Last night I went to a 2 hour workshop presented by the Positive Coaching Alliance. I went because I had been recruited for one of the two "Culture Keeper" positions that each team is now supposed to have. I am not quite sure what I was expecting from the workshop -- probably a review of what are and are not acceptable behaviors for parents, coaches and players, and a few ideas on how to handle problems. It was in fact much different and much better than that.

 We both felt that it was a well-spent two hours, and would probably be a well-spent two hours for any parent with one or more kids involved in sports. It addressed topics of sports psychology such as why kids want to play, why their parents want them to play, why such a high percentage of kids leave sports by their teen years, what makes others stay, and what is success. And yes, giving respect and encouragement to all the people involved in the game in their various roles: coaches, players, referees, parents.

 Positive Coaching Alliance is based at Stanford, although there are operations in other parts of the country. Rest assured this is a program developed by winning coaches and athletes. The presentation was clear and upbeat, started and ended pretty much on time, with well-prepared handouts.

 There is another workshop held that is open to ALL parents in our league, whether they are coaches, managers, "culture keepers" or not. This will be held on Tuesday May 25th, 7:30-9:30 PM, at Guadalupe Elementary School.

I would like to encourage you all to consider attending that workshop. There's a carrot as well:

if you go, you will have fulfilled the 2 hour volunteer requirement for this year. That's how

 important the league thinks this is. If you would like more information on the "positive

 coaching" organization or philosophy, you can also look at their website: pca@positivecoach.org

See you all soon, I hope!

Mrs. Soccer Mad Mom

Parent of an AVYSL player"