Column - "The New P.E. & Sports Dimension" - # 6/8 January 2002

In response to Osorio, George A comments.

Dave Cobb

Thanks George, for your response. I agree putting together a program that I suggested would take a full comittment financially as well as a great deal of time. But, when you consider all the money spent on prevention programs for teen drugs, alcohol, pregnancy etc, etc. Also with the divorce rate as high as it is a lot of parents use athletics as a kid sitting service as well. I think our money would be well spent having a program that would and could mentor these younger kids. Community as well as Corporate money could filter into the education for coaches and trainers. You should see the community centers and athletic facilities we have in the Portland, Oregon areas. They are fabulous facilities with several gyms, pools, and fields. They are more than busy and in use. Its unfortuanate that our state wastes more money on a bus and rail system that is less used than athletic development for younger kids.I really believe a positive program could work. Maybe it would start from a private company working with the community.

Sincerely,

Dave Cobb

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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