Column - "The New P.E. & Sports Dimension" - # 6/7 January 2002

In response to Mr.Pearce's comments.

Dave Cobb

I agree that finding coaches is hard and we all live in the real world and know that favors are granted for those that do. I think recruiting for most coaches is done much too late as well as the expectation and training that they should receive. It's always a scramble to registar and pay for your kid to play. When you do they are asking for coaches right then and there without any consideration of how we have to clear our schedules as well as having any formal knowledge. It's like throwing you in the water without knowing how to swim and having everyone on the sidelines scrutinizing as to how well you are drowning (as the season progresses)

We as parents spend hundreds of dollars for camps and to play on teams why can't we spend a little extra to send coaches through a training or education program like Mr. Pearce suggested. It could be part of the fees we are already paying.

Pay the coaches to coach. We pay teachers to teach. If they make it through the training and are accepted as qualified pay them!

If they prove to be worthy keep them.

I also believe there should be involvement from a family member of each teamate. Get them to help. Have them help with drills, making calls, getting gym time, schedules or whatever. You'll be prospecting for future coaches as well. It helps when everyone involved has a clear and concise outline ahead of time.

I also believe there should be guest trainers provided maybe from High School, College, or even the Pro ranks throughout a teams season. I also agree that there should be meetings with other coaches (share what works etc.)

Thank you

Dave

1) What procedures other than those discussed above exist that may be used to facilitate a child centered environment in youth sports?

2) Are you aware of recruiting and/or team-building practices in your local youth sport league? How are the rules broken and what is done to control such behaviors?

3) Should league administrators organize pre-season tournaments after which team roster readjustments would take place? How would you suggest implementing such procedures? In case your answer is "no," explain your reasons.

4) Should volunteer coaches be allowed to keep last year's dominating champions or should the talent be redistributed at the onset of each season? Explain your vie

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