Pope Benedict XVI Talks Sports!

Last weekend the Vatican held a two-day seminar titled, “Sports, Education and Faith: For a New Stage in the Catholic Sports Movement” in Rome. On the occasion of the event, hosted by the sport section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Pope Benedict XVI offered his thoughts on sports and young people today. Here are a few highlights:

“In fact, when they are directed to the integral development of the person and are managed by qualified and competent personnel, sports initiatives reveal themselves as propitious occasions in which priests, religious and laity can become true and proper educators and teachers of life of young people.”

He briefly speaks out against the use of performance-enhancing
drugs. He challenges the Church to “continue to support sports for young people” for its positive aspects like stimulating “competitiveness, courage and tenacity;” pointing out, however, that the Church must educate young people through sports to avoid “all tendencies that…are dangerous to the organism, as is the case of doping.”

“In a coordinated formative action, Catholic leaders, technicians and operators must be considered experienced guides for adolescents, helping them to develop their own competitive potentialities without neglecting the human qualities and Christian virtues which make the person completely mature.”

“In this perspective, I find it very useful that this third Seminar of the "Church and sport" section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity focus its attention on the specific mission and the Catholic identity of sports associations, of schools and of oratories managed by the Church.”

Some reflection questions:

• How does your sports program contribute to the “integral development of the person?”


• Does your school or league have a plan to effectively discuss with athletes the physical and ethical implications of performance-enhancing drugs? How would you describe this plan?


• Are your coaches “experienced guides for adolescents?” Could they use some additional formation and professional development? If so, in what areas?


• Does your school’s athletic program have strong Catholic identity?

Dr. Clark Power, Play Like A Champion Today founder and director, presented at the inaugural meeting of this group within the Pontifical Council for the Laity in Rome in 2005. Since that time he created one of the only Catholic-focused, Sports as Ministry programs in the world. If you and your school are considering taking these words and putting them into action, please contact Play Like a Champion (plc@nd.edu) for more information about how we can help you develop a program that will contribute to your community’s “human and spiritual growth.”

Click here for a full copy of this letter on Zenit.org

Elizabeth Lambert’s Apology - Does Sport Reveal Character?

Elizabeth Lambert kicked, punched, and even pulled a BYU player to the ground by her poneytail. Cameras caught it all, and even though Lambert received only a yellow card, she was suspended for the game. Later the University of New Mexico suspended her indefinitely. Predictably Lambert apologized. She excused her bad behavior as due to the intensity of game: I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player I am." Really? Lambert’s comment appears to fly in the face of conventional wisdom embodied in Heywood Broun’s famous saying (often attributed to John Wooden), “Sports do not build character, they reveal it.” It is discouraging enough to concede that sports don’t build character, but are we also willing to accept Lambert’s denial that they don’t reveal it either?

Lambert didn’t just blow up once during the game, nor was there an indication that she was acting in retaliation. If the “heat” of a close game can excuse her whole pattern of behavior, then one wonders whether character has anything to do with sports. Perhaps athletes’ behavior is, as Lambert’s statement implies, situation specific. Once our emotional arousal gets too high, it is very difficult to maintain control. But isn’t character all about self-control? Even those with the strongest characters have lapses of self-control but these are generally momentary.

Lambert believes that she is a better person and a better soccer player than her actions revealed. Perhaps she simply had a tough game. Although it may be true that we are all better people than our actions at any one time may reveal, character has no meaning except in relationship to our behavior. What was objectionable about Lambert’s play was a whole pattern of bad actions throughout an entire game. Lambert’s play wasn’t simply “outside the lines” or “unsportsmanlike,” it was violent and could well have resulted in a serious injury.

We are left with a puzzle. If Lambert is right and her actions were not indicative of her character, then should we throw out the concept of character as meaningless? If Lambert is wrong and her actions reveal her character, should we blame her for being a bad person? Perhaps we can keep the concept of character without unduly condemning Lambert. It is easy to well up with righteousness indignation when others’ act in blatantly offensive ways. It is even easier to come down on others for failing to own up to their faults. It is far more difficult, however, to acknowledge that Lambert’s behavior and subsequent denial that it had anything to do with her character reflects something about a toxic sports culture of our own making. Does anyone believe that Lambert didn’t resorted to dirty play until the BYU game? How long has Lambert been pushing, punching, and pulling hair? When did it start and what did her coaches and teammates say and do when it started? How did Lambert rise to the level of a starting D-1 player without others along the way intervening? Isn’t it a bit hypocritical for the University of New Mexico to suspend Lambert indefinitely for playing the way she had been playing before the bad publicity came? Why not punish the coaches and other players?

Character development is a complicated process. It involves emotional control as well an understanding of the right way to behave and a commitment to behave that way. Most importantly character grows out of community. Who I am as an individual player depends very much upon who we are as a team. Until the sports community makes a commitment to creating a culture that takes character-building as seriously as it takes it winning, we should be the ones who are ashamed.

Building and Crossing the Bridge

I would like to share with you what Play Like A Champion Today(TM) partner, Fort Worth Christian Football League (FWCFL) is doing with their program. In their weekly program, they offer a faith perspective. This is one of their recent postings: Building and Crossing the Bridge

"Did you ever want to be an architect? Ever physically build something with your hands or make something that you thought was perfect or near perfect?

Well, you are a builder – you are an architect. In fact, all of us are. We are building a community right here, at this football game today. Look around you. There are other builders sitting right next to you. Now, look across the field. There are builders sitting there, too. We are something so beautiful, so wonderful…so blessed. We are like people with the same faith in God, with the same dreams for happiness and success for our children.

Through the FWCYFL, friendships and trust are being nurtured between boys from different schools. That same building process is being established with parents, and other family members, too.

Recently, at a soccer game, members from the same FWCYFL football team found themselves on opposing sides. When the football team members came together after the soccer game ended, it was “great game – high fives and see you tomorrows.” Their Christian attitude and respect for each other spoke volumes to other team members and the adults who watched. There was no mention of scores – who won or who lost.

For adults who witnessed this event, it brought smiles. It was an understanding of what God wants for us. He wants us to share and build friendships. He wants us to build bridges and cross them. Whether they are bridges across street, across town or across cultures, he wants us to build a community. After all, he sent us his only son, a carpenter, to show us how to build."

FWCFL Directors and PLC trainers, Frank Poeschel, Jim Breen and Brian Burkham, have built an exemplary program. This weekend, their season concludes with a "Faith and Fire" celebration and award ceremony. Watch our blog for a report on this end of season event!

The Berenstain Bears “Play a Good Game”

A friend of the program recently gave us a book from the Berenstain Bears series called The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game. The book tells the story of Brother and Sister Bear’s experience playing soccer against the “bullies of Bear County,” the Steamrollers. Papa Bear, who coaches his children’s team, reassures his players that “its not whether you win or lose that counts, but how you play the game!” The opposing coach, Two-Ton Grizzly, tells his team that “it isn’t how you play the game that counts, but whether you win or lose!”

The book covers almost all the issues in youth sports today:
· Overemphasis on winning (in the wrong way)
· The challenges of playing fair against a cheating team
· The challenges of parents coaching their children
· Rowdy parent and grandparents in the stands
· Bad calls by the referees (and angry coaches)
· Coaches yelling at coaches! Spectators yelling at spectators!

How did they resolve the conflicts? Who won the game? You’ll have to find out for yourself! It is a great little book for young kids ages 4-7. It even has discussion questions that you can talk about with your children and activities to get out and do!

PLC Chicago River Cruise

To begin the ND vs. USC game weekend, the Notre Dame Clubs of Los Angeles and Chicago enjoyed a Kick-Off party on the Chicago River underwritten by the generosity of Chicago Line Cruises, http://www.chicagoline.com/
Despite chilly temperatures and stormy skies, the event was a hit. Approximately 70 Los Angeles area friends bundled up to enjoy food, drinks, and pre-game merriment with fellow ND supporters from Chicago and South Bend while enjoying the historic as well as state of the art Chicago architecture lining the Chicago River.
Play Like A Champion Today™ thanks all who braved the Chicago winds that evening to support our cause. Pictured is Bob and Kevin Byrne, hosts of the Los Angeles Notre Dame club trip. For additional pictures of the event, go to the Play Like A Champion Today™ facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Play-Like-a-Champion-Today-Sport-Education-Program/79760084958

Play Like A Champion Today™ Partner Trusted Sports announces the High School Football Rudy Awards with $20,000 in College Scholarships

Play Like A Champion Today™ enjoys a friendship with Daniel “Rudy” Reuttiger, motivational speaker and inspiration for the hit movie, Rudy. Rudy offered the “Opening Charge” at the 2008 PLC Sports Leadership conference. Clark, Kristin and Jared enjoyed an opportunity to connect with Rudy at Notre Dame stadium prior to the Kick-Off of the Notre Dame vs. USC football game on October 17.
Trusted Sports, Inc. and co-founder, Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger are offering an exciting opportunity to honor true Champions. Trusted Sports is searching for The Most Inspirational High School Football Player with $20,000 in college scholarships to be awarded to the top three finalists.
The High School Football Rudy Awards honor high school football players who exemplify the values of inspirational football legend Rudy Ruettiger. The winner will receive a $10,000 academic college scholarship to the college of their choice and will be named ‘The Most Inspirational High School Football Player in America’. The two runners-up will each receive $5,000 academic scholarships.
The award honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their high school football team. Each finalist will be presented with a trophy and an academic scholarship by Rudy Ruettiger whose own story became a national sensation through the hit film, RUDY starring Sean Astin and Jon Favreau.
“The Rudy Awards are not about the stats – they’re about the heart,” said CJ Edmonds, CEO of Trusted Sports. “We’re looking for those outstanding players that bring passion and dedication to their game, and who inspire their team. Perhaps they’ve overcome a significant life challenge, yet they still turn up for practice, show respect for their coach and team, and give it everything they’ve got.” “America needs heroes right now,” he continues, “and we’re going to uncover those high school heroes and honor them”.
Nominations are currently being accepted at http://www.highschoolrudyawards.com/. Anyone can nominate a football player they believe to be a ‘Rudy’. America can support their favorite candidate online. Nominations close November 30, 2009.
The High School Football Rudy Awards are produced and managed by Trusted Sports Inc., a Bend, Oregon based company that motivates kids to thrive in life through sports by positively connecting young athletes, parents and coaches through fun, education, and inspiration. For more information about Trusted Sports, please visit http://www.trustedsports.com/. Where you can also view the High School Football Rudy Award video.

National Award for Loyal Sons

Loyal Sons: The Story of The Four Horsemen and Notre Dame Football's 1924 Champions has earned another national honor!

Loyal Sons has been named an Award-Winning Finalist in the Sports: Autobiography/Biography category of The National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.

This is on top of the award earlier this year of the Bronze Medal in Sports/Recreation/Fitness from the 2009 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Congratulations to author and PLC friend, Jim Lefebvre.

As the holiday's approach, remember to keep Loyal Sons in mind for gift-giving.

Parent-Coach Communication about Playing Time

Developing a positive parent-coach relationship can be a challenge. One of the most common controversies between parents and coaches is playing time. “Parents vs coaches” rather than parents with coaches can be destructive to a child’s experience of the game. Coaches cite playing time as one of the most common complaints from parents and parents cite playing time as one of the most common complaints about their children’s coaches. Here is some advice taken from our coaches clinics and parent workshops for you to use:

As a parent, how do you effectively communicate your frustration to the coach?

1. First, talk to your son or daughter about how they feel about the time they get to play. Are they having fun playing on the team? Do they feel they are not getting the game time they deserve? If so, ask them what they think they need to work on to get better? Set goals with them about specific ways they can improve in their sport.

2. Encourage your son or daughter to approach the coach before you do. Some children may feel uncomfortable or scared, but you must assure them that they have to take initiative. This is a lesson they should learn now so that later on in life they can stand up for themselves and take initiative in approaching teachers, college professors, bosses, potential employers etc.

3. Contact the coach in an appropriate way. Do not approach the coach before or after a game. If you approach him or her after practice, ask the coach if you can set up a time to talk either in person or on the phone.

4. During the coach-parent meeting, keep the following in mind:

• Start with a compliment and/or thank the coach for dedicating his/her time to working with your child. This will ease the tension in the conversation.
• Ask rather than tell. Rather than making accusations, ask the coach to explain what they see in practice.
• Ask them what specific areas your son or daughter will need to improve to be in the game more often. Decide on some goals and agree that you will both discuss those goals with your child.
• DO NOT compare your son or daughter to another player on the team.
• Do not try to convince the coach that your child is a better player than he/she thinks (even if you’re right).
• Do not insult the coach’s effort or ability to be your child’s coach. They are dedicating the time away from their families to be with your family.
  

What can coaches do to prevent playing time disappointments?

1. Communicate with players about your vision for their role on the team and what they can do to get more time in the game.

2. Write a letter to the parents and invite them to a pre-season meeting. Describe your coaching philosophy in the letter and how you plan to distribute playing time throughout the year.

3. Host a parent meeting at the beginning of the season and describe your playing time philosophy. Communicate with parents about your philosophy throughout the year.

3. If you are going to bench a player, make sure you communicate the reasoning behind this decision to both the player and the parents ahead of time.

4. Develop positive ongoing relationships with parents throughout the entire year. Get to know your players’ parents at school functions, social events, etc. The more positive your relationships are with parents, the more supportive they will be of you.

5. When a parent asks to talk about playing time, set up a meeting that fits into both of your schedules. If the parent is angry, assure them that you would like to discuss this with them at a better time. Let them cool off.

6. During the conversation, keep the following in mind:

• Listen rather than tell. They are likely to have a lot to say. Let them share their feeling and assure them that you hear and understand where they are coming from.
• First, point out their son or daughter’s strengths.
• Focus on what the child can do to get better not what they have done in the past.
• Refer back to your original communication with them about playing time.
• If the discussion becomes irrational, heated, and insulting to you, end the meeting and ask to schedule another appointment with your school administrator/third-party.
• Do not compare their child to another player on the team.
• Do not let your emotions get in the way of a rational discussion.

Coaches: What can you do to get more kids in the game? Read, “5 Strategies to Give Equal Playing Time in Sports.”

Is this a common problem at your school? Play Like A Champion Today™ offers workshops for coaches and parents that have a special focus on developing a positive relationship between parents and coaches. For more information check out our various programs or contact PLC at 574-631-9981 or by email plc@nd.edu.

Announcing PLC’s newest partner: The Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Sports Program

I had the privilege to travel to the great city of Pittsburgh, PA over the weekend to welcome the Diocese into partnership with Play Like A Champion Today™. Dr. Ron Bowes, the Assistant Superintendent of the Diocese, runs the sports programs for the schools. Ron has worked diligently to develop a sport program that is already highly developed and fine tuned to understand what is best for young athletes playing Catholic youth sports. The addition of PLC workshops confirms and further supports our efforts to work together with dioceses to change the culture of youth sports nationally.
Athletics directors and coaches enjoyed a lively clinic experience with positive conversation around the value of play, developing champion virtues and understanding coaching as a ministry. Coaches were energized by the exchange of information and sharing of tangible ideas to make a difference in the lives of young athletes through Catholic sports. After the coach workshop, new local trainers were prepared to present the PLC coach clinic in their own Pittsburgh parishes and schools.
Welcome Pittsburgh to our national network of Catholic Coach Ministers! We are thrilled to have you as part of the Play Like A Champion Today™ family.

5 Strategies to Give Equal Playing Time in Sports

As a coach, playing time can be your biggest headache. It can be difficult to give each player fair playing time. However, the opportunity to participate in sports with meaningful playing time is essential to childhood development, confidence-building and overall athlete development. PLC believes strongly in the distribution of equal playing time in youth sports. We recommend at a minimum for 6th grade and below as close to equal playing time as possible and for 7th and 8th grade at least 25% playing time for all participants.

So how do you do that? Here are 5 strategies taken from the Play Like A Champion Today™ youth sport coaches manual:

1. Communicate with your players and their parents. Let your players and parents know your commitment to fair playing time and what they can expect throughout the season. Make sure your playing time commitments are explained to the parents at a pre-season meeting. The better you communicate up front, the less push back you will receive during the season.
   


2. Plan ahead. Prepare a detailed substitution pattern before each game. Set your line-ups to have the best chance to be competitive in each quarter, half, or inning. Don’t “stack” certain line-ups to try to win – players pick up on this and might think of themselves as the “B Team.” Make everyone feel like they are on the “A Team” and you will get the most out of every player.
   


3. Stick to your playing time commitments, regardless of the game situation. Is sacrificing a player’s opportunity to have fun and feel accepted by his/her coach and team worth improving your record? You decide.
   


4. If possible, have an assistant keep track of playing time; this could be an assistant coach or a trusted parent. Recruiting some help will allow you to focus on game strategy and instruction of your players during the game.
   


5. Take advantage of lopsided opportunities and give more time to your less-used players (especially when equal playing time is not guaranteed). Don’t wait for the other coach to do this. If he/she wants to play their stars the whole game then that is their problem. Also, make sure this isn’t your only playing time strategy.

Feel free to comment on this post to share any of your strategies in distributing playing time fairly. We want your feedback!