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                April 2011

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Positive Coaching is a nonprofit, whose mission is to educate and encourage positive attitudes and behavior in all athletic endeavors by coaches, parents, administrators, media, and players.
 
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In The News

ABC News Investigation: USA Swimming Coaches Molested, Secretly Taped Dozens of Teen Swimmers

Olympic Governing Body Under Fire; 36 Swim Coaches Banned for Life Because of Sexual Misconduct with Teens

In a sex abuse scandal that some victims compare to what happened in the Catholic Church, at least 36 swimming coaches have been banned for life by the USA Swimming organization over the last 10 years because of sexual misconduct with teenagers they coached.

The coaches have molested, fondled and abused dozens of swimmers, according to court records and interviews conducted by ABC News for reports Friday on "World News with Diane Sawyer" and "20/20."

WATCH the 20/20 investigation

The coach, Brian Hindson of Kokomo, IN, secretly taped teenage girls he coached in two high school pool locker rooms, one in which he directed girls to a "special" shower room where he had a hidden camera inside a locker.

"It was a sense of betrayal," Indiana swimming star Brooke Taflinger told ABC News chief investigative correspondent Brian Ross for a report to be broadcast Friday on "20/20."

Taflinger's parents later identified Brooke for the FBIas one of the girls who was taped naked in the locker and shower area.

 
 
Tip of the Month  
 

At the banquet/team awards night, trophies, certificates and plaques are great.  One of the biggest hits is coffee mugs for each member with a digital photo submitted by the parent from a game or practice.

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The Good, the Bad, the Ugly--Athletic Banquets
 
 
After a quarter century of participating in athletic/team awards banquets as a coach, parent and athletic director, I will share my experiences with you; the good , the bad and the ugly.

 

The Good

 

As a Coach:  The best experiences I have ever had at the banquet were because of the parents.   I have had the pleasure of coaching teams where the parents took control of the banquet.  The parents literally told us "just show up, we have it all taken care of."  They planned the date, room, catering invitations, decorations and clean up.  All I had to do was MC and hand out the awards.

 

As a Parent:  The best experiences were when my kid was recognized, the parents were thanked, the food was great and the night was organized and on time.

 

As an Athletic Director: When it was over!

 

The Bad

 

As a Coach:  I remember one banquet when the food was planned by a parent.  Her famous Italian lasagna.  As it turned out she made enough for all fifty plus in attendance the day before and froze it for the day of the banquet. I drew up the invitations and agenda.  We were to eat first then have the awards which included a slide show of  game pictures.

      

 

When I got to the school, the lasagna parent was upset because the ovens were not pre-heated and the lasagna needed at least an hour to cook. Hence a change in the agenda and a two hour banquet turned into a three hour agony for very hungry participants that finally ate late that night.

 

As a Parent:  Attending one banquet for my daughter.  The coaches could not talk enough about himself and his coaching ability (it was also a mediocre season).  The awards for all the athletes were an after thought.

 

As an Athletic Director:  When it was over!

 

The Ugly

 

As a Coach:  My first year as a head coach was not a great season!  Have you ever been in a situation where you're sure you are disliked, disrespected and constantly scanning the audience for weapons?  I was in that type of situation and as the MC, standing at the podium with a target on my bald forehead.

 

As a Parent:   The banquet was planned well in advance.  As it turned out, the coach had one of her players in an all star game the same time as the banquet.  The parents in attendance were told to be patient, and that we would start the banquet as soon as the coach showed up!  Four hours later the two hour banquet began.  The food was cold and stale. We all got the pleasure of listening to this coach talk about herself and her star player.  I still think she stopped off on the way to the banquet for a shot of whiskey and a sandwich.

 

As an Athletic Director:  When it was over!

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"Quote of the Month" 
 
 
                                                                                                         

"The difference between the old ballplayer and the new ballplayer is the jersey.  The old ballplayer cared about the name on the front.  The new ballplayer cares about the name on the back" 

                                             --Steve Garvey

                                            

 
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Tom Van Buskirk
Positive Coaching
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Life Dimensions

Aviation Property Management
In This Issue
In The News
Tip of the Month
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly--Athletic Banquets
A Word from the Coach
Quick Links
A Word from the Coach 

 

     

As I was listening to the weather forecast for the week from NOAA radio.  I heard the word, Thunderstorms.  In my entire flying career, this is certainly my least favorite cloud.  Although it can be a thing of wonder and beauty; it can also be deadly.  I've been struck by lighting twice; fortunately it was in an airplane.

    

 

Please, coaches, parents and officials heed the thunderstorm.   Far too many people are killed or injured by lightning strike every year while playing sports in a storm.   Remember that you do not have to be under the cloud to be struck.  Lighting can strike up to five miles from the source. 

    

 

Always be cognizant of the weather around you when outdoors, it may save a life.

 

         --Coach V