Parent Problem
October 29, 2013
For years when I have paused in presentations to ask coaches and school administrators to identify the biggest problems we have in school sports, two problems are far most frequently mentioned:
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Too little money; and
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Too many misdirected parents.
Other problems are cited; but far and away, the most frequently mentioned problems are under-funding of programs and over-involvement of parents.
In many aspects of the lives of youth, there is too little parent involvement and direction; but such is not the case in most places when it comes to sports. “Helicopter parents” not only hover, they also seek to rescue their children from the very situations – adversity – that sports uses to teach life lessons.
Parents have no role in decisions regarding playing time and game plans. Should parents ever believe that their child has been put at risk in a sports program, there are prompt and appropriate ways to address those situations, directly and with discretion, not gossip and guile.
And the job description of school administrators today must include the staunch defense of the jobs our committed coaches are doing.
MSU to Host Inagurual Coaches School
May 27, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Michigan State University Department of Kinesiology and the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports are inviting coaches and sport leaders to their inaugural MSU Summer Coaches’ School, to be conducted June 18-20.
Coaches and sport leaders will gain knowledge, build networks, and learn experientially through hands-on lessons outside the classroom. Subjects include:
- Program-Building
- Culture Change
- Team Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Concussions
- Training
- Parental Relations
- Performing Under Pressure
Sessions begin at 9 a.m. June 18, 8:30 on June 19 and run 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 20. Packages are available for single days, conferences-only or all-inclusive with meals and lodging for those traveling from abroad.
For details or to register, click summercoach.msu.edu or contact Dr. Andy Driska (event coordinator) at [email protected] or (517) 432-8399.
The MSU Department of Kinesiology and the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports share a long history of scientifically studying the benefits and detriments of sport participation for young people, along with outreach to help coaches and sport leaders use scientific information in their day-to-day practice. The Institute is a major contributor to MHSAA leadership and student services efforts including Captains Clinics and Sportsmanship Summits.