Sportsmanship

CYC 6th grader turns injury into inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:46:00 +0000

St. Joan of Arc was down 8-4 to St. James halfway through the third quarter in a CYC 6th grade basketball matchup earlier this evening. Then, something happened that sucked the collective breath out of the gym. Joan of Arc guard George Buckingham hustled to grab a loose ball that was headed out of bounds. His momentum carried him into the un-padded portion of the wall. The smack of concrete against his 11-year-old spine sent chills throughout the building. George's mom jumped from the top row of the bleachers in what looked like a single bound and ran to her son. One of the Joan of Arc assistant coaches is a firefighter and ran to George's aid as well.

He was on the floor for several minutes. Thankfully, George was able to stand and walked gingerly to the bench. After some ice and TLC from mom, George was back in the game. The young man decided to wear his injury as a captain's badge and began encouraging his teammates to hustle and get back down the court on defense. Every pass, assist and shot came with a grimace of pain for George. He didn't stop playing and he didn't complain. Another Joan of Arc player scored a basket that gave the team its first lead late in the fourth quarter. George was the first to meet his teammate and pat him on the back. St. Joan of Arc went on to win the game 15-14. The Sportsmanship Brigade chose George as today's award winner.

I explained to him that he didn't receive the award because his team won. He received the award because he used his injury to uplift his team. He could have easily stayed out of the game and let his mom take care of him. No one would have blamed him for that. However, he showed the character and spirit of a true champion. He used his gifts to make others better. This was a grand way to start 2012 for the Sportsmanship Brigade and we are looking forward to more as the basketball season wears on. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, parents, coaches and fans who display good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more information about the Sportsmanship Brigade, including scheduling and volunteer information, please click here or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Young 49ers fan shows character beyond his years

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Anyone who watched last week's NFC Championship between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants witnessed an athlete's worst nightmare come to fruition. San Francisco punt returner Kyle Williams inadvertently touched the football on a punt, which led to a Giants touchdown. In the overtime period, Williams fumbled another punt deep in his own end. This led to a game-winning field goal for New York. Williams has received all kinds of hate mail and death threats this week from fans. The disconnect between reality and fantasy for many fans would be comical if it weren't so sickening. Yes, Kyle Williams' performance probably cost the 49ers a chance to go to the Super Bowl, but so what?!

It's not the end of the world. San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh now gets to coach the NFC Pro Bowl team in Hawaii this week. Because the 49ers are a good team, several of their players get to go to Hawaii as well - not to mention the healthy playoff bonuses I'm sure all the players get for making it to the NFC Championship. Fans need to get a grip too. You have a good, young team with good players who will probably contend for a championship next year. I think I need a little help making this point. Maybe my new friend Owen can provide some assistance. Now I've never met Owen, but I came across a story about a letter he wrote to Kyle Williams. Owen is a 7-year-old 49ers fan who was watching the game with his dad last Sunday.

Owen was distraught over the loss. He was crying and asking his dad why Williams had to fumble. Owen's dad asked him, "If you feel this way, how sad do you think Kyle Williams is?" This was expert parenting by dad. He encouraged his son to think of someone else. Owen then asked his dad if he could write Williams a letter. Here it is in Owen's own handwriting:

In case you're having a little trouble reading Owen's handwriting, the full text is provided below. I chose not to edit the text, either. What the heck? Owen's seven.

Dear Mr. Williams

We just watched the Playoff game. I feel really bad for you but I wanted to tell you that you had a great season. you should be very proud, so I wanted to say thank you.

I am your #1 FAN!

Owen Shure

Los Angeles, CA

p.s. your awesome

Owen, we think you're pretty awesome too. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Sportsmanship Brigade coming to CYC and The "J"

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:35:00 +0000

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, parents, coaches, and fans who display good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. I'm proud to announce that we've reached agreement with the St. Louis Catholic Youth Council (CYC) and the St. Louis Jewish Community Center (The "J") to attend youth basketball games at their facilities through the end of March 2012.

This is more than just an opportunity to reward good people for practicing good sportsmanship. It's an opportunity to show the world that most of the time in most communities, kids are having fun and enjoying a positive sports experience. We'll visit CYC six times and The "J" four times beginning this Friday and concluding on March 23. Before I post the full schedule below, it's important to note that we are always looking for new youth leagues to visit and we're always in need of volunteer help to make our visits possible. If your organization would like to get on the Brigade schedule or you would like to serve as a Brigade volunteer, please click here or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Catholic Youth Council (CYC) Schedule

Date	Location	Matchup	Time
1/27	Loyola Academy – 3851 Washington Blvd. 63108	St. Gabriel v. DeLaSalle	6 p.m.
2/3	Sacred Heart - Valley Park – 12 Ann Ave. 63088	Sacred Heart v. MQP	6 p.m.
2/10	Holy Spirit – 3130 Parkwood Lane - 63043	Holy Spirit v. St. Joe	6 p.m.
2/24	Cross Keys – 14205 Cougar Drive - 63033	Sacred Heart – Florissant v. St. Rose	6:15 p.m.
3/23	St. Angela Merici – 3860 N. US Hwy 67 (Lindbergh) - 63034	St. Rose v. St. Martin OL Guadalupe v. St. Rose	6:15 p.m. 7:25 p.m.

St. Louis Jewish Community Center (The J) Schedule

Date	Location	Matchup	Time
1/28	Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur – 2 Millstone Campus Drive - 63146	7u basketball	1 p.m.
2/4	Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield – 16801 Baxter Road - 63005	10u basketball	10:15 a.m.
2/18	Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur – 2 Millstone Campus Drive - 63146	7u basketball	1:15 p.m.
3/10	Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield – 16801 Baxter Road - 63005	11u basketball	11:30 a.m.

Coach resigns due to "extreme parental interference"

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:13:00 +0000

Coach Wayne Gigante

Grosse Point Woods (Mich.) University Liggett High girls basketball coach Wayne Gigante resigned from his position earlier this month. Why? Well, it wasn't because of a lack of success. The Liggett program has a great won-loss record. They were 25-2 last year and started this year 3-1. Nothing inappropriate happened relative to the kids either. So why would a successful coach walk away after only 2 1/2 years on the job? In his resignation letter to the school administration, Gigante cited "extreme parental interference" as the reason why he no longer wanted to be Liggett's coach.

What does "extreme parental interference" mean? You and I could probably figure out what that means, but it's better coming from the coach himself. Here is what Coach Gigante told the Detroit News about his departure:

"That team is so capable of winning the state championship and it's killing me to step down since I've helped build something special the last 2 1/2 years. I've been coaching basketball for 10 years and never had a problem with a player. We know what we want to do. We know what the kids are capable of doing. I had a good feel for this team, but I can't do it anymore. There can only be one voice, and that has to be the coach. You can't have kids looking up in the stands for instructions. It's too much of a disruption. Dad needs to be up in the stands supporting his kids, not coaching them. This has been building up and it was just time. Maybe the pressure will be off the players now. Kids are supposed to have fun."

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Coach Gigante, but his sentiments are spot-on. He echoed exactly what's been said by the Sports Commission, NAIA, Positive Coaching Alliance, and many others. Kids want and need to have fun when participating in sports. Having mom and dad yell instructions from the stands is not fun. In this case, a successful coach stepped down because the environment wasn't fun for kids. There is, however, a simple, three-word solution to this problem - Know. Your. Role. You can be an athlete, coach, official or fan. Choose one and respect the others. Go to sportsmanship.org and click the Get Involved icon. Download the Through A Child's Eyes booklet and make as many copies as you need for every adult in your organization. Learn why knowing our roles is so important for our kids' success on and off the field or court. We all know good coaches are hard to find - especially if they're running away from you. Make a positive change today. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Alexander talks sportsmanship on KSDK

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

We released our Ten Worst Sportsmanship Moments of 2011 last week. Here's my segment on KSDK-TV in St. Louis - which aired earlier today (email subscribers click here).
The list serves as a reminder of what can happen if we don't work to make youth sports the most positive environment for kids it can be. We have to do better. We must set better examples. Go to sportsmanship.org to find out how you can affect positive change and promote good sportsmanship in your youth league or association. Our kids are counting on us. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related Link(s): Top 10 Worst Sportsmanship Moments from the STL Sports Commission - stltoday.com.
St. Louis Sports Commission Worst Sportsmanship Moments - fox2now.com.

2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit in pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:06:00 +0000

2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit, a set on Flickr.

Two hundred youth sports parents, coaches, and administrators came out to Maryville University for the 3rd annual St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on Saturday. SLU basketball legend and Sports Commission Board Member Scott Highmark gave a tremendous keynote "Pep Talk." Kristin Gillette and Lane Green delivered valuable information and insight in their respective Coaching Leadership and Sports Parenting sessions. Bill Bommarito was an outstanding partner for our large group session and the American Heart Association volunteers were top-notch during CPR Training. My Social Media session was certainly well-attended. I hope participants left knowing a little more about social media than they did before.

We couldn't have done any of this without the support of Maryville University. Tom, Sue, Chris, Barb, Bob and Ernie...you all definitely live up to Maryville's "Saints" nickname. Aside from hosting, the technical and operational support we received was priceless. I want to thank our Sports Commission staff as well. Marc, Brent, Kristin, Chris, Emily, and Tim are the best staff in the business. Special thanks to our president Frank Viverito for his support and unwavering belief in me.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of the parents, coaches and administrators who made yet another sacrifice for kids. You showed your commitment by your presence. Your kids are very fortunate to have such dedicated people looking out for their well-being. Thanks for all you do for the children in the St. Louis region. Enjoy the photos and there'll be more later in the week. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Haven't taught in 5 years...now I have a captive audience.

Parents: It's not about you

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:58:00 +0000

Geismar (La.) Dutchtown High School safety Landon Collins announced his college choice last week during the Under Armor High School Football All America Game. The New Orleans native had narrowed his decision to two schools - Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Alabama. In the video below, Collins discusses the process he went through and ultimately announces his decision (email subscribers click here). Pay close attention to his family's reaction. Please refer to the title of this post and remember it. It's not about us as adults. This young man has done well enough on and off the field to have his choice of the two schools playing for college football's national championship. He chose Alabama. So, what? Collins will get a free education. His games will be on national television and I'm sure pro scouts already have him on their radar. However, his mother is acting as if someone just stole her bike. She even starts cheering for the school he didn't choose.

When Dari Nowkhah of ESPN asked Collins about the LSU fan reaction back home, did you catch what he said? "...I guess she'll still supports me." While Nowkhah asked about fans in general, Collins' answer was specific. He only cares that his mom supports him and it's clear she does not. Other family members come in toward the end to hug him, but the hurt on the young man's face is evident. Parents, it's about what's best for the kids. Whether they're playing Division I football or they're the back-up linebacker on their middle school team, we are the support system.

Never should a kid feel alone when sitting next to his mother. Our kids should always feel like they are the greatest gift we were ever given. I've heard parents say they'd run through a brick wall for their son or daughter. Well, sometimes they don't need that. Sometimes, they just need a hug. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Coach tells student body to "grow a pair"

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Erie (Pa.) Cathedral Prep cross country coach Chet Moffett has been suspended from his duties because of an email he sent to the entire student body at the all-boys school. Cathedral Prep played local rival General McLane High School in basketball before the holiday break. Moffett took offense to what he thought was a lack of school spirit by Cathedral Prep students. Here is what he wrote in the email:

Gentlemen --
I wanted to drop you all a line and give you my thoughts on Tuesday's basketball game at general mcLame. I have been a coach here at Prep since 1998; so I have witnessed my share of close games (wins and losses), and I am fine with that. What I am not ok with is the fact that during the game, the GM student body out did us! It pains me to say that, but it's true. I was perplexed about this during the game, because I did notice that we had our usual cast that have showed incredible school spirit in the past; then after the game, I counted 36 (and I'm sure I missed a few) Prep students that chose not to sit in the cheering section. Gentlemen -- that is unacceptable!!

I asked one student that did not sit in the cheering section and his reply was, "I wanted to sit with my girlfriend". My reply was simple, "If she made or wanted you sit with her, then she is a high maintenance, selfish pig and you should dump her now and if you wanted to sit with her and ignore your brethren on the floor, then join [a former Prep student who since has transferred] at mercyworst!" In other words there is no excuse! Another student told me that he wanted to sit with his parents. My reply, "Cut the umbilical cord and grow a pair!" In other words there is no excuse! Another kid told me that he just wanted to "hang out with his friends". I had no reply; I have no patience for boy lovers! Guys -- there are no excuses for not cheering for your school!

Understand guys -- we set the standard with our cheering section! We were named the best fans in the state by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette! That's 150 miles away! Every news crew in this town wants to cover our games because of our cheering section! The 36 plus that didn't cheer for their school (and you know who you are) should be ashamed of themselves! You have chosen to be a part of a Brotherhood that no other school will ever understand! Your classmates make sacrifices in blood, sweat, tears to represent this school -- show your support!

Every game we go to our goal should be to make the opposing team, their family and their coaches as uncomfortable as possible! I hold the entire school accountable! Never should a bunch of mayonnaise sandwich eating, sister loving, trailer park dwelling clowns at general mclane ever chant "we can't hear you" to Cathedral Prep! Let's show our support to all winter sports (basketball, hockey, swimming and wrestling) and do it the Cathedral Prep way!

Please fix this!

Have a wonderful holiday,Coach Moffett

So, a young man can't sit with his girlfriend, his parents, or just hang out with his friends at a basketball game. I wonder if Coach Moffett proofread his email before he sent it. You know - checked for spelling errors, spacing faux pas, or I don't know...homophobic, sexist, and wholly inappropriate insults! He put down the kids at his school and kids from another school he doesn't know. This behavior has to stop. The notion that a high school basketball game trumps all else is absurd. A young man should be able to sit next to his girlfriend, his parents, or just goof off with the guys if he wants. Our perspective as adults has to change. Go to sportsmanship.org and find out what you can do to help change perspectives in your school, youth league or organization. We love the game, but it's just a game. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Summer Sanders on Sports Parenting

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Summer Sanders won two gold medals in swimming at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. She also earned multiple titles during her collegiate career at Stanford University. As you might imagine, Sanders has been involved in swimming most of her life. You may further deduce that Sanders had very demanding parents who pushed her hard when it came to swimming. Not so fast, my friend. Watch the Positive Coaching Alliance video below as Sanders explains the role her parents had in her swimming career (email subscribers click here).

The 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit will also have a breakout session on Sports Parenting that will give more insight into the role of parents. Parents have the greatest influence over their kids' lives and we will provide the tools necessary to help you support them on the field, court, or in the pool. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit also features breakout sessions on CPR and social media respectively, a large group session on Coaching Leadership and so much more. The 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit takes place on January 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Maryville University. The event is free, but you must register in order to attend. To RSVP, please go to sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Season's Beatings

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:57:00 +0000

What? You don't like the title? Seems a little over-the-top? It might be, but what's going on in gyms and on fields across the country is shameful. Baltimore's ConneXions School for the Arts and Washington, D.C.'s Cardozo Academy met for a boys high school basketball match-up. Fans were unhappy with the officiating. Players joined in. A coach got shoved and the melee you see in the video happened between, players, coaches and fans (email subscribers click here).
You can have the tools to prevent this type of thing from happening in your league. Register for and attend the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. Local and national experts will show you how to improve the sports experience for your kids rather than have it devolve into madness. Go to sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130 to register. Also, be sure to check out Page 2 of this blog to find out how you can earn grant funding for your organization just by attending the event. It won't get better until we make it better. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Saints classless in record-setting performance

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:12:00 +0000

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage record Monday night. Marino amassed 5,084 passing yards for the Miami Dolphins in 1984. Brees eclipsed the mark last night against the Atlanta Falcons in a 45-16 Saints victory. The record-clinching pass is shown in the video below (email subscribers click here).
Granted, Drew Brees is one of the good guys in pro sports. His work in helping to rebuild New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina stands by itself. However, this was not the way to break one of the great NFL records. The Saints had a 38-16 lead with a little more than five minutes to go in the game. Most coaches in most games would resort to running the football and draining the clock. Instead, New Orleans passed the ball on five of the next six plays. Saints head coach Sean Payton explained the team's mindset going into the drive:

“Someone is going to ask this question, so I am going to answer it before it’s asked,” Payton said. “Typically, would I be throwing there? … probably not. In fact, the answer is I wouldn’t be. But I thought it was appropriate to get [the record] and we did it.”

They certainly did it alright. The Saints were seduced by the bright lights of Monday Night Football and couldn't help themselves. Actually, they could've helped themselves. New Orleans has one more regular season game on January 1 at home against the Carolina Panthers. Brees only needed 30 yards at the beginning of the record-breaking drive. He would've easily gotten that in the first quarter on Sunday. It's very important that we don't let ego drive us - especially those of us who work with kids. It's fine to break records. Just don't let your character break with them. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from the Alexanders! (Madelyn, Madison, and Big Sol)

Rangers catcher hits umpire in the face

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:11:00 +0000

Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba is playing winter baseball in the Venezuelan league. In a game on Friday, he began arguing with the home plate umpire after swinging at strike three.The situation quickly got out of control. Baseball is by far my favorite sport, but the culture that allows the blatant disrespect of umpires is embarrassing. It's the only sport that lets players, coaches, and managers curse at the officials to their faces, kick dirt on them and whatever else. Now, the culture has devolved into striking umpires. Have a look at the video below and let's do what we can to change the sports environment (email subscribers click here). This simply can't continue. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Hockey dad charged after choking son's coach

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:35:00 +0000

An assistant coach reprimanded a player for swinging his hockey stick at teammates as if it were a baseball bat. The kid's dad apparently didn't like the way the coach disciplined his son. Dad then began choking the coach. makes perfect sense, doesn't it. This is a youth hockey team of 11-13 year-olds. KARE-TV in Minneapolis gives the full story in the video below (email subscribers click here).
The nonsense really has to stop. If you're serious about creating a more positive sports environment for kids, please join us for the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. It's a free event for parents and coaches. A free continental breakfast will be provided and more importantly - you'll hear from local and national experts on how we can improve the youth sports experience. Call 314-345-5130 for more information or register online at sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Georgia school defeats hunger, wins state title

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:10:00 +0000

Undoubtedly, some kids will be upset this season over the presents they didn't get. There's a big box under the tree which contained shoes or clothes - instead of the new game system or smartphone they wanted. Attitudes may still be sour at Christmas dinner as they pick through the full plate of turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans and that unrecognizable casserole that Aunt Helen always makes. It will take the kids years to realize how important being able to have dinner with family really is. Dinner is a big deal. Many kids go to bed hungry each night. They don't care about games. You can't eat an XBOX. No kid should have to worry about where the next meal is coming from. Unfortunately, I was one of those kids at one point.

My mom and I lived in trailer park in Fayetteville, N.C. when I was in third grade. We were all very poor back then. I know people do a lot of political posturing on this topic, but let me be clear. Welfare is not enough to feed and care for a child. We received about $200 a month in cash and about $135 or so in food stamps. Mom paid the rent with the cash and sold some food stamps to pay the gas bill. You'll notice I said gas bill. We needed hot water to bathe and we had a gas stove. Electricity was optional. I completed more than one math assignment by candlelight in my day. It would get really hard toward the end of the month and mom had to get creative. Mom was older than most women with an eight-year-old, and many of the men who lived in the trailer park looked upon her as a mother. They hated seeing her struggle to take care of me.

These guys didn't have jobs and went hungry themselves sometimes. So, they made a deal with my mom. If they could get food, she would prepare meals for them when she cooked for us. Full bags of groceries started appearing and I had chicken and steak dinners with some of the roughest dudes in Cumberland County. I'd love to say that some generous person provided the food. Let's just say shoplifting incidents rose in Fayetteville that year. The story of Burke County (Ga.) High School reminded me of that time in my life. The team won the state title in football after overcoming a most formidable opponent - hunger. Coach Eric Parker noticed his team fading late in games. It wasn't because they needed to do more wind sprints. They needed more vegetables. Kids were literally pulling themselves out of games because they were hungry.

Coach Parker did something about it for his team and about 400 other hungry kids. Watch the CBS News video below for the full story (email subscribers click here).

Hungry kids can't perform well on the field or in school. Drop a gift off at a food pantry this holiday or at the very least invite a few more people and their kids to your Christmas dinner. Above all else, be thankful for what and especially who you have. Besides, having a scoop or two of Aunt Helen's casserole won't kill you. It hasn't all these years. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

A star athlete who didn't forget about Cleveland

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:18:00 +0000

NFL wide receiver Braylon Edwards was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2005. He was traded to the New York Jets in 2009 and is currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers. As a rookie, Edwards made a promise to 100 Cleveland area eighth-graders. If they maintained a 2.5 GPA throughout high school and completed 15 hours of community service, he would give each of them $10,000 toward their college education. It would've been easy for him to renege on his promise after being traded and subsequently playing in other cities. Nevertheless, Edwards stayed true to his word as 79 of the original 100 met the scholarship criteria upon graduation.

That's right. Edwards paid $790,000 in scholarship money. He gave these students a lot more than money, though. Have a look at the story Rick Reilly put together on him for ESPN.com by clicking here. I know most of us are not millionaires and we certainly can't help send 79 kids to college. However, we do have the ability to keep our promises. Do what you say you're going to do. There's a young person or maybe several young people in your life that need you as an adult to keep your promise. Don't let them down. Be like Braylon Edwards and see the experience through. For the reward in building successful young people is far greater than the sacrifice. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Vince Young inspires cancer patient

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:42:00 +0000

Current Philadelphia Eagles and former Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has made some mistakes in his NFL career. He had very public spats with former coach Jeff Fisher. Off-the-field issues contributed to Young's unceremonious ouster from Tennessee. And yes, he was the one who first called this year's version of the Philadelphia Eagles the "Dream Team." That being said, it's tough to question Young's heart where children are concerned. He became a surrogate father to the late Steve McNair's sons after the former quarterback's untimely death in 2009. Young also paid a visit to a young man named Archie Taylor in 2006.

Taylor was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 12. Word got back to Young that he was Taylor's favorite player and he decided to stop by to lift the boy's spirits. Young presented Taylor with the jersey that Tennessee presented him with on draft day. Sure, professional athletes visit sick kids everyday. Vince Young isn't any more special in that regard than thousands of other players. What makes this story special is how Archie Taylor used Young's visit. As a matter of fact, I'll stop rambling and let the young man tell you himself. Watch the KRIV-TV story below (email subscribers click here).

Archie Taylor Jr. 'A Walking Miracle': MyFoxHOUSTON.com

This is the type of effect we want to have on kids as parents and coaches. We need to inspire our kids to progress beyond their situation. In Taylor's case, he had to fight cancer. Maybe the kids in your league are fighting poverty, poor grades, or the ever-debilitating apathy. If you haven't already done so, make sure you register for the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. Sessions on Coaching leadership and Sports Parenting will be held to help you help your kids reach their limitless potential. Go to sportsmanship.org to RSVP for this free event. By the way, Hempstead (Texas) didn't win the state championship, but Archie Taylor has won an even greater battle. One could even credit Vince Young with helping him get on a "Dream Team" of his own - The Survivors. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related link(s): Play It Forward - stlsportsmanship.blogspot.com
Attend Youth Sports Summit - Earn Grant Funding - stlsportsmanship.blogspot.com

Attend Youth Sports Summit - Earn Grant Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:25:00 +0000

This event and the information presented in the event are too valuable for you and your organization to miss. Just in case you didn't see it, I'm reprinting Friday's post. Marketing professionals always say you should have a "Call to Action." In other words, what do you want people to do? I'll make it simple: Read. Recruit. Register.

As you know, the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative is hosting our annual St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Youth Sports Summit is a must-attend event for coaches, parents and league administrators. Those in attendance come away with valuable tools, knowledge and resources that help improve the athletic experiences for children.

Not only is the Summit free to attend, but the participation of your coaches and parents can actually generate funds for your organization. We have a wonderful program put together, and we believe this event is so important that we are offering grants to area youth leagues, associations and organizations that have a minimum of 15 coaches and/or parents attend. Grants will be issued according to the following scale:

15 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $250 grant.

25 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $500 grant.

50 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $1,000 grant.

Please note that 15 coaches and/or parents is the minimum attendance number to receive grant funding. Increases in grant awards are only available in the 25-person increments shown above. For more information and to register, please click on this link or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Grants available for Youth Sports Summit attendees

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:30:00 +0000

15 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $250 grant.

25 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $500 grant.

50 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $1,000 grant.

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Team places third, coaches burn trophies

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:13:00 +0000

The New Canaan (Conn.) 8th Grade Black youth football team placed third in its division this season. It's not the championship-level finish the team is used to. New Canaan has won the division each of the last five years. Still, it's not the end of the world. Right? Like most youth leagues, New Canaan Youth Football issues participation trophies even for the kids who don't win the championship. Well, the eighth grade coaches took the team's finish pretty hard. After the postseason banquet in late November, the coaching staff took the kids to a nearby park and told them to throw their trophies into a pile. Coaches then poured gasoline on the trophies and set them ablaze.

Yes, the coaches set the kids' trophies on fire. The picture above shows the charred remains. This is honestly one of the most imbecilic, asinine, and completely irresponsible things an adult could do. Forget the trophies for a moment - these geniuses started a fire in a public park using gasoline with children present. Our number one responsibility as adults is to keep kids safe. I don't care what motivational tool your're trying to use. Setting a fire doesn't effectively convey the point. Getting back to the trophies - why would you destroy anything that belongs to a child? I know there's contingent of people who think giving every kid a trophy is a mistake and encourages mediocrity.

Participation trophies are similar to citizenship and attendance awards in school. Why do kids get attendance awards when the law states they have to go anyway? The same thing goes with citizenship. We all expect our kids to behave well and be good citizens. The purpose of these awards is to build kids up and encourage them. Participation awards tell a kid that while you didn't win the championship, you're still a winner and we appreciate your hard work and attitude. These coaches also ruined the last experience the kids will have in youth football. They're all going to high school. They can't comeback and avenge this season's disappointment. This is just an all-around failure by the coaching staff.

Fortunately, next year's eighth graders will have a new coaching staff. The New Canaan board accepted the resignations of the current coaches and subsequently banned them from coaching any team in the future. Two points from the booklet A Standard Higher Than Victory are appropriate here related to coaches:

Coach for the love of the game and the love of the athlete.
Put the welfare of your athletes above winning.

(Note: Copies of A Standard Higher Than Victory are included in the Cardinals Care Package which you can receive for free at sportsmanship.org).

People always remember experiences more than events. The kids in New Canaan probably won't remember they placed third 10 years from now, but they will remember the trophy-burning. Make sure your kids have positive experiences that will help them realize their full and limitless potential. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related link(s): Youth football coaches resign from board after trophy-burning incident - acorn-online.

St. Rose and ICD teams show sportsmanship isn't soft

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:02:00 +0000

2011 concluded in grand style for the Sportsmanship Brigade. We visited the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) 6th grade boys volleyball playoffs on Saturday. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Immaculate Conception of Dardenne Prairie (ICD) locked horns in the quarterfinals. It was a very aggressive match and the boys left all they had on the court. They were diving and grunting all over the place. Yet, they played with respect and played within the rules - which by the way has been a common theme throughout the Brigade's visits to CYC games. St. Rose took the first set and seemed confident going into the second. ICD had other plans, though. They took the second and third sets to advance to the semifinals.

These young men are good athletes and even better people. The Brigade recognized five young men - three from ICD and two from St. Rose. All cheered for their teammates when they were on the bench and were seen encouraging teammates and even opponents seemingly after every play on the court. The reason you only see four boys in the picture with me is because the second young man from St. Rose left with his parents before we could catch up. His coach accepted the award on his behalf. We were very impressed with both teams.

As basketball season begins in January, look for the Sportsmanship Brigade at a gym near you. Whether it's CYC, City Rec, or your local sports association - the Brigade wants to see young people doing the right thing. If you want your youth league or organization on the 2012 schedule or you want to volunteer as a Brigade member, please call 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sports events looking for acts of good sportsmanship by athletes, coaches, parents, and fans. Those who display good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more info on the Brigade and all of the programs within the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Sports mom loses it

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:44:00 +0000

The following is a Public Service Announcement from the St. Louis Sports Commission and its Sportsmanship Initiative. Parent behavior can sometimes get out of control at youth sports competitions. We don't mean to lose it. We know it's inappropriate to go off the deep end...especially in front of the kids. Maybe we just come down with a case of the "can't help its." If you or someone you know behaves like the mom in the following video (email subscribers click here), please call the Sportsmanship Hotline at 314-345-5130 and get registered for the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit today. Our trained professionals specialize in Coaching Leadership, Sports Parenting, CPR Training and more. We'll also present a breakout session dealing with social media so you don't end up on websites like stupidvideos.com.

It doesn't matter what the sport is, the Sportsmanship Initiative can help. We have worked successfully with baseball, football, soccer, wrestling and volleyball coaches over the years. But maybe you don't want to call. That's fine. Just click on this link to register. There is no fee to join and no hidden costs will be charged later. Encourage your friends to join you and come to the St. Louis Youth Summit on Saturday, January 14, 2012 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium. Space is limited. So, you must RSVP to attend. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is a program of the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative which creates more positive environments for kids to play sports so they will remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. For more on the Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Albert Pujols vs. LeBron James: Decisions, Decisions

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:48:00 +0000

You've probably heard by now that former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has agreed to a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a reported $250-260 million over 10 years. Don't worry, this is not a referendum on professional athletes' salaries. This post is about decisions and the consequences thereof. Albert Pujols made a conscious decision to leave the Cardinals to sign with the Angels. If you'll remember, another high-profile athlete made a similar decision in the summer of 2010. Of course you remember when LeBron James decided to "take his talents to South Beach" on national television.

When James signed with the Miami Heat and left Cleveland, Cavaliers fans were furious. The dust from the decision settled and one fact remained. James left Cleveland because he wanted to go to a team where he had the best chance of winning. Under the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, Cleveland could have offered James up to $30 million more than any other team. Money wasn't the issue. James thought he could win on a team with Dwayne Wade and Chis Bosh. He almost did. The Heat lost in the NBA Finals 4-2 to the Dallas Mavericks. Cleveland regressed considerably - posting the worst record in the league last season.

Conversely, Pujols had an entirely different motivation. Albert Pujols portrays himself as a man of faith and good character. He does great work in the community and had professed an allegiance to the Cardinals. He said that he wanted to be a Cardinal for life and winning was very important to him. The Cardinals are the current World Series Champions. On that basis alone, there was nowhere else to go. Men like Musial, Brock, Gibson and Ozzie are Cardinals for life. To be in that company makes you a baseball immortal. Pujols' words didn't line up with his actions. This is where the character component comes in. Be who you say you are. If you're about money, then say it. If you're about winning, that's OK too.

Professional athletes are a reflection of us. Some are honest. Some are greedy. Most are in the middle. LeBron James deserves credit for sticking to his principles. He's chasing the elusive brass ring. Albert Pujols traded his brass ring for some gold coins. Gold does have value, though. We used to use it to prop up the value of the American dollar. Maybe Pujols can use his to prop up a broken reputation. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Doc Rivers on Sports Parenting

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon Alexander) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:34:00 +0000

Our friends at the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) have put together a tremendous series of videos expounding upon many of the topics covered in this blog. In the video below, Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers talks about his role as a sports parent (email subscribers click here). Rivers was a great NBA player and he now coaches one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Oh, and he's won a championship with said team. Imagine him walking into your gym while you're trying to teach his son how to set a screen.

You may think he has a strained relationship with his sons' coaches. Quite the contrary. Rivers knows his role as a parent and how it relates to his kids' coaches. Sports Parenting is a breakout session topic at the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit - which will be held January 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium. Lane Green, Athletics Director of the Olathe (Ks.) School District, will lead the discussion and provide valuable information on how sports parents can excel in their role and contribute to the success of the team.

Other breakout sessions include CPR Training from the American Heart Association and a discussion on social media called Follow Your Friends: Using Social Media As A Positive Tool In Youth Sports. We will also address the topics of coaching leadership and how to prevent poor behavior in our large group sessions. Former St. Louis University basketball star Scott Highmark will deliver the keynote address. A free continental breakfast will be provided as well as plenty of free parking on the Maryville campus. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is absolutely free, but you must register in order to attend as space is limited.

Just click on this link to RSVP or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol