What Youth Sports Administrators Have in Common with Paterno, Spanier, Curley & McQuery

Do you realize how much YOU have in common with Joe Paterno, Graham Spanier, Tim Curley and Mike McQuery?  No, these men did not commit the physical crimes against children, as did Jerry Sandusky.  However, they are responsible and liable for their own actions when there is even a hint that someone is abusing a child.  This blog isn’t specifically about the Penn State case and who was (or wasn’t) fired, that will all pan out in court, but it is a REALITY check for all involved with youth that no one is invincible.

While the Penn State case is making national headlines because of its legendary coach and it’s football program, understand that this happens FREQUENTLY in youth sports.  Most of our readers are involved in teams/leagues/youth programs in one-way or the other. Are you a coach, athletic director, team mom or a parent on the side-lines?  Whatever your position, today is the day to step back and realize where exactly you fit into the lives of the kids participating in your youth sports organization.   You are there to protect them at all cost.

Some time ago, we did a blog on Protect Your Kids From Predators In Youth Sports.  This blog is a must read for anyone that has or is involved with children. It includes an article from Sports Illustrated from actual predators in youth programs saying “This is how we got away with it …this is how you protect your kids.” (Example from the article, Did you know, Studies have found that the average preferential molester victimizes about 120 children before he is caught? DISTURBING). It also contains useful Risk Management guidelines that can be implemented TODAY!

For more articles on preventing sexual abuse and molestation, visit our blog.

Shart this with others so that we all can make a difference.

Could Football Players Heat-Related Death Have Been Prevented

While the incident that led to the death of 15-year-old, Max Gilpin in August 2008 is very tragic, it could have likely been prevented. This particular case has had many experts in the sports arena scratching their heads.  The experts at “From The Gym To The Jury” commented on this case in their latest edition stating “In 19 years of reporting court cases involving injury or death at early season practices, this may be the first to result in criminal charges.” The coach, David Stinson, has pleaded “not guilty” in the player’s death.

The most important thing to focus on here is PREVENTION. If you are remotely involved with a youth sports league, each of the coaches, assistant coaches, etc. need to be made aware of the information that we provide on Heat Illness: Avoidance and Prevention. By following these guidelines, you are helping to protect your kids from heat illness and your coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers and league officials from being the target in a big dollar lawsuit.

What Lessons Can Youth Athletes Learn From Losing?

When you put your kids on the field you are so stoked because your team is out to WIN! But is it always the best thing? The NY Times recently posted a great article,  Lessons Learned In Losing. The article does a great job of making us realize that it isn’t all about winning and that there can even be some health benefits in losing. 

Take a moment today to comment and let us know What Lessons Have You Learned From Losing?

Sports Officials Under Assault

Attacks on sports officials continue, despite efforts of national governing bodies and sports organizations to emphasize sportsmanship. Today, not only are officials at risk, but coaches have faced similar verbal and physical attacks by overzealous parents and players. The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) published a Special Report: Officials Under Assault giving examples from all levels of sports and the steps that are being taken to prevent attacks on sports officials. If they do occur the assailant could be banned from sports, fined or even jailed.