Positive Coaching Alliance Connector

Connector -- April 15, 2009

In This Issue:

Ask PCA: How Can Parents Hold Coaches Accountable?

Coaching Tip: Awarding Game Balls

SportsChallenge Alliance Calls for Applicants

Ask PCA: How Can Parents Hold Coaches Accountable?

My daughter goes to a very competitive public high school with a winning tradition. However, some of the coaches with the best winning traditions are also some of the worst coaches when it comes to how they treat the kids.

These coaches are allowed to scream and yell at our children with no consequences. Our kids are put down amongst their peers and even cursed at in public. Yet the teams win and nothing is done. A few years ago our school implemented a Code of Conduct for all athletes and parents to sign. The Code is not strictly enforced, even though athletes and parents must sign a new one for each new season or sport.

What kind of Code of Conduct should the coaches be held accountable to? When the Code is broken by a coach, how should it be dealt with? Our coaches are also teachers in the school and they are part of the union, which makes it difficult for parents to question a coach's tactics and behavior because of the fear of retribution not only to the athlete (playing time, etc.) but also to the student and their grades. I cannot sit on the sidelines any more and something must be done. I need your help!

To share your advice for this parent, visit our blog.

Coaching Tip: Awarding Game Balls

On many youth teams it is common practice to hand out a game ball or other symbolic reward to the "player of the game." This award should not necessarily go to the most outstanding or dominant player in a game. Instead, consider using this honor to cultivate, reinforce and reward the behavior you want.

Click here for more.

SportsChallenge Alliance Calls for Applications

You're a competitor. You have goals. You're serious about your game. You're committed to making yourself the best leader and athlete you can be.

So are we.

PCA Trainers Molly Hellerman and Jeremy Edwards invite 9th-through-12th-grade basketball and soccer players to apply for spots in SportsChallenge Summer Academy. Entering its 13th year, the Academy offers individualized basketball or soccer skill development and sport psychology and leadership workshops.

Join a diverse set of high school student-athletes from across the country to train as serious athletes and leaders, June 27-July 5 (residential program) in Middletown, DE.

"SportsChallenge is all about preparing you for life's challenges."

--Bill Bradley, Former US Senator, NBA Champion, PCA National Advisory Board Member

SportsChallenge is a national non-profit dedicated to using sport as a tool to develop and empower student leaders from diverse backgrounds who positively impact their teams, schools and communities. To apply, visit www.sportschallengealliance.org or contact Molly Hellerman at molly@sportschallengealliance.org.

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