Positive Coaching Alliance Connector

Connector -- August 21, 2008

In This Issue:

National Conversation on Good Coaching Case Study #5: "The Hot- Air Fan"

PCA Founder Jim Thompson Responds to Case Study #4

Coaching and Sports Parenting Tip: Introducing "Triple-Impact Competitor"

Shawn Johnson and Other Olympic Inspirations

Win a DVD of PCA's Film Debut in "Her Best Move"

Good Coaching Case Study #5: "The Hot-Air Fan"

Thanks to all of you who responded to our August "Good Coaching Case Study." Playing time obviously is a huge concern, judging from the depth of your comments on the Good Coaching Case Studies blog.

Now, consider our next Case Study:

The Hot-Air Fan

In the stands at your child's game, you hear another spectator berating the officials. Over time, this fan's criticism grows louder and more pointed with a sprinkling of foul language. You notice other spectators glancing at the fan, and you sense a volatile situation developing. None of the coaches seem to be paying attention to what is happening in the stands and you wonder what your responsibility is in this situation.

What, if anything, might you say to the fan?
What other action might you take to correct the situation?
What concerns do you weigh as you decide how to proceed?

You can "converse" about your answers at the Case Studies blog and by printing out this Case Study for discussion at youth sports events and organizational meetings.

As always, thanks to our co-conveners who distribute Case Studies through their websites, e-mail newsletters and publications, making this a true National Conversation on Coaching:

American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
American Youth Soccer Organization
Institute for International Sport
Little League International
Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports
National Association for Sport and Physical Education
National Federation of State High School Associations
Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
USA Volleyball
USA Water Polo
US Lacrosse

PCA Founder Jim Thompson Responds to Case Study #4

"Playing time is probably the biggest source of frustration and anger among sports parents, which is saying a lot."

So begins PCA Founder Jim Thompson's compelling response to last month's Case Study. Click here to read more.

Coaching and Sports Parenting Tip: Introduce "Triple-Impact Competitor"

If you are a Double-Goal Coach (whose first goal is winning and whose second, more important goal is teaching life lessons through sports) or Second-Goal Parent (focused on the second goal, life lessons) consider introducing your youth and high school athletes to the concept of "Triple-Impact Competitor."

Triple-Impact Competitors work on three levels, striving to improve themselves, their teammates and their sport as a whole. PCA currently offers its "Becoming a Triple-Impact Competitor" workshop for high school athletes and "Developing Triple-Impact Competitors" workshop for high school coaches, but you can develop awareness of this ideal in athletes of any age.

For example, you can draw from televised sports: "Shawn Johnson is a Triple-Impact Competitor. It's obvious how hard she works to improve her own gymnastics routines. She helped her teammates improve, such as when she was consoling Alicia Sacramone during the team finals, so that Alicia could bounce back. And, by graciously accepting her silver medal after pushing Nastia Liukin to her limit in the individual all-around, Shawn helped elevate her whole sport to a place of honor."

Holding up examples for youth athletes is even more impactful on a live, local basis. That is why PCA is identifying and rewarding high school student athletes (starting in Northern California) through the Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Program sponsored by Deloitte.

While PCA hopes to add to this program, there is nothing keeping your school or youth sports organization from identifying and honoring your own own Triple-Impact Competitors by creating your own Triple-Impact Competitor Award. Urging your youth or high school athletes to become Triple-Impact Competitors may pay off in more ways than one!

Shawn Johnson and Other Olympic Inspirations

U.S. Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson inspired us as a Triple-Impact Competitor. Visit PCA's Youth Sports Nation blog to let us know who else in these Olympics inspires you and your youth athletes.

Win a DVD of PCA's Film Debut in "Her Best Move"

Here is your chance to win a DVD of "Her Best Move," the family-friendly film that follows the fictitious adventures of 15-year-old soccer prodigy Sara Davis, who must juggle high school, romance, and her parents as she pursues a spot on the U.S. National Team. The film stars Leah Pipes (WB's "Life is Wild") and Scott Patterson ("Gilmore Girls") and a scene set at a Positive Coaching Alliance workshop.

"Her Best Move" has won numerous film festival awards and has received the Dove Seal of approval. The film is rated G and is now available on DVD in stores and at www.HerBestMove.com.

However, PCA will award a FREE copy of the DVD to the writers of each of the 10 best blog responses to this month's Good Coaching Case Study. Click here to comment on Case Study #5 -- "The Hot-Air Fan" -- and PCA will announce the winners in our next issue of Connector.

Positive Coaching Alliance
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