Building the Value of Sports
The official member publication of the National Alliance For Youth Sports
www.nays.org
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»» SUMMER 2009
»» InteractIve, hyperlInked, searchable artIcles In a pdf format
the lineup
for offIcIals
cover story
pg.14
pg.28
“hey batter,
batter…swing!”
Youth baseball and softball players
nationwide use chatter – delivered from
the dugout and on the field – to distract
opposing hitters, as well as to motivate
their team. Is all this talking simply
part of the game when it comes to
youth baseball and softball, or is it the
ultimate display of poor sportsmanship?
– By Adam Shilling
for coaches
ask the experts
pg.30
pg.31
An array of fun-filled drills to
incorporate into your practices.
pg.19 meeting all your players’ needs
Tips for helping youngsters overcome
learning difficulties during practice.
lowdown on lacrosse
Comparing the injury risk with
other sports
pg.6
filling up your child’s
motivational tank
Helping youngsters squeeze the
most out of their participation in
organized sports.
Welcome
Summer safety
departments
pg.7
sureshots
Out of bounds, Excellence Award
winners, playing defense against
the sun, avoiding overuse injuries,
and more
for parents
pg.32
perspective
Tony Robbins, renowned motivational
speaker and author, discovered what
he wanted to do with his life while
participating in organized sports.
sportsmanshIp
pg.26
analyzing acl injuries
Are girls more susceptible to
these injuries?
column
pg.21 Quick shots
pg.25
It’s your call:
paying attention to the
smallest details makes
a big difference
model teammate
Nine-year-old Garrett Martin is a young
athlete with a big arm, and a bigger heart.
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Hey,
batter, batter...
swing!
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»» hoW to use thIs magazIne
SportingKid is an interactive, hyperlinked,
Executive Staff
searchable digital publication in PDF format.
Founder, President and CEO Fred C. Engh
Chief Operating Officer John Engh
Chief Financial Officer Yolanda Williams
Membership Programs Emmy Martinez, Vice President
Communications Greg Bach, Vice President
For full functionality, read this magazine using
Adobe Acrobat, not your Internet browser or
the official member publication of the national
alliance for youth
y
sports
managing editor Greg Bach
editor Adam Shilling
editorial review committee NAYS Executive Staff
art director Brent Cashman
contributors Brian Kilmeade
cover photography by Eric D. Danielson
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each page for the following functions:
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NAYS
about
The National Alliance for Youth Sports has been America’s leading advocate for positive and safe sports for children since 1981. It serves volunteer coaches, parents
with children involved in organized sports, game officials, youth sports administrators, league directors and the youngsters who participate in organized sports. The
Alliance’s programs are utilized in more than 3,000 communities nationwide by parks and recreation departments, Boys & Girls Clubs, Police Athletic Leagues, YMCAs/
YWCAs and various independent youth service groups, as well as on military installations worldwide.
Education Division
Youth Sports Development Division
National Youth Sports Coaches Association
Start Smart Sports Development Program
More than 2 million volunteer coaches have been trained through NYSCA, which
provides training, support and continuing education. E-mail: [email protected]
This proven instructional program prepares children for the world of organized
sports without the threat of competition or the fear of getting hurt through an
innovative approach that promotes parent-child bonding.
E-mail: [email protected]
Parents Association for Youth Sports
Parents gain a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in youth
sports through this sportsmanship training program, which is utilized in more
than 500 communities nationwide. E-mail: [email protected]
Academy for Youth Sports Administrators
More than 1,600 administrators worldwide have gone through the Academy,
which is a 20-hour certification program that raises the professionalism of
those delivering youth sport services. A skilled faculty presents the information
and participants earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
E-mail: [email protected]
Hook A Kid On Golf
Thousands of children of all ages and skill levels tee up every year in the nation’s
most comprehensive junior golf development program, which features an array of
instructional clinics and tournaments to choose from.
E-mail: [email protected]
Game On! Youth Sports
This worldwide effort introduces children to actual game experience by giving
them the freedom to create and play on their own.
E-mail: [email protected]
National Youth Sports Administrators Association
The program provides training, information and resources for volunteer
administrators responsible for the planning and implementation of out-ofschool sports programs. E-mail: [email protected]
National Youth Sports Officials Association
Officials who go through this certification program gain valuable knowledge
on skills, fundamentals and the characteristics that every good official
must possess.
E-mail: [email protected]
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Welcome
the national alliance for youth
y
sports is focused on ensuring that every
child who participates in sports has a safe and rewarding experience.
nays board of directors
fred c. engh, president and ceo
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Summer safety
marty Johnston
vice president & chairperson of the board
Savannah Civic Center Director, Savannah, Ga.
Through the years I’ve been asked many
times if there was one incident in particular that compelled me to create the
National Alliance for Youth Sports.
While there are many that I can
point to as contributing factors, one
certainly stands out because it involved my own son.
I was at our home in Munster, Ind.,
during one of those typical hot and muggy Midwestern
summer afternoons back in the 1970s when our son Eric returned from his baseball game that day.
He entered the kitchen with a dejected look spread
across his face and announced that he didn’t want to play
baseball anymore. It caught me by surprise, especially
since this was a child who up until this moment really
loved the game and everything about it.
Perplexed by his sudden lack of interest, I asked him why he
wanted to call it quits.
“The game just wasn’t any fun,” he told me. “Our coach
told us no one could have a drink of water until we scored a
run. It was really hot out and we didn’t score a run until the
last inning.”
My blood pressure soared while listening to Eric’s story.
The sun was blazing.
The humidity was suffocating.
And my son and his teammates were being deprived fluids.
This was an 8-and-under team.
Eric never returned to the baseball field after that season,
and I can’t help but think what unfolded on that sweltering
day had a lot to do with it.
He and his teammates had the misfortune of playing for
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a coach with a really warped sense of what youth sports are
all about.
This guy was willing to put the health of a group of innocent children at risk because he thought that sending
thirsty – and dehydrated – children up to bat would actually make them perform better.
Does it get any crazier than that?
Trying to motivate children by withholding fluids until
they perform to the coach’s expectations is tantamount to
child abuse – and has no place whatsoever in youth sports.
The same goes for taking fluids away as punishment for
making mistakes.
Keeping young bodies hydrated, especially while playing
sports, is one of the most important things that moms, dads
and volunteer coaches should be aware of.
And it’s one of those topics that all youth sports administrators should make sure every single one of their volunteers fully comprehends
As recently as 2006 there were five young football players,
ranging in age from 11 to 17, who died of heat stroke, according to the University of North Carolina-based National
Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research.
So as the summer temperatures soar around the country
everyone in charge of youth sports programs must make sure
they have sound policies in place to keep all their participants
safe. That means giving players a chance to acclimatize to the
heat slowly; making sure water is available before, during and
after practice; and making sure practices are altered to avoid
long workouts in high humidity, among others.
Every child deserves a safe experience in whatever sport
they choose this summer.
Let’s make sure we don’t let them down.
dr. michael gray
2nd vice president
Professor, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Ky.
dr. daniel l. Wann
3rd vice president
Professor of Psychology, Murray State University, Murray, Ky.
William baggett
t
treasurer
Former President of Juno Beach Little League, Juno Isle, Fla.
brian nakamura
secretary
City Manager, City of Banning, Banning, Calif.
t streit
tom
legal counsel
Attorney, Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson, Pa., West Palm Beach, Fla.
board members
albin handy
Recreation Supervisor
Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department, Ocean City, Md.
dr. keith Wheeler
Director of Clinical Nutrition
Ross Products Division, Columbus, Ohio
hon. loreen bannis-roberts
Parliamentary Secretary
Dominica Government Headquarters, Roseau, Dominica
Jim young
y
Director of Membership Programs
Ducks Unlimited, Eads, Tenn.
Willis Whalen
Membership Services Manager
NFL Players Association, Washington, D.C.
l
lynne
cory, ph.d., ctrs
Research Associate
Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.
a.J. adamczak
Assistant Vice President
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Orlando, Fla.
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TRENDS | NEWS | TIPS | & MORE
Playing defense against the sun
Millions of children nationwide will participate in a
• Make sure kids wear sunglasses. They may be pur-
variety of sports this summer, and with those outdoor
chased inexpensively at many retail and online out-
activities comes exposure to ultraviolet rays that can
lets, but make sure they are rated to block both UVA
harm their eyes.
and UVB radiation. Look for glasses with a polycar-
New research shows that children’s eyes can be
bonate lens; children under six may need a pair with
damaged from sun exposure, just like their skin. This
Velcro straps to keep them in place.
damage may put them at increased risk of developing
debilitating diseases such as cataracts or macular de-
• The American Academy of Ophthalmology recom-
generation as adults.
mends that children wear polycarbonate goggles for
The lens of a child allows 70 percent more UV rays
baseball, basketball and racket sports, including tennis,
to reach the delicate retina than in an adult, says Dr.
since every year approximately 18,000 sports-related
Mark Borchert, a pediatric ophthalmologist and the
eye injuries are seen in hospital emergency rooms.
director of The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital in
Los Angeles.
• If sand gets in a child’s eyes, don’t let him rub it.
While most parents are aware
Instead, rinse with water and encourage blinking.
of the critical need to protect their children’s skin
Allowing him to rub it can cause damage to the cor-
from UV exposure, yet few insist their children
nea, the outer layer of the eye.
wear sunglasses.
“If it is bright enough outdoors for you to be wearing sunglasses, your child should also be wearing
them,” Borchert says.
Wearing protective goggles during sports activity is
also recommended. The National Eye Institute reports
there are more than 100,000 sports-related eye injuries every year, with 42,000 requiring emergency care.
“If it is bright enough
outdoors for you to be
wearing sunglasses,
your child should also be
wearing them.”
The experts at The Vision Center at Childrens Hospi-
— Dr. Mark Borchert
tal in Los Angeles recommend the following safety tips:
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By the numbers
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The percentage of
children in California
who are considered
overweight or obese.
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TRENDS | NEWS | TIPS | & MORE
Out Of Bounds
Tales of the outrageous and unbelievable in youth sports
coach headed to trial for shoving 11-year-old
A Missouri youth football coach who was recently accused of shoving an 11-yearold boy during team handshakes is maintaining his innocence and has requested
that the matter go to trial.
The coach was charged with assault after video footage apparently captured him
pushing an opposing player. The video has circulated widely throughout the internet and has been aired on local television. Despite the video evidence, the suspect
is claiming that the issue has been blown out of proportion.
The coach claims that the video does not include audio and consequently
does not portray the entirety of the incident. According to the coach, the child
he is accused of shoving was cursing at his players during team handshakes.
girls basketball coach accused of sex with minor for second time
An Oregon youth basketball coach was recently accused of sexually abusing a
17-year-old girl, just six years after a local newspaper reported the same coach had
impregnated a 16-year-old player and paid for her abortion.
The coach, 51, now faces five felony sex abuse charges, some of which could result in eight years in prison each.
After the initial incident the coach was banned from the league and all league facilities. However, the suspect continued to train young athletes as a private coach.
According to those who knew him, the coach often maintained personal relationships with his players by calling them on the telephone or by spending time alone.
Although the father admits to striking the coach, he is claiming that he was hit as
well. He was released on $1,500 bond.
hockey mom embezzles $800,000 from league
A Michigan hockey mom was recently charged with embezzling more than
$800,000 of league funds from a youth hockey organization.
The woman had volunteered to balance the league books and ended up treating
herself to lavish vacations, expensive jewelry, vehicles and much more. According
to local police, the hockey mom started by taking small amounts from the association account, but gradually began to make larger purchases.
Officers claim the woman purchased gifts for herself and her family, including a Cadillac Escalade, a dump truck for her husband’s business, assorted watches and jewelry
and several family vacations. The woman allegedly wrote herself 50 personal checks
that ranged from $1,000 to $17,000.
According to police, the suspect opened several personal accounts in the same
local banks as the association accounts, making it easier for her to transfer funds.
The league will still be able to sustain hockey activities, however, funds that were
set aside for “rainy day” projects are now lost.
parents forced to watch games from 100 yards away
The parents of a 13-year-old girls travel soccer team in Maryland were recently
forced to watch their children play from a distance of 100 yards as punishment for
an incident that occurred last season.
According to local media outlets, a referee was berated by parents last fall for
baseball coach attacked by angry parent
making
what they felt were incorrect calls. The official, who was a volunteer father,
An assistant coach for a 13- to 14-year old boys baseball team in Georgia was recently
was
apparently
harassed by a group of parents who are also accused of berating the
attacked by the father of one of his players, apparently due to his displeasure over his
official’s
daughter.
son’s position on the field. The parent was arrested and charged with battery and disRather than ban the parents or fine them, the league board resolved to impose the
orderly conduct for allegedly punching the coach in the face three times.
minimum
distance on the parents for the first two games of the season. Team manAccording to witnesses and police reports, the father became enraged after his
agers
were
also given emergency contact numbers to call in the event of an incident.
son was assigned to the outfield as opposed to pitcher.
The
league
board determined that the parents’ actions violated the league code of
The parent allegedly charged the mound while screaming expletives loud
conduct, which explicitly asks parents to refrain from questioning referee calls.
enough for the 19 children and 14 parents who were present to hear.
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Fort Belvoir CYS Sports and Fitness (Va.) model of excellence
Whether it’s a 3-year-old just
skateboarding and fitness trails. It also organizes a fit-
starting out with sports or a
ness and nutritional cooking club.
teenager looking for a competi
competitive league, Fort Belvoir Child and
Youth Services (CYS) Sports and Fitness (Va.) has it all.
The Fort Belvoir Sports and Fitness program is centered on four distinct areas of focus: Team Sports, Fitness and Health, Individual Sports and Outreach. Its ath-
And you can count on the programs being top quality, too.
letic programs are designed to offer a safe and healthy
“We are a multi-faceted organization that offers
environment in which young people have fun, interact
a variety of youth sports programs,” says Jerry Arrington, youth sports director for Fort Belvoir CYS
Sports and Fitness. “Our program demonstrates that
it embraces a child centered recreational sports philosophy aimed at providing positive and safe experiences for all youth.”
Fort Belvoir CYS Sports and Fitness was one of five
Fundamentals, maximum
participation and
physical conditioning
are emphasized, rather
than winning or losing.
Excellence in Youth Sports Award at the 2008 Youth
positively with others and acquire skills leading to a life-
Jerry arrington (at left) receives the excellence in youth
y
sports
award from emmitt smith in recognition of fort belvoir’s top-quality
a
youth sports programs.
Sports Congress, held in San Antonio, Texas. The Excel-
long enjoyment of sports and fitness. Fundamentals,
offered by NAYS. Not only are its coaches trained and
lence Awards, presented by the National Alliance for
maximum participation and physical conditioning are
educated through the National Youth Sports Coaches
Youth Sports (NAYS) and Athletic Btusiness magazine,
emphasized, rather than winning or losing.
Association (NYSCA), but its administrators are also
organizations worldwide to receive the prestigious
annually recognize special organizations that operate
Fort Belvoir CYS Sports and Fitness ensures that its
diverse youth sports programs that focus on providing
sports leagues are operated by qualified individuals by
Association (NYSAA) – an educational program for
positive and safe experiences for all participants.
utilizing the many training and educational programs
volunteer youth sports administrators.
members of the National Youth Sports Administrators
Located outside of Washington D.C., Fort Belvoir
CYS Sports and Fitness provides a variety of athletic
leagues and activities to the children living on the Fort
Belvoir military base.
Along with traditional youth sports like baseball, it
offers activities such as table tennis, pool, bowling,
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submit your Excellence Award application today!
Application forms are available for this year’s Excellence in Youth Sports Awards, which recognize top-quality youth sports programs.
The Excellence Awards will be presented at the Youth Sports Congress in Orlando, Fla. in December. Visit www.nays.org to fill out an
application form today!
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TRENDS | NEWS | TIPS | & MORE
CDC providing free resources for parents
and coaches to fight MRSA
While young athletes must contend with the typical bumps
MRSA is usually spread person-to-person through direct
and bruises that are a part of participating in organized
skin contact or through contact with shared items or surfaces,
sports, parents and coaches must also be on the lookout
such as towels, used bandages, hot and cold tubs, or weight-
Popularity
of tennis
climbs
Tennis is the fastest growing sport in
training equipment surfaces that have touched
America among individual traditional
a person’s infection. MRSA infections are usually
sports, according to data released by
manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and
the Sporting Goods Manufacturers As-
boils, which are red, swollen and painful.
sociation (SGMA).
MRSA can be life threatening when it enters
Tennis had an increase in participa
participation of 43 percent from
the body through scrapes and scratches,
2000 to 2008. The
potentially leading to blood and joint in-
SGMA reports
fections, pneumonia and even death.
Since these types of interactions,
that tennis was
especially in sports, cannot always
one of only six
be eliminated, it is imperative that
sports to expe
expe-
parents are well informed about the
rience partici
participation growth
signs of a potential staph or MRSA
exceeding 40
infection, as well as how to prevent
percent from 2000
infection and the spread of it.
through 2008.
To help address the issues of MRSA
Sales of tennis rac
rac-
skin infections, especially in children, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
quets and balls have both also in-
for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
(CDC) developed a suite of education materials for par-
creased significantly, most notably
(MRSA), a type of staph infection that is resistant to
ents and others involved in child care and athletics. All
an 88 percent increase in the sale of
many common antibiotics.
materials are free for download at www.cdc.gov/mrsa,
youth racquets from 2003 through
and many can be ordered, pre-printed and free of charge,
2008, according to a Taylor Research
from its warehouse.
Group report.
MRSA is becoming more prevalent in athletic settings and
has caused serious injury, and even death, in young athletes.
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Effort to ban
metal bats
in Chicago’s
city youth
programs fails
Academy for Youth Sports Administrators
set for Las Vegas Sept. 9-11
An alderman in Chicago failed in his push to ban
By attending the Academy,
recreation professionals
earn the coveted title of
Certified Youth Sports
Administrator (CYSA).
metal baseball bats from organized city youth
and high school games.
No city council members joined Robert Fioretti in support of the proposed metal bat ban.
Those speaking in favor of the bat ban included a 16-year-old boy who shared how his
face was shattered by a ball hit by an aluminum bat, while a brain injury specialist said
metal bats return balls at higher speeds that
An Academy for Youth Sports Administrators (AYSA) will be
held just outside Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 9-11 at the
Whitney Ranch Recreation Center. This special Academy
is being held by the National Alliance for Youth Sports
(NAYS) in conjunction with the City of Henderson.
youngsters can’t react to as quickly.
Those against the metal bat ban included the
The Academy is an intensive professional certifica-
youth sports that significantly affect how administrators
Chicago Public Schools sports administration
tion program that offers cutting-edge information on
director, who said using wooden bats would
critical issues in youth sports today. By attending the
quadruple costs because of how often they
Academy, recreation professionals earn the coveted
sports philosophy, professional development, volunteer
break and need to be replaced; and Mike May,
title of Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA).
management, child abuse prevention, parent manage-
spokesman for the Don’t Take My Bat Away Co-
To date, more than 1,800 CYSAs have completed
ment, conflict resolution, insurance and risk manage-
alition who said there is no credible evidence
the Academy.
ment and program evaluation and marketing.
that non-wood bats are at fault for injuries suf
suf-
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Some of the topics covered at the Academy are youth
The Academy features a professional faculty who cover
a wide range of important topics and issues pertaining to
fered on the field.
handle their job.
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Tips for sidestepping
overuse injuries
Too many activities – with not enough rest
To help avoid overuse injuries like
– can sideline young athletes for extended
stress fractures, Gamble stresses the im-
periods of time with overuse injuries.
portance of maintaining proper volume
NYSCA clinics feature new
Coaching Youth Basketball
instructional video
and intensity. “If kids are involved in
As part of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association’s (NYSCA)
physical activity outside, especially
an activity that stresses their bones,
ongoing efforts to provide volunteers with the best coaching informa-
since we have an obesity crisis,”
ligaments and tendons every day, their
tion available, it released earlier this year a new Coaching Youth
said Dr. James Gamble, orthopedic
body doesn’t have time to heal,” he said.
Basketball instructional video.
“We want children involved in
“If kids are
involved in an
activity that
stresses their
bones, ligaments
and tendons
every day, their
body doesn’t
have time
to heal.”
— Dr. James Gamble
Warming up to minimize injury is another important factor.
“You can’t just go out and start
The video was filmed with the help of several Orlando
Magic camp instructors, as well as participants from
its highly acclaimed instructional youth basket-
running or playing soccer,” he
ball camps. The lead instructor in the video is Jack
said. “There needs to be a very
Lutzeier of the National Basketball Academy.
aggressive warm-up period when
The video covers everything that a volunteer
children regain their flexibility.
basketball coach needs to know – from proper
There’s also the need for proper
dribbling and shooting mechanics to detailed drills
stretching and using the proper
and activities for practice. All NYSCA chapters who
equipment, even in practices.”
train their coaches in basketball will use this
Gamble strongly stresses
during their clinics, which
surgeon at Lucile Packard Children’s
hamstring flexibility, especially during
is available in DVD and
Hospital at Stanford. “Yet you can
pre-season conditioning. “Hamstring
VHS format.
have too much of a good thing.”
strains are one of the most common
If children are participating in
conditions we see,” he said. “Strength-
too many activities, there may be a
ening and toning of abdominal and glu-
breakdown in their bones, ligaments
teal muscles are highly important, too,
and tendons, creating overuse injuries.
as these muscles protect the back.”
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Recovery time for ACL injuries
shrinking, study finds
Study backs up that
kids play sports to – you
guessed it – have fun
Young athletes recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery can return safely
to competitive sports in as little as four months, according to new
research released.
The study, conducted at the Shelbourne Knee Center at Methodist Hospital in In-
A study of 6,000 children ages 6-8 involved in baseball, softball, football
and soccer found that 62 percent of them said their main reason
for participating was to have fun. The study was con
conducted by Baylor University’s Health, Human Perfor
Perfor-
11%
mance and Recreation Department.
said to be
with friends.
At the bottom of the list was competi
competi-
tion. Just two percent of the respon
respon-
dianapolis, focused on athletes who tore their ACL while competing in basketball or
soccer, sports that are known for their high-risk of injury to the ACL. The study group
included more than 400 patients who were 17-years-old or younger at the time of
their surgery. All patients went through a directed rehabilitation program before and
after their ACL reconstruction surgery. The main findings of the study were:
• 40 percent were able to return in less than four months.
• 35 percent were able to return in four to six months.
• 25 percent required more than six months to return.
• Athletes who returned to sports competition at earlier times after surgery didn’t have
a higher incidence of re-injury to the ACL than patients who returned at later times.
There were also no differences between sexes for the rate or time of return.
dents said “to succeed or win” was the
most important reason they played.
Eleven percent said “to be with
friends,” 10 percent said “to make
new friends,” and seven percent said
“to become physically fit” while “to
improve skills” and “to learn new
skills” each drew four percent.
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The percentage of young people who began
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“Hey
batter,
batter…
swing!”
Chatter
up!
Is the chatter
heard on
youth baseball
and softball
fields simply a
harmless ritual
of the game or
unsportsmanlike
behavior intended
to distract
opposing hitters?
www.nays.org
Visit just about any youth baseball
and softball game across the country
and you’ll likely hear this familiar
chorus, or one similar to it. To some,
this type of chatter is just as much
a part of the game as bubblegum
and batting gloves. To others, it is
the ultimate sign of immaturity,
disrespect and poor sportsmanship.
By Adam Shilling
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Chatter up!
Chatter is a ritualistic aspect of baseball that is often acac
as a way to try and distract your opponent,” said Don Edlin,
cepted at the youth level, but is frowned upon as children
owner of QCBaseball.com, a resource for baseball coach-
progress onto competitive leagues. Baseball chatter falls
ing tips. “Chatter can help keep players in the game and
on both sides of the fence. Some describe it as a verbal
is a great way to show support for your teammates.”
challenge – or taunt – intended to distract an opposing
But many baseball enthusiasts agree that a fine
team or disrupt a player’s concentration while at the
line exists between what is harmless baseball chat-
plate; and others point to it as a form of a team cheer
ter and what is an unsportsmanlike attempt to taunt
intended to positively motivate a teammate, or help
and distract an opponent. Some feel chatter is only
keep the kids’ interest and concentration fully on the
appropriate when done so positively in a way that is
game. Chatter is delivered in many forms, ranging from
meant to encourage teammates, such as a shortstop
individual chanting of repetitive phrases to teams recit--
encouraging his pitcher by saying, “here we go Johnny,
ing organized songs and cheers in unison.
strike ’em out.”
Although considered a harmless tradition in some com-
“As long as the comments are positive and directed
munities, many youth baseball leagues are taking action to
at encouraging your teammates and not to belittle your
ban the practice that they consider to be unsportsmanlike
opponent it’s fine,” said Dan Clouser, president of the
What’s your take?
Berkshire Baseball Club, a wood bat league based in
ball chatter a display of poor sportsmanship or are those
We want to know what you think when
opponent is unacceptable.”
who are looking to eliminate it from the game simply rob-
it comes to chatter. Is it just part of
bing kids of a playful aspect of youth baseball?
the game, or is it poor sportsmanship
posing team in a negative fashion, which can create anxiety
that should be eliminated from youth
in many children. For example, chanting something like
behavior. As millions of children take the field this summer
the question surrounding many programs is this: Is base-
Cheering vs. jeering
Berkshire, Pa. “Any type of comment degrading your
Unfortunately, chatter is often directed toward the op-
baseball and softball? Visit the NYSCA
“easy out, easy out,” when a lesser-skilled batter is at the
Chatter is often taught to children at the early levels of
Coaching Forum – which you access
plate can present a significant emotional distraction. Such
youth baseball as a mechanism to keep young minds in
using your Member ID on www.nays.
behavior can easily be construed as unsportsmanlike.
the game. With a game like baseball, where there is plenty
org – to post your thoughts. While
When chatter is intended to embarrass another child it has
of downtime, many children have the tendency to become
you’re there, be sure to take a look at
ceased to fulfill its intended purpose – to keep youngsters
“dandelion pickers” while out in the field. Chatter can be
other questions posted by volunteer
engaged and interested in the game.
a useful way to keep them engaged and involved in the
coaches around the country looking for
game, even when the ball isn’t being hit their way.
tips, help and guidance on all sorts of
involved in the game as long as it is encouraging their own
subjects to see if you can help out an
team and not directed at the other team in any way, shape
NYSCA coach in need.
or form,” Clouser said. “It always has to be positive.”
“I think chatter in baseball is a great thing as long as it’s
directed in a positive way to your own team and not used
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“We encourage players to talk and ‘chatter’ to keep them
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Chatter up!
The most common types of baseball chatter are playful phrases or chants that
come from fielders, such as, “Hey batter, swing batter,” or “three up, three down,
When it comes
to allowing
chatter,
leagues don’t
necessarily
have to take an
all or nothing
approach.
here we go now.”
“The coach ends up yelling at the top of their lungs to get the attention of the
batter, so chances are the small voices from an entire infield or team of opponents
shouting or chanting ‘swing batter batter’ will not be heard or cause any ill effects,”
said Danny Speer, recreation coordinator for Selah Parks and Recreation (Wash.).
However, some teams engage in organized team songs or cheers while in
the dugout that taunt opposing players. Team cheers, such as “pitcher in a
whole, ten feet deep, can’t get out cause he’s got big feet” or “3-2, whatcha
gonna do, walk him walk him,” tend to have a much more negative connotation and are more likely to be viewed as poor sportsmanship.
“Organized team chatter, such as singing or some sort of choreographed chant,
is unacceptable and displays poor sportsmanship because generally even if it is
something being said to encourage your team, the whole idea of choreographing
it is designed to present a distraction to the other team,” Clouser said. “Individual
chatter is fine as long as they’re staying positive toward their teammates.”
Even most chatter advocates agree that the practice is appropriate only to a
certain degree.
“Some chatter is okay, but sometimes it gets to a point when it is distracting
to the young players and takes away from the joy of the game, said Carla Stone,
recreation director for the town of Limon (Colo.). “Cheering for your teammates is better than against your opponent.”
Administrators and league officials need to determine guidelines for what they
consider to be appropriate forms of chatter and make sure that those policies
are adequately communicated to coaches, players and parents. What falls in the
appropriate category may vary between communities, depending on the program emphasis and philosophy.
“I think chatter should be allowed and it’s really up to the leagues to put procedures and rules in place to make sure that it’s done in a positive way,” Edlin
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By the numbers
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Percentage of respondents who said
that chants of “Hey batter, batter…
swing” to opposing hitters is poor
sportsmanship. To view the complete
survey results, or to cast your vote,
visit www.nays.org.
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Chatter up!
said. “Many leagues already do a great job of this. The
the coach’s box or on the playing field, or elsewhere
other aspect is continued education of coaches about
incite, or try to incite, by word or sign a demonstra-
proper behavior by them and by their team. For me,
tion by spectator or use language which will in any
it’s really simple: I want to have the type of team that
manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, an
other teams like to play. You’re simply not going to be
umpire, or any spectator.
one of those teams if you choose to have your team
Although this rule can be interpreted as referring
talk in a negative way to their opponent.”
to chatter, the specific word is never mentioned in
the rule book.
Striking out inappropriate chatter
“If it’s not acceptable to do when you’re 18 to 35
When it comes to allowing chatter, leagues don’t nec-
years old, then why would it be okay to do when
essarily have to take an all or nothing approach. Some
you’re 10-years-old?” asked an anonymous poster on
leagues simply implement rules to prevent any nega-
www.pitching.com regarding the topic.
tive or taunting type of comments while still allowing
Many parents and coaches responded to the Knot-
chatter – if it’s delivered in a positive fashion.
hole Baseball Club’s decision unfavorably, calling it
“In the City of Gaithersburg (Md.) all taunting,
an extreme form of political correctness that is shel-
trash talking or negative comments are banned from
tering today’s youth.
youth sporting events,” said Dave Ludington, rec-
“Another age-old tradition being challenged,”
reation program specialist for the City of Gaithers-
Speer said. “I played baseball as a youngster, through
burg. “We are a “Character Counts!” city and as such
we encourage all players and spectators to keep their
comments positive.”
Two years ago the Knothole Youth Baseball
high school and college, and even played semi pro“We didn’t want Knothole to get a bad name
fessional ball while in the Air Force. In all that time,
for anything,” Epplen said in an interview with
never have I witnessed a batter being influenced by
the Cincinnati Enquirer. “If you’re saying, ‘swing
the chatter of an opponent in swinging at a pitch.”
Club of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky made
batter,’ and this poor little kid is swinging at ev-
headlines across the country for being one of the
erything, he feels bad and maybe he turns to the
once again don colorful uniforms and participate
first communities to publicly ban chatter from
catcher and gets mad. Honest to gosh, I didn’t
in baseball and softball programs around the coun-
their leagues. In a special aired on ESPN’s Out-
have any trouble doing this.”
try. During the season many players will step to the
side the Lines, league president Dave Epplen said
Epplen’s justification for the ban is based on Major
As another summer rolls in millions of children will
plate to face pitchers while accompanied by a chorus
the no chatter rule was put into effect following
League Baseball rule 4.06(a)(1) and (2) which states:
of chatter from the opposing team, and the debate
an incident involving players and parents where
No manager, player, substitute, coach, trainer or
whether this is simply a part of the game – or a part of
chatter and trash talking got out of hand.
batboy shall at any time, whether from the bench,
the game that should be removed – will rage on.
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COACHES
forcoaches
Quick shots
Brought to you by
The National Alliance for Youth Sports has authored a series of comprehensive coaching books in the
popular For Dummies series to help you guide your teams to a fun-filled and rewarding season.
BASEBALL – BASKET CATCH
dummies.com
make the most basket catches in a row or overall.
the raised arm, and continues at full speed toward the
Sometimes, to make a tough catch
Stress to the kids that if they’re able to make conven-
next parent. Again, the player moves in the direction
on a short fly ball, an outfielder
tional catches, that’s the preferred route because the
opposite whichever arm the next parent opts to raise.
has to charge in and flip his glove
ball is less likely to bounce out of their gloves.
over so the open mitt points toward the sky. The following drill
COACHING POINTERS: You don’t want the kids stand-
LACROSSE – DIP AND DODGE
ing around waiting to run through this drill, so make
helps your outfielders become
Sometimes, it’s fun to incorpo-
sure that you keep it moving. When a player reaches
more comfortable with making
rate parents into your drills just
the second parent, get the next youngster in line
to give your practices a different
moving. You can easily have several players maneu-
this type of grab when situations force them to.
look and feel. This drill is a good
vering through the line of parents at the same time.
WHAT YOU NEED: Three outfielders, a coach, and a
one to use for this purpose; it
Or, if you have enough parent volunteers, you can set
bucket of balls.
doesn’t require much effort on
up two courses, split the kids into two groups, and
the parents’ part, and your play-
run both drills at the same time. You can add a com-
HOW IT WORKS: The coach stands on the edge of the
ers will get a kick out of running through it.
infield with a bucket of balls. He lobs a ball in the air
petitive element for older players by timing them to
see which one can negotiate the course fastest.
in front of an outfielder, who runs forward and per-
WHAT YOU NEED: Approximately 10 parents and one
forms the basket catch.
ball for each player.
COACHING POINTERS: Make sure you lob the balls short
HOW IT WORKS: Position the parents in a line down the
– and confident – with making
enough that the outfielders don’t have to slow down
length of the field, spacing them 10 yards apart. The
one-handed saves in those situa-
just to warrant the basket catch. To help increase your
players line up at one end of the field, each player with
tions where they just aren’t able
kids’ concentration, you can turn the basket catch
a ball in her stick. On your command, the first player
to get both hands on the ball.
drill into an elimination game, where a dropped ball
runs toward the first parent. As the player approaches,
knocks an outfielder out of the contest. Or, you can
the parent lifts one arm to waist level. The player cuts
WHAT YOU NEED: A goalie, two
break the kids into groups to see which group can
around the parent quickly, in the opposite direction of
offensive players and two balls.
SOCCER – DIVING ONE-HANDERS
This drill gets goalies comfortable
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COACHES
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HOW IT WORKS: Position two players about 15 yards
line and the other on the court. One defensive player
HOW IT WORKS: Position a defensive back and two wide
away from the net and at an angle. Give both play-
should stand in front of the baseline player to disrupt his
receivers about 20 yards away from you. You throw a ball
ers a ball. The first player takes a shot, and the goalie
inbound pass. The other two defensive players should
high up in the air, and the defensive back tries to knock
must dive and attempt to block the shot with one
guard the offensive player who’s trying to get open to
the ball to the ground while the receivers try to catch it.
hand. Then, getting up quickly and beginning at the
receive a pass. On your whistle, the baseline player has
other post, she dives in the opposite direction to
five seconds to inbound the ball to his partner. The two
COACHING POINTERS: Defensive players are often
make a save from the other kick.
offensive players must inbound the ball and reach half
tempted to try to intercept the ball, which can lead to
court without turning it over within 10 seconds.
deflections and more opportunities for the offense to
COACHING POINTERS: Make sure that the goalie is
stretching out fully in order to make it as difficult as
COACHING POINTERS: Make sure the offensive players
possible on the shooter. When she makes a save and
keep their dribble until they’re ready to pass the ball.
is lying on the ground, see whether she cradles the
A common mistake players make when under pres-
ball like a puppy and protects it with her body.
sure is picking up their dribble, which allows defenders to swarm around them. As long as a player can use
BASKETBALL – BREAKING THE TRAP
his dribble, he can take away some of the opponent’s
pressure advantage. The defenders should concen-
Teams that employ trapping de-
trate on trying to force the ball handler toward the
fenses want to create confusion
sideline, which cuts down on his options.
and turnovers. Putting a team
on the floor that can counteract
make the grab. So make sure the defender swats the ball
to the ground. If a receiver can’t get his hands on the ball
FOOTBALL – JUMP BALL
cleanly, make sure he at least tries to tip the ball into the
this aggressive style of defense
Giving up a Hail Mary pass to
can turn the tables and create
the opposition can be pretty
an advantage for your offense.
deflating to a defense. This drill
The breaking the trap drill helps your players pre-
helps your defensive backs get
pare for annoying trap defenses.
in the habit of knocking the
ball down when defending Hail
WHAT YOU NEED: Five players, one ball and a stopwatch.
Mary passes.
HOW IT WORKS: Choose two players for offense and three
WHAT YOU NEED: Two wide receivers, one defensive
for defense. Put one offensive player behind the base-
back, one coach and a ball.
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As long as a player can
use his dribble, he can
take away some of the
opponent’s pressure
advantage.
air so a teammate can make a play on it.
These excerpts are reprinted from Coaching Football
For Dummies, Coaching Baseball For Dummies,
Coaching Basketball For Dummies, Coaching Soccer
For Dummies and Coaching Lacrosse For Dummies,
written by the National Alliance for Youth Sports
and Greg Bach; and Coaching Hockey For Dummies,
written by Don MacAdam and Gail Reynolds.
To order visit http://shop.nays.org
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COACHES
forcoaches
By Adam Shilling
Weighing in
Are heavier baseballs ideal for helping build kids’ arm strength, or does their use put developing arms at needless risk of injury?
Gone are the days when youth baseball practices simply
But what about those young bodies that are still in
leagues. In addition, there are a number of solid, peer-re-
consisted of shagging fly balls and taking batting prac-
their growing years? Does training with weighted base-
viewed clinical studies that clearly demonstrate this fact.”
tice. Many youth teams now follow strict training
balls have any adverse effect on their natural growing
regimens and practice routines, many which closely
process, or does it simply help youngsters strengthen their
weighted balls.” The highest weight he allows his players
resemble those of high school, collegiate or even
throwing arms so that they can deliver harder throws?
to work with is a 6-ounce ball, which is 20 percent heavier
professional squads.
Zawrotny only uses what he refers to as “moderately
than a normal baseball. Like other weighted ball advo-
baseball continues to grow, so does the
SEARCHING FOR
HIGHER VELOCITY
desire of coaches to implement new
Weighted baseballs look similar to
training methods and practices aimed
regular baseballs, except that they are
at improving player performance. In
often color-coded to designate weight able to withstand the stress of making many throws in
an attempt to stay one step ahead of
and size. While a traditional baseball
a game with a 5-ounce ball,” he said. “It’s sort of like
the competition many youth baseball
weighs about 5 ounces, these special-
training to run a marathon with a 30-pound backpack,
players turn to advanced conditioning
ly weighted balls can weigh anywhere
then running the race without it.”
methods that some feel may not be
from 3 to 12 ounces. The concept
ideal for growing young bodies.
behind practicing with weighted balls
Zawrotny stresses that there are correct and incor-
is that as a player gradually increases
rect ways to use them. For example, for children ages
the weight of the ball he is throwing,
14 and under he recommends starting with 4- and
As the level of intensity in youth
Among these controversial training practices is the use of weighted
cates, Zawrotny believes that training with a 6-ounce ball
develops what is known as “strength endurance.”
“The muscles and tendons used to propel an overhand throw, trained with a 6-ounce ball, are more
Although he recommends using weighted balls,
baseballs. As a result, more and more baseball coaches
strength in his throwing arm increases, leading to in-
5-ounce balls before going heavier. According to
are looking to weighted baseballs as a way to build arm
creased durability and higher velocity throws.
Zawrotny, weighted balls can be used in the offsea-
strength in players and produce higher velocity throws.
“They improve any baseball thrower’s velocity, and do
son on a regular basis, however, during the season
Practicing with weighted balls is a common practice
so safely,” said Steve Zawrotny, a baseball clinician and
in the collegiate and pro ranks since the athlete’s body
best-selling author of baseball training booklets. “This I
While many advocate the benefits of using weighted
is likely fully grown and is at a point where strength
know from my many years of experience working with
balls, many others doubt their effectiveness for increasing
training will likely be beneficial.
thousands of players, from youth leagues to the major
velocity at any level.
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COACHES
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“The most recent sports science research has
improving their delivery and pitching mechanics. He
personally only use the 6-ounce and 4-ounce ball,
proven that a pitcher’s arm does not create velocity,”
recommends videotaping pitchers and identifying
sandwiched inside of two sessions with a normal
said Dick Mills, former Boston Red Sox pitcher and
flaws in their delivery as a way to increase velocity.
baseball in a carefully monitored program.”
owner of www.pitching.com, an instructional Web
Because there is limited research available, the risk of
site. “Velocity is the result of kinetic energy created by
INJURY FACTOR
the momentum of the pitcher’s body moving from the
Aside from the debate over the effectiveness of using
“I don’t believe there have been any studies regard-
back leg to the front leg, and by the elastic energy cre-
weighted balls, many argue that their use presents an
ing weighted balls and injury,” Mills said. “However, if a
ated by the body stretching out as quickly as possible.
unnatural injury risk to young arms.
ball that was much heavier than 5 ounces was thrown it
injury from using weighted balls is somewhat speculative.
It is this energy that gets transferred from the legs to
the hips, and then finally to the trunk, that results in
whipping the arm through at high speed.”
Basically, a pitcher’s body acts like a rubber band – the
more explosive one moves into his stride, the faster the
pitch will be thrown. Mills says that a pitcher’s arm is
used mainly for control and does not produce velocity.
“Giants’ pitcher Tim Lincecum throws 95-100 mph
as one of the smallest starting pitchers in the big
leagues,” Mills said. “Tim is just 5’10” and 170 pounds.
However, he may be the fastest moving pitcher down
the mound of any major league starting pitcher, and
might interfere with the proper sequence of movement
“With the explosion of
travel baseball and playing
year round, I’m seeing
some strange things as
it applies to arm injuries,
among them growth plate
fractures or breaks.”
he has the longest stride to height ratio of any start-
long stride will throw with above average velocity.”
Lincecum is often referred to as “The Freak” in refer-
For a lot of coaches and trainers, that assumption
is not enough to convince them of the hazards of
weighted balls.
“I am not aware of any reliable data that shows any
kind of harm training with balls of the aforementioned weights,” Zawrotny said. “Any such claims are
likely anecdotal in nature, and I have never heard of
any information that specifies just how this type of
training harms players.”
Zawrotny admits that that is not to say that players
— Del Mintz
have not hurt themselves training with weighted balls,
“With the explosion of travel baseball and playing
likely attributed to overuse, poor mechanics or lack of
ing pitcher at 120 percent of his height. Lincecum is
a good example of why pitchers who move fast into a
or arm action, which could result in injury.”
but he believes those are isolated cases that are more
year round, I’m seeing some strange things as it applies to arm injuries, among them growth plate frac-
strength and conditioning work.
“If throwing weighted balls for training is such a prob-
ence to his highly unusual and demonstrative delivery.
tures or breaks,” said Del Mintz, a scout for the Phila-
lem, where are all the softball arm injuries with young
Since Mills believes that the body is what produces
delphia Phillies. “Generally, the recovery is complete,
girls throwing balls weighing 6.5 ounces?” Zawrotny asks.
the energy to propel a ball, not arm strength, he sees
but the time frame is long (season ending). This sad-
“Where are the arm injuries for pee-wee football, where
no benefit in using weighted balls. Instead, he says
dens me. As a result, I do not advocate using weighted
quarterbacks throw 10 ounce footballs, and in high school
that young pitchers can increase their velocity by
balls for anyone under the age of 13. Additionally, I
and above, with footballs weighing 15 ounces?”
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COACHES
forcoaches
Meeting all your players’ needs
Tips for helping youngsters overcome learning difficulties during practice; and making mid-game adjustments in the heat of the action
PRACTICE PLANNER
quickly, she’ll have more time to adjust to it com
com-
During the season you’ll have players who
ing her way and will probably be more efficient
will encounter difficulties picking up a
at handling it.
particular skill, so when these situations
at how you are teaching them. Keep
Break down the skill into smaller
parts and work on them individually:
in mind that just because the other
For example, teaching a child the
occur it’s up to you to take a closer look
art of bunting requires mastering
players on the team have a good
handle on that skill that doesn’t
several steps. Work with the child
mean there isn’t another approach
on sliding his right hand up the
you can take to help a youngster
bat to get it in the proper position.
who is struggling to make progress
Don’t worry about anything else
as well.
until he’s got the hand positioning down. Once he’s comfortable
Keep the following techniques
with that, focus on his feet and
in mind when a player is having
where they must be when he squares
trouble picking up a skill:
around. By teaching a skill one piece
Adjust your instructions: For example,
at a time, you give the player a better
your instructions to your infielder to
chance of putting it all together.
keep her eye on the ball while she’s fieldfield
Find a different drill that teaches the same
ing grounders may not be having much imim
skill: If you’re working on helping the youngster
pact. So, try changing the focus and zero in on
hit to the opposite field, for example, you can kneel
her footwork and how she moves toward the ball
down near the batter and toss balls underhanded to
instead. If she’s able to get in front of the ball more
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COACHES
forcoaches
him to drive to the opposite field; or you can utilize
GAME DAY
a batting tee and have the youngster swing at balls
As your games unfold you’ll often have to make ad-
from there.
justments based on how your team is performing, as
well as what the opposition is doing. Keep these tips
Acknowledge progress: Youngsters who don’t
in mind when it comes to making mid-game moves:
pick up skills as quickly as their teammates will
get frustrated. You can help minimize their disap-
Utilize your players’ insights: The kids on your team
pointment by making sure you acknowledge even
are great resources because they’re on the field in the
the slightest hints of improvement. For example,
middle of the action. Because of all your responsibili-
if a youngster is really struggling to hit the ball,
ties during the game, you may not be able to catch
but he’s beginning to foul some pitches off, build
everything that goes on. Plus, when kids know that
on that momentum by applauding the contact he
you value their feedback, they’ll stay focused on the
is making.
action, hoping to pick up a tidbit or two that they can
The kids on your team are great
resources because they’re on the field
in the middle of the action. Because
of all your responsibilities during the
game, you may not be able to catch
everything that goes on.
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By the numbers
62
The percentage of respondents who said that what is
most important for children to learn in sports is always
doing the best they can. The next most popular choice
(30 percent) was how to win and lose with dignity.
Visit www.nays.org to cast your vote, or view previous
poll questions.
share with you. For example, maybe your catcher has
noticed that several of the opposing team’s hitters
swing at the first pitch. If that’s the case, have your
pitchers throw their first pitch outside of the strike
zone to increase the chances of the hitters swinging at
balls outside of their comfort zone.
Adjust to the umpire’s calls: Each umpire has his
own interpretation of the strike zone, so your players
need to adjust to increase their effectiveness at the
plate. If you recognize that a particular umpire tends
to call strikes on pitches that are higher up than
what your players are used to, instruct your hitters
to be more aggressive on those pitches instead of
taking them.
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24
PARENTS
theparents
Filling up your child’s motivational tank
Helping youngsters squeeze the most out of their participation in organized sports
Some youngsters are extremely self-driven when it
eliminate this pressure from a youngster’s life, other-
comes to participating in organized sports programs.
wise it’ll handcuff her ability and suffocate her interest
children to let them know that their love for one an-
These are the kids who simply can’t get enough of
in future participation.
other doesn’t waver simply by what happens on a court
practicing, playing and striving to improve in all facets
These types of situations require sitting down with
or field. Talk to them about the benefits of motivating
of the game. Of course, there are also those youngsters
Fearful of commitment: Sometimes youngsters hold
and encouraging one another to succeed. This way
who aren’t going to be quite as motivated to give it
back out of a fear of learning that their best isn’t quite
everyone comes out ahead and derives a real sense of
their best, for all sorts of different reasons.
good enough. Putting everything they’ve got into an
satisfaction from giving their best.
Understanding why your child’s motivational tank
activity, only to learn that there’s someone who’s bet-
may be running on empty – and what you can do to
ter, can be pretty disheartening to a child new to the
resolve the issue – is vital for him not only to enjoy his
world of sports and competition. In these instances,
participation in the sport, but how he approaches life
it’s important to reinforce to the youngster that score-
in the future, too.
boards don’t define players. They need to know, and
Here’s a glimpse of some of the areas that can drain
fully believe, that giving their best effort is what participating is all about. It’s a quality trait that will pay big
a child’s motivation to compete:
dividends in all areas of their life in the future –
Afraid of achievement: Sure, it may sound a little
if you are able to plant those seeds now.
strange, but it’s true. Sometimes kids who are progressing in a sport and having lots of success will begin Doesn’t want to outshine a sibling: Youngsters who have
feeling unwanted pressure to live up to these higher
strong emotional bonds with their older brothers or
standards every time they step on the field. Once they
sisters that participate in the same sport are often reluc-
begin associating success with pressure and stress, the
tant to let their skills shine through, particularly if they
potential exists to begin holding back and eventually
sense they’re going to perform at a higher level than
their motivation begins to fizzle.
big brother. (Of course, there are a lot of kids who enjoy
Take the time to examine the source of the child’s
nothing more than beating their brother or sister!) But
stress. It could be coming from coaches, friends
for many, there is no satisfaction in performing at a
or perhaps even yourself. Do whatever it takes to
higher level than a sibling, so they pull back.
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By the numbers
*
*
54
80
Percentage of respondents who said the
struggling economy has
affected the number of
sports programs they
enroll their children in.
Percentage of
respondents who said
their child was having
fun playing sports.
To see the complete survey results, or to cast your vote on the current
“Question of the Week,” visit www.nays.org
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25
Sportsmanship
By Adam Shilling
Model teammate
Nine-year-old Garrett Martin is a young athlete with a big arm, and a bigger heart
Last summer 9-year-old Garrett Martin helped lead his
Staten explained that Garrett’s attitude exemplifies
baseball team to a regional tournament as one of its
the exact type of mentality that they strive to cultivate
best pitchers. Despite his desire to start the first game
in their young athletes: Participation for all, fairness and
of the tournament, it was not his turn in the rotation.
sportsmanship always come before any desire to win.
Rather than move him up in the rotation to start that
“Garrett exhibits the qualities we try to communi-
important first game – like many coaches would have
cate to our coaches through our National Alliance for
likely done – Garrett gladly stepped aside and handed
Youth Sports (NAYS) coach trainings,” Staten said. “I
the ball off to a teammate whose turn it was to pitch.
can see the training we have provided to our coaches
Garrett and his teammates went on to lose that game
working in our kids. Garrett exhibits that in every
and were eliminated from the tournament, but when
sport he participates in.”
asked later if it bothered him that he didn’t get a chance
Staten is referring to NAYS’ volunteer coaches
to pitch in the game, he responded without hesitation:
training program, the National Youth Sports Coaches
“No, it wasn’t my turn to pitch in our rotation.”
Association (NYSCA). The Western Eagle County
His attitude didn’t surprise anyone, as Garrett is
Metropolitan Recreation District is a devoted NAYS
known throughout his league as a model sportsman
chapter that utilizes many of its developmental and
who plays the game the right way.
educational programs. The ultimate goal of NAYS’
“Garrett is a standout young man in everything he
programs is to promote and nurture positive atti-
does. But the thing that makes him stand out the most
tudes in youth athletes that are similar to Garrett’s.
is his humility and selflessness,” said Mike Staten, ath-
“This, I believe, shows the trainings we provide our
letic director for the Western Eagle County Metropoli-
coaches as a part of the NAYS system is being communi-
tan Recreation District in Gypsum, Colo. “I believe this
cated to our players,” Staten said. “Garrett put his team-
comes a lot from his parents and the friends he sur-
mate first in this situation. I respect him for that and this
rounds himself with. He always displays sportsmanship toward the other kids he participates against. He
also puts his teammates first.”
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is why I believe he is deserving of this recognition.”
nine-year-old garrett martin is a model teammate who exemplifies
good sportsmanship at all times.
Despite his natural ability to throw a baseball,
Martin is a multi-sport athlete. He plays tailback and
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26
Sportsmanship
cornerback for a local youth football team, and also enjoys outdoor activities like
learning the skills that are involved. He also has a lot of fun with his friends and
riding bikes, riding 4-wheelers, fishing and running. Although he does these ac-
teammates. He has made very good friends through sports.”
tivities out of pure enjoyment, his parents understand that he is learning meaningful life skills and lessons while out on the field.
Garrett plays sports almost year-round, which can be somewhat taxing on a
youngster’s body and psyche. However, he regularly switches the sports he plays to
“He has learned that to excel in sports you
have to be part of the team and support each other.”
— Lanie Martin
“He has learned that to excel in sports you have to be part of the team and support each other,” said Lanie Martin, Garrett’s mother. “He has also learned disci-
avoid any type of burnout.
Garrett excels off the field as well, where his favorite school subject is math.
pline, patience, sharing, hard work and to have respect for his coaches, teammates
Despite his love for the game of baseball, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton
and equipment.”
Manning is his favorite professional athlete.
As important as learning these skills are, his parents also understand that in the
big picture Garrett’s sports participation is about having fun.
His role model in life, however, is his father. Blake and his wife Lanie have worked
hard to instill the importance of integrity, fairness and sportsmanship in Garrett.
“We like having Garrett in sports because he loves to play,” said Blake Martin,
His reaction to not pitching that day in the regional tournament is clear proof
Garrett’s father. “He is very focused on each sport he participates in and he enjoys
that they have been successful in doing so.
nominate a deserving child today!
If you know of someone in your community - your son or daughter, your child’s teammate, a neighbor, opposing player, etc. - who deserves
to be highlighted in a future issue for being a good sport and model athlete, we want to hear from you. In 500 words or less tell us why.
Send your nominations via e-mail to [email protected] or fax them to 561-712-0119.
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27
For officials
By Ken Allan
It’s your call:
Paying attention to the smallest
details makes a big difference
Use of the indicator – How many times have you seen a plate umpire call a pitch
Baseball umpires sometimes wonder why they aren’t moving up the ladder to bigger
and better games. One reason could be amateurish habits. Let’s take a look
then hold the indicator right in front of his face as he advances the count?
at some things umpires may be doing that could hurt their
Umpires sometimes give the impression they’ve never seen an
overall acceptance.
indicator before. Here’s a tip: Notch your indicator wheels
at “zero” and you’ll cut down on the need to constantly
Appearance – It should go without saying that your
check the count. If you have to check your indicator, do
appearance will go a long way toward establishing
it while holding it down to your side (making sure no
your credibility. Coaches and players notice um-
play is possible, of course). Another way to check
pires who have a neat appearance and shined
is to sneak a look while adjusting your mask with
shoes. Umpires who use adjustable caps and
your left hand. In any event, be inconspicuous.
wear watches while working the plate also may
create a negative impression. Umpires who are
Don’t let people toss you the ball – If you don’t
obviously overweight, wear full beards, long hair
have ball boys, have people toss the ball to the
or earrings are also looked upon poorly. Does
catcher, who will hand you the ball. Few things
look worse than an umpire trying to catch er-
this have anything to do with one’s ability as an
rant throws from players and coaches. Have
umpire? Of course not, but it does have a lot to do
people hand you the ball.
with credibility.
Making unnecessary calls – A foul ball straight to the
Giving the count – It’s not necessary to give the count
backstop, or into the stands, doesn’t require the big call.
to one dugout, then the pitcher, then the other dugout.
It doesn’t require any call. Yet, it’s surprising how many plate
Remember that people can’t always see the count, but they
umpires, and even some base umpires, make a production over
can often hear it. Therefore, when you give the count visually,
such an obvious play. That same philosophy goes for routine fly balls
also give it verbally. It’s best to give it, “Two balls, one strike,” as op-
and pop-ups. There is no need to make an out call on that play with your right arm
posed to, “Twenty-one” or “Two and one.” Also, when you give the count visually,
upraised and a big vocal “He’s out!” Most players, coaches and fans will be thinking, use the middle finger and the index finger to indicate a two ball or two strike count.
“No kidding!” The time to make the big call is when there is a doubt as to whether
Don’t use the index finger and the little finger. When you give the count, give it in
the ball was trapped or a fielder maintained possession after the catch.
an authoritative manner and face the pitcher. When to give the count? If you are
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For officials
fortunate to work at a field with a scoreboard, the only
time you need to give the count is if the scoreboard is
incorrect. If there is no scoreboard, the count should
be given every two or three pitches.
Pointing to first base on ball four – I had this happen
early in my career. A three-two pitch was borderline
on a checked swing. My partner pointed the runner to first. The only problem was that I thought he
wanted help. You can imagine the surprise for my
partner and the batter when I rang up strike three.
Moral: Just call ball four.
Using novice stance while working the plate – Um-
When appropriate, be
willing to go the last
mile with a coach or
player. Work hard to let
the coaches and players
know that, within reason,
you are approachable.
piring the plate with both hands behind your back
and then either wait outside the playing field for your
partner’s arrival or start the game.
Unnecessary conversation – Year in and year out, one
of the biggest complaints coaches have is umpires
who constantly carry on casual conversation with
players and base coaches. You’d be surprised by what
a negative effect that has on your credibility, especially if you are hobnobbing with the home coach.
Attitude – Watch your demeanor. Some umpires,
through their body language and the way they conduct the game, give people the idea they are doing
everyone a favor by just being there. Work the game as
hard as you can, and give the impression that you are
proclaims loudly that you are a novice. Use one of the
that if a coach has never seen you before, you have
recommended stances, preferably scissors, box or
zero credibility. Your credibility will build or decline
heel-to-toe in the slot.
as the game progresses. Prior to the game, don’t hang
Be reasonable – Baseball is a highly competitive and
happy to be umpiring the game.
around near the home dugout waiting for the home
sometimes emotional game. When appropriate, be
Talking with your partner between innings – The only
plate meeting to start. Inform the home coach that
willing to go the last mile with a coach or player. Work
time umpires should converse between innings is to
you are there and to tell you when he’s ready to go,
hard to let the coaches and players know that, within
briefly discuss coverage or any matter directly pertaining
then wait outside the field. You should not go to the
reason, you are approachable.
to the game. It’s best not to converse after a controversial
home plate meeting without your partner, unless you
play. Wait an inning or two for things to cool down.
are ready to start the game without him. Not only is
If you’ve been guilty of some of the above behavior,
that very unprofessional, but it’s an excellent way to be-
work on eliminating those habits. By doing so, you’ll
Professionalism – One could write a book on this sub-
gin the game on a sour note with your partner. If he is
elevate your credibility with not only the players and
ject, so let’s stick to the highlights. First, remember
not there on time, notify the coach that you are present
coaches, but with your partners as well.
Ken Allan is a veteran college umpire and Referee contributor from Diamond Bar, Calif. This article originally appeared in Referee magazine in September, 2000. It is copyrighted by Referee Enterprises, Inc. (REI), and may not be republished in whole or in part online, in print or in any capacity without expressed written permission from REI.
Visit www.referee.com for more information.
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asktheexperts
Analyzing ACL injuries
Q
When my daughter was 11-years-old she tore her ACL while playing soccer. Now, I want to sign up
Q
Focus on fun
I’m coaching a youth baseball team for 7-year-olds and
my 10-year-old daughter for soccer, but she is afraid to play because of what happened to her sister.
most of them can’t catch very well, so it’s difficult to practice
Would I be lying by telling her that her sister’s injury was a fluke?
infield fielding situations. How can I make practice fun for
Are ACL injuries common in female soccer players that age?
them while also getting them to learn some actual skills?
A
A
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a knee ligament that
The wording of “practice infield fielding situations”
attaches the femur (upper leg bone) to the tibia (lower leg bone).
gives me the impression that you may want to teach them
This ligament helps to stabilize the knee when twisting, turning, cut-
aspects of the game that they may not be ready for. Kids
ting and jumping. When the ACL is torn, the bones may shift unex-
will learn through playing and experience about where to
pectedly, causing damage to the meniscus (shock absorbers) and
go with the ball in different situations. I wouldn’t worry
articular cartilage (the cartilage that lines the surface of the bones).
about it too much at this level. Learning how to throw,
Studies have shown that ACL injuries occur two to six times more
catch, get in the correct position to field a ground ball and
frequently in female athletes than in male athletes. An ACL injury
how to swing the bat are some of the essential skills for
typically occurs as a non-contact injury when the leg is planted on
them to learn and improve on.
the ground and the athlete goes to turn or twist, such as when she
The great thing about this age is that you can create many
changes direction, tries to stop, comes down from a jump or cuts
games for the kids to play that allow them to work on the ba-
down the field.
sics and have fun doing it. Keep practice activities short (10
The ACL can also be damaged from a traumatic injury. ACL in-
minutes maximum) and have parents help out to keep ev-
juries are common in sports requiring twisting or cutting, such as
eryone involved and playing. Use tennis balls for kids that are
basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, lacrosse, or skiing.
afraid of the ball to help them gain confidence. Provide the
Studies show that the majority of ACL injuries tend to occur in skeletally mature athletes whose bones have
finished growing. However, more and more ACL injuries are occurring in this younger age group as more
kids that are more skilled the opportunity to be challenged.
Remember, helping them develop a love for the game is as
children are playing competitive sports. Prevention programs designed to train athletes in core strengthening
important as the skills they develop. By having fun with them
(trunk, back, buttocks, hip and leg muscles), agility, proper jump landings and cutting may decrease the risk
as their coach you’ll help achieve that goal.
for ACL injuries (www.aclprevent.com and www.sportsmetrics.net).Proper flexibility, core strength, agility,
proper landings, jumping and sport technique are the best ways to help to prevent this devastating injury.
Don Edlin is a youth coach with more than 20 years of coaching
experience. For more information visit his Web sites at www.
Dr. Rebecca A. Demorest is Director of Sports Medicine at Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, Calif.
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QCBaseball.com and www.RTeamSite.com.
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asktheexperts
Lowdown on lacrosse
Overcoming fears
Q My second baseman has been a
Next time you’re at practice use
Q
My local parks and recreation department re-
really good player for several years.
safety balls and use shortened dis-
fuses to offer youth lacrosse because they think it’s
He recently had a ground ball skip off
tances. Progress from light tossing to
too violent compared to other sports, but I think it’s a
his glove and hit him on the chin,
delivering ground balls underhanded
great team sport for children to play. Are there any
which took a couple stitches to fix.
studies or data I can present them with that would
Now, he has lost all confidence in his
help to convince them otherwise?
skills and flinches whenever he must
A
field a grounder. I’m wondering what
While all youth sports carry some risk of in-
I can do to get my player back to the
jury, sports participation is a popular way for kids
level he was at before this happened?
to incorporate physical activity into a healthy life-
A
style. Given the epidemic of obesity in our youth,
Time tends to heal these lessons,
encouraging sports participation is important.
but as parents and coaches we want to
However, the risk of injury does vary by sport. So, how does lacrosse stack up?
try and relieve this stress by getting back
Several recently published studies reporting high school sports injury rates per 1,000
to having fun. Getting hit by the ball is
athletic exposures show that the injury rate in boys’ lacrosse (2.9) is lower than injury rates
inevitable, but most times is not trau-
in boys’ rugby (5.5) and football (4.4), and similar to boys’ wrestling (2.5) and soccer (2.4).
matic. When it occasionally happens
The injury rate in girls’ lacrosse (2.5) is lower than the injury rate in girls’ rugby
there can be some mental anguish, so in
(4.1) and similar to girls’ soccer (2.4) and basketball (2.0).
those cases it may be best handled by
In summary, lacrosse played at the high school level is a relatively safe sport. Par-
talking it out, maybe even over a burger
from short distances. Then hit some
ents can help ensure their kids are playing all sports, including lacrosse, as safely
or a soda, away from the field.
ground balls from short distances.
as possible. Make sure coaches teach the skills needed to play the sport safely.
Talking to, and not at a player, is al-
Younger kids can use a helmet initially,
Make sure the rules of the sport are enforced at every competition. Most impor-
ways important. Try and be at a simi-
but eventually get them to remove it. If
tantly, make sure appropriate protective equipment is in good repair, is fitted
lar height as the player, whether you
you have no safety balls available, ten-
properly, and is always worn.
are on one knee or sitting in chairs.
nis balls work great.
Dr. Dawn Comstock is an injury epidemiologist at the Center for Injury Research and
Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University.
John Peter is the publisher of BASEBALLTIPS.COM.
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31
Perspective
t
tony
robbins
Inner strength
Tony Robbins, renowned motivational speaker and author, discovered
what he wanted to do with his life while participating in organized sports
I wanted to participate in sports in my life early on, but I had a lot of re-
strength. It’s emotional fitness and psychological strength. It’s the ability to
sponsibilities at home and I wasn’t that big or that strong. In fact, I was
have enough mental toughness that you can get yourself to do the things
a bit overweight, and I was extremely pigeon-toed. As a result, I walked
you know you need to do to break through. Initially, I got that from practic-
a little bit like a girl, and I got harassed for that.
ing baseball with TJ.
By the time I got to fifth grade, I had a new father, and he was a semipro baseball player. He was the coolest guy, and he really had a way
because I came to it late – I was 12- or 13-years-old. Nevertheless, it tough-
about him. The singer Tom Jones was very big in those days, so every-
ened me up. Here I was a kid who was small, but I learned that if I got low,
one used to call my stepfather TJ. One day he said to me, “Why don’t
I could take anybody out. I became a little linebacker, the smallest line-
you play sports.”
backer they’d ever seen, but I would annihilate people. And being able to
I said, “Well, I want to, but I can’t play because my mom won’t let me.”
She was afraid I’d get hurt because I was so small, and she also said that
we couldn’t afford it.
But TJ said, “You’re going to play baseball.” So that’s what I did.
editor’s note:
This is the 19th in a
series of excerpts from
The New York Times
best seller The Games Do
Count by Brian Kilmeade,
co-host of FOX TV’s
“Fox and Friends”
morning news program.
The book shows kids
how sports, if done right,
can teach them to be
great, honest, respectable
people. To order the book,
which is also available
in paperback, visit
www.briankilmeade.com
www.nays.org
As I got older, I got into football, but again, I was pathetic at it, in part
do that gave me the belief in myself that once I set my mind to something,
nothing was going to stop me.
Making life decisions
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I was a
Building relationships
pitcher and a shortstop. The coach of the junior high school team was also
I loved TJ so much, and now we were able to connect through sports,
the science teacher, and he was one of those really straight-laced guys. I had
which was a way for me to create a relationship with him. I remember
long hair, and he made it very clear that no player was going to play for him
him going at me with ground balls, literally hours and hours and hours
looking that way. So I went and cut my hair, thinking, now I know I’m bald,
at a time. I can’t tell you how many times the ball would come smack
but I don’t care, man, I love this game. I’ll give up everything for this game.
me in the face. I once got hit with the ball and was bleeding all over the
place, but I got up and said, “Hit me another one.”
But I didn’t make the last cut, and I was just devastated. So it made me reevaluate my whole life. It made me look at things more closely and I said to
That was probably the most reinforcing experience in the world in
myself, man, if I don’t make the junior high school baseball team, how am I
helping me develop moxie, because when that happened TJ said, “That’s
going to make the varsity team in high school? How am I going to get a schol-
my boy!” which made me feel great and more connected to him.
arship to college? How am I going to make it to the minor leagues? How am
What I found through sports was inner strength. I found it by pushing
I going to make it to the major leagues? And in that week of soul-searching, I
myself to the limits. I think the difference in the quality of anybody’s life,
decided what I’d become. I asked myself, what’s the core of what I want? I love
whether it be an athlete or a businessperson, whether it be a Nelson Man-
people, I love sports, I love lighting people up, I love the energy of the game, so
dela or an Oprah Winfrey or a Maya Angelou, what sets them apart, is inner
I’m going to become a sportscaster, that’s what I’m going to do.
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