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

Danny Pearce

Dear all,

I have been following this discussion fairly closely over the last few days. I am a high school teacher in London UK, I have responsibility for the extra-curricular program within the school. Effectively this means I coach 10-12 teams a year. Quite a lot. I also coach a couple of junior teams at various sports. I understand the issues of over zealous coaches and the problems they cause, however I also understand the problems of having no coaches. No-one seems to have mentioned having trouble actually getting coaches in the first place. Any parent who willingly volunteer's their time to coach or just assist is incredibly valuable. I know I would never turn them away because they wanted to develop a champion team. These people who give up their time are really keen. I admit sometimes a little too keen, but none the less still important.

I think these people would jump at the chance of some formal training, training geared towards skill development of children. If they were educated a little better then they would be aware of the problems they cause. Maybe the Leagues could invest in some training at the beginning of each season. Get all the coaches together, get them talking too each other and really emphasize the fact that they have a big role to play in development of kids in the area.

If we educate the coaches/parents first and they are aware of the issues in kids sport then they might change their ideals. Getting them together might prove valuable as they could learn off each other, understand and discuss the importance of even and fair competition, why all children need a fair go, swap ideas etc.

It might not work for all but it might work for some.

Danny Pearce, PE Teacher - Cumberland School, London UK.

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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