion with your kids about current events, without sounding like a lecture.
 
How? Ask Questions.

• What do you think about dog fighting?

• What do you think about the person who gets involved in this activity?

• Would you want to be friends with someone who does this?

• Should Michael Vick be given a second chance now that he has served his time in prison?

• What do you think he could do to help people feel differently about him?

I’m sure you can think of many others, but you get the point.

Can you see how this would engage your child to think and discuss instead of tuning you out with another eye roll?

What is your take on this? Do you have better questions?  How do you handle these types of moments?

Parents – Grab A Whistle and Give it a Try

I attended the finals of a high school girls basketball tournament last night. Now remember, this is a summer tournament, not  a high school event.

It just amazes me to sit and listen to the comments being made. Parents yelling at the kids, or even worse other players on the team. Yelling at officials. SUMMER GAME!

Excuse me if this sounds bad, but so many times I look at the father screaming and shouting instructions the loudest and I would bet my last dollar this guy never played competitive basketball in his life! Read more

Softball Team Shows it is More than Wins and Loses

Update below: Youth Sports and it’s coaches, provide the perfect classroom for life lessons. This article about a girls softball team is a heartwarming example

Northampton Softball Team Making a Difference

Update:

At the softball teams dinner banquet, Gabby was invited to attend and was honored. She also provided small gifts to each of the players. She is still undergoing treatments and is battling leukemia like a true champion. She is doing fabulous. Gabby also attended a Miracle League game to become an Angel in the Outfield. This is one remarkable young girl. Her mother, father, and sister are just a wonderful, supportive and humble family.

Here is a picture of Gabby with  Alex – the teams record setting pitcher who will be attending Bucknell University in the fall on scholarship, and  with all the graduating seniors. The teams record was 18-6 and lost to the eventual State Champions in the District playoffs.  What an inspirational group of young women! Read more

Why Her Son Pitched the Game of His Life and Never Pitched Again

If you’re a coach for a youth program and you don’t think you can make a difference, you need to read this parents story.

A son, all the talent and drive in the world, abruptly decides to walk away from the game he loved. Why?  What happened?  What caused  him to decide he no longer wanted to play the game any longer?

Read this disturbing account posted by the Positive Coaching  Alliance A Change in My Son

Share your comments and thoughts.

Miracle League Opening Day Pictures – Angels vs Marlins

Play Ball!

Pictures of the first game of the season for the Miracle League in the Lehigh Valley, PA.

Special Thanks to Frito Lay’s amazing group of Angels in the Outfield volunteers. I have never seen a more dedicated and enthusiastic  group who do it straight from the heart.

Also a big  thank you to the Southern Lehigh High School Baseball Team, for their work as awesome Angels in the Outfield for the Marlinsl. They really stepped up to the plate and were fantastic with the kids.  Thanks guys!

Angels vs Marlins Opening Week

LeBron James Is Confused

LeBron James is confused about the meaning of “competitor.”

After the Orlando Magic eliminated James’ Cleveland Cavaliers from the NBA Playoffs Saturday and James refused to shake hands with his opponents, The New York Times quoted James: “It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them. I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them. That doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a competitor.”

No. The ultimate competitor is the Triple-Impact Competitor who makes self, teammates and the game better. James is superb on levels 1 and 2. On Level 3, he fell down, badly.

James, admirable in so many ways, is sending a bad message to youth athletes: a competitor is too upset by losing to Honor the Game.

Former NFL coach Herm Edwards nailed it. “The game is sacred….When you are out on the field, you must remember your legacy and what you are representing.”

Triple-Impact Competitors are strong enough to make the game better by overcoming their disappointment to congratulate their opponents at the toughest time–right after they’ve beaten you.

– Jim Thompson, PCA Founder and Executive Director

What do you think?  Share your comments.

Grown-Ups Get a Little Lesson In Sportsmanship

The Positive Coaching Alliance was featured in an article by Amy Gardner of The Washington Post, who attended a PCA workshop for sports parents at Burke Athletic Club and “caught them doing things right.”

Letting parents and coaches know the main word to remember is  “FUN” sets the stage for a great clinic.

Read the article and then pass it along.  Leave  your comments and then go out with your kids and enjoy some great youth sporting events.

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