President's Message
by American Youth Football President, Joe Galat
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Joe's Corner October 2011 Huddle
Many psychologists agree, Parents who want their Children to haveabetterChildhood than they had, are really doing more harm than good. When a child falls this generation's parents are quickly there to pick them up before the child can process what happened and why. Of course a parent needs to protect their child from harm. According to mostchild psychologists, parents find it difficult to distinguish the difference between real danger and the experiences like falling as important stages in the learning process. Perhaps that is the reason for so many Parents and Parent Coaches having issues with anything less than their child's total success. Perfection is elusive in the sports world. A Pro Baseball player batting 300 is good. But what about the seven out of ten non-hits? A Pro Quarterback completing over fifty percent of the pass attempts is above average. But half of those passes are not completed! Hey - Coaches and Parents that can't accept a mistake. Get real! Division One Universities do not scout Youth Games looking for their next head coach and only one in many thousand of kids will ever get paid for playing a sport. Football and Cheerleading teaches us that everyone makes mistakes. But how you come back after a mistake is the mark of a winner. Ask the leaders in your community how they achieved "Instant Success". You may be surprised that their success was not instant or easy. Abraham Lincoln failed to be elected to public office over 20 times, yet he did not quit. The courage to PICK YOURSELF BACK UP is what drives our great country. Remember our historical struggles in Wars and Economics that America endured yet we always came back better and stronger? Maybe those Child Psychologists would find comfort in seeing the example some Adults set for their children when disaster strikes. Today life in America is so convenient we can go days without any obstacles in our way. Suddenly; Natural Disasters occur like the Flooding in New England, The Tornadoes in the Midwest, Wild Fires in California, and the Stock Market dives again. As Adults we are left with no option but to pick up the pieces and rebuild. That example Adults set when they preserver in the battle of life puts Youth Sports into a more manageable perspective.
Coaches berating players, parents wanting to live in the reflective glory of their child is sadly common place. Many times Coaches are involved because of their children's participation. Fathers and Mothers who coach have the most difficult job in Sports - at any level. These parents face a double challenges. One to understand failure is a part of learning and two their child must be treated as only one of a team or squad. Any "special" treatment by a parent is quickly perceived by everyone. Teammates will quickly resent this and hold a grudge against the "special" child which can results in the child resenting his sport. Both the child and the parent are victims of this downward spiral. What to do? Associations need to address common pot holes in youth sports. Overzealous Parents, Daddy Ball, and Abusive Coaches are all to familiar to us. American Youth Football clearly states our expectations on our web site and myayf.com user panel. Yet locally, we find that an Association or Conferences that provide a written contract requiring a return signature is the first step. The contract clearly outlining what is expected of Coaches, Participants, and Parents is a valued precaution if Board of Director disciplinary rulings become necessary. Year end Board of Director evaluations alert everyone of your intentions to stay on course. The Child Psychologists advice taken on a positive note. America's got talent - may of your kids have the X factor - they are soon to become leaders in your community. Face Book is full of Teams with Dreams. Some will fall some will pick themselves back up. Momentum is a wonderful magical thing that happens to teams with chemistry. I wish your Conference/Association the best in the telling days to come. When the going gets tough - the tough get going!!!!!
O K, OK I know your busy. Good Luck - THIS GLORIOUS SEASON IS UPON US!
The burdens of hours away from home are hard on all of us.
Balancing our finances is a challenge each month. Most of us have to answer to a Grumpy Boss. But hey -you are an artist! Show the kids how to live life as a winner! If you feel your worth - you will do so much good in so many lives. The positive approach is more art than science. Realize perfection is elusive. The effort toward excellence should be recognized and rewarded with praise.
..and By The Way - your doing a great job!
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