The Chaotic World of Youth Sports — Vol 33 👀

As a sports parent and coach, I know how complicated youth sports can be at times. So I’d like to share some helpful articles that shed light on the challenges we face… and some humorous ones that might even give us an opportunity to laugh at ourselves. Thanks for reading and please share this newsletter with your social networks.

Thank you to Hockey Canada for reminding us “It’s Just A Game” 

No sports parent likes being told what to do….but it doesn’t hurt to have a laugh while watching videos of what NOT to do.  So thank you to Hockey Canada for creating a campaign about how parents SHOULD NOT behave at their kids’ games.  So let’s remember:  It’s Just A Game. Click here to watch the video.

The Magic That Happens when the Principal Becomes Coach

Jeff Gorman has become an overnight celebrity on a magical field of dreams.  Last week he was known as the Deputy Superintendent for Mt. Vernon School District, but this week he is known as the man who coached his 14-year old son and his teammates from Freehold, NJ to the Little League National Championship game. It puts a smile on your face a mile wide and I was lucky enough to hear the story first-hand from the beaming coach since Jeff is a dear friend and former teammate. Click here to read the full story.

Washington Post reports on “How Crazy Youth Sports Are These Days”

Only because I’m just coming off a Fall season watching my 6 1/2 year old daughter play travel soccer (due to the new US Soccer age mandate), the topic of “Early Specialization” was on my mind. How is early specialization hurting our kids physically and mentally?  When 27% of Division III college athletes think they are going pro, there is absolutely a distorted view of reality that we as parents and coaches have created. Click here to read the full article.