Take special note of this exchange in last night's ABC News piece about 4-year-old tennis player Mia Lines.
ABC News Correspondent:
"We hear about so many parents in sport, pushing their children, wanting them to be the best."
Glenn Lines:
"People might say three hours [of practice each day for a four-year-old], that's too long. A lot of parents [are] letting their kids play six hours of Play Station. Eating junk food. Drinking cans of soda."
Not sure what this establishes. Maybe that playing tennis excessively is less harmful than playing Play Station excessively.
Here's another TV piece on young Mia. (Thank you, Dirk Buikema).
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pitch counts at the Little League World Series
From Tuesday's editions of the Columbian (Vancouver, Washington).
The coach referred to is from the team representing Warner Robins, Georgia.
"In a LLWS game this year, a pitcher was intentionally walking a batter. With a 3-0 count, the batter took a swing and missed, making the count 3-1. The batter allegedly took his swing, even though the pitch clearly would have been ball four, because of Little League's rule regarding pitch counts. The pitcher would have to throw at least one more pitch during the at-bat, getting closer to the pitch count.
"Oh, those witty Little League coaches. So smart.
"Of course, there is a way to counter this move. Next time, have your pitcher bean the batter. One pitch, and one pitch only, and it's the same as an intentional walk, plus the batter might get hurt.
"Can we please, please, get TV, and most adults, away from youth sports? Yes, our youth need supervision and coaching, but any coach who would tell an athlete to take a swing in order to add to an opponent's pitch count needs a major overhaul of his priorities.
"And he does not need to be coaching anybody."
The coach referred to is from the team representing Warner Robins, Georgia.
"In a LLWS game this year, a pitcher was intentionally walking a batter. With a 3-0 count, the batter took a swing and missed, making the count 3-1. The batter allegedly took his swing, even though the pitch clearly would have been ball four, because of Little League's rule regarding pitch counts. The pitcher would have to throw at least one more pitch during the at-bat, getting closer to the pitch count.
"Oh, those witty Little League coaches. So smart.
"Of course, there is a way to counter this move. Next time, have your pitcher bean the batter. One pitch, and one pitch only, and it's the same as an intentional walk, plus the batter might get hurt.
"Can we please, please, get TV, and most adults, away from youth sports? Yes, our youth need supervision and coaching, but any coach who would tell an athlete to take a swing in order to add to an opponent's pitch count needs a major overhaul of his priorities.
"And he does not need to be coaching anybody."
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The winner at Little League World Series? ESPN
This just in--
The Sports Business Daily reports a healthy ratings increase for the Little League World Series, proving again that youth baseball is not only fun, but highly profitable.
The SBD notes that ESPN’s coverage through Monday averaged a 0.8 cable rating and 1.031 million viewers over 10 telecasts, "up 60.0 percent and 73.3 percent, respectively, from the '08 opening weekend, which averaged a 0.5 rating and 595,000 viewers for eight telecasts up against the Beijing Games."
ESPN2's Little League ratings are climbing even more rapidly, averaging a 0.8 cable rating and 1.091 million viewers for seven telecasts, ahead 100 percent and 120 percent, according to SBD.
The most important thing, though, is that the kids have fun.
The Sports Business Daily reports a healthy ratings increase for the Little League World Series, proving again that youth baseball is not only fun, but highly profitable.
The SBD notes that ESPN’s coverage through Monday averaged a 0.8 cable rating and 1.031 million viewers over 10 telecasts, "up 60.0 percent and 73.3 percent, respectively, from the '08 opening weekend, which averaged a 0.5 rating and 595,000 viewers for eight telecasts up against the Beijing Games."
ESPN2's Little League ratings are climbing even more rapidly, averaging a 0.8 cable rating and 1.091 million viewers for seven telecasts, ahead 100 percent and 120 percent, according to SBD.
The most important thing, though, is that the kids have fun.
For educational inspiration, LeBron or Shaq?
No disrespect intended, but it seems odd to choose LeBron James as co-host of a TV special celebrating the importance in kids' lives of education. James is fabulously rich and maybe the best basketball player of all-time. He also skipped college. Perhaps a sports icon with Intro to Econ under his belt might carry the message with more authority.
The show itself - "Get Schooled" -sounds like a terrific idea. James and singer Kelly Clarkson will be the hosts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an underwriter. During the 30-minute show, the stars will speak about the role education has played in their lives.
James says: "I know first hand how important it is for young people to have role models who can inspire them about the importance of education and help them make good choices that will provide them with the tools to succeed."
No doubt, James has tremendous cred with kids. And for many of those watching, a high school degree is an accomplishment to take great pride in. (Just half the U.S. population has graduated from high school).
But for educational inspiration, I choose Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq left Louisiana State after his junior year to play in the NBA. He vowed to come back to school and complete his degree. Eight years after starting at LSU, he did.
The LeBron and Kelly show airs September 8 simultaneously on MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and 18 other youth-oriented channels.
The show itself - "Get Schooled" -sounds like a terrific idea. James and singer Kelly Clarkson will be the hosts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an underwriter. During the 30-minute show, the stars will speak about the role education has played in their lives.
James says: "I know first hand how important it is for young people to have role models who can inspire them about the importance of education and help them make good choices that will provide them with the tools to succeed."
No doubt, James has tremendous cred with kids. And for many of those watching, a high school degree is an accomplishment to take great pride in. (Just half the U.S. population has graduated from high school).
But for educational inspiration, I choose Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq left Louisiana State after his junior year to play in the NBA. He vowed to come back to school and complete his degree. Eight years after starting at LSU, he did.
The LeBron and Kelly show airs September 8 simultaneously on MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and 18 other youth-oriented channels.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Under Armour signs high school shoe deals
In today's editions, the New York Daily News reports that Under Armour will sponsor five city high school basketball teams,including Lincoln High, which has won seven of the last eight public school championships.
From the DN article:
"The five teams are part of the 27 high school basketball squads (20 boys teams; seven girls) that Under Armour is currently sponsoring in a nationwide strategy to market its brand. The company also sponsored the Elite 24 showcase, in which all 24 players involved were outfitted in Under Armour, at Rucker Park on Friday.
"Under Armour believes Lincoln gives it instant authenticity on the high school scene, perhaps even sending a subliminal shot to Nike, which still outfits a handful of top-tier teams in the city, including state champion Rice and CHSAA runner-up Christ the King.
"For us (Lincoln's) going to be the centerpiece of East Coast and New York City basketball," says Kris Stone, Under Armour's Director of Basketball. "What it does for us is it says that we're going to be committed to basketball. That was just the statement we're trying to make. What we're trying to do is create a presence for the brand."
-I've met UA founder Kevin Plank. His personal story is amazing.
-This graph late in the News article:
""Our kids love the sneakers, shirts and shorts," Jefferson coach Lawrence Pollard says. "If you look at it, Adidas is focused on the NBA now, and Nike is Nike. But Under Armour is sponsoring three boys teams in Brooklyn, and kids in our neighborhoods don't always have nice things."
From the DN article:
"The five teams are part of the 27 high school basketball squads (20 boys teams; seven girls) that Under Armour is currently sponsoring in a nationwide strategy to market its brand. The company also sponsored the Elite 24 showcase, in which all 24 players involved were outfitted in Under Armour, at Rucker Park on Friday.
"Under Armour believes Lincoln gives it instant authenticity on the high school scene, perhaps even sending a subliminal shot to Nike, which still outfits a handful of top-tier teams in the city, including state champion Rice and CHSAA runner-up Christ the King.
"For us (Lincoln's) going to be the centerpiece of East Coast and New York City basketball," says Kris Stone, Under Armour's Director of Basketball. "What it does for us is it says that we're going to be committed to basketball. That was just the statement we're trying to make. What we're trying to do is create a presence for the brand."
-I've met UA founder Kevin Plank. His personal story is amazing.
-This graph late in the News article:
""Our kids love the sneakers, shirts and shorts," Jefferson coach Lawrence Pollard says. "If you look at it, Adidas is focused on the NBA now, and Nike is Nike. But Under Armour is sponsoring three boys teams in Brooklyn, and kids in our neighborhoods don't always have nice things."
Friday, August 21, 2009
Get to know your Little League World Series teams
We know the kids playing this week at the Little League World Series are beyond excited. One gauge of how stoked the adults in these communities are getting is the leagues' web sites. The emotional temperature that comes through on these sites varies greatly. Some maintain an impassive "Oh yeah, the 12-year-olds are going to Williamsport" tone. Others, well, secure earplugs before opening.
Here are six worth a look.
Hastings Community Little League, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Excellent coverage of earlier tournament games. Handy link to WS schedule. Parents seeking help so they can travel to the series. Send checks to "Help Send Us to the Championships" fund.
McAllister Park American Little League, San Antonio
No boasting, just the facts. "No San Antonio team in the history of the Little League has ever made it to the little league World Series in Williamsport PA. Well that has all changed. McAllister Park Little League Texas West Champions beat Bridge City Little League Texas East Champions 6-4 August 13 and now are the SOUTHWEST REGION CHAMPIONS...ON TO WILLIAMSPORT!"
Parents here also are seeking financial support for the trip "While the team’s costs are covered by the Little League organization, the families’ expenses are not. It is estimated that a family of four will need roughly $6000 to make the trip."
Park View Little League, Chula Vista
Rappin' to Williamsport.
Urbandale Little League, Iowa
Understated, restrained. My new favorite team.
Warner Robins Little League, Georgia
They've won so many championships - notably, the 2007 Little League title - this year's squad seems to have been overlooked.
Mercer Island Little League, Washington
Multiple opportunities here:
Purchase official Mercer Island Little League fan gear. (Adult striped pullover hoodie, $32).
Listen to one proud parent emote as the team wins the Washington state championship.
Good luck to the parents. Kids, too.
Here are six worth a look.
Hastings Community Little League, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Excellent coverage of earlier tournament games. Handy link to WS schedule. Parents seeking help so they can travel to the series. Send checks to "Help Send Us to the Championships" fund.
McAllister Park American Little League, San Antonio
No boasting, just the facts. "No San Antonio team in the history of the Little League has ever made it to the little league World Series in Williamsport PA. Well that has all changed. McAllister Park Little League Texas West Champions beat Bridge City Little League Texas East Champions 6-4 August 13 and now are the SOUTHWEST REGION CHAMPIONS...ON TO WILLIAMSPORT!"
Parents here also are seeking financial support for the trip "While the team’s costs are covered by the Little League organization, the families’ expenses are not. It is estimated that a family of four will need roughly $6000 to make the trip."
Park View Little League, Chula Vista
Rappin' to Williamsport.
Urbandale Little League, Iowa
Understated, restrained. My new favorite team.
Warner Robins Little League, Georgia
They've won so many championships - notably, the 2007 Little League title - this year's squad seems to have been overlooked.
Mercer Island Little League, Washington
Multiple opportunities here:
Purchase official Mercer Island Little League fan gear. (Adult striped pullover hoodie, $32).
Listen to one proud parent emote as the team wins the Washington state championship.
Good luck to the parents. Kids, too.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Do kids need sports training at 6? Ask Y.E. Yang
Granted, Tiger Woods (with a two-stroke lead with 18 holes to play) beats Y.E. Yang in a major championship 98 times out of 100. Maybe 99.
Still, I couldn't help noticing the contrasting life stories of these two, after Yang's improbable victory in the PGA Championship Sunday.
Woods who got a golf club, then his baby teeth. Brought along in the sport by a dad consumed with raising a champion. At 2, appeared on the Mike Douglas Show. At 3, had a nine-hole score of 48. At age five, featured in Golf Digest and on ABC's That's Incredible. Winner of the Junior World Championships six times. A prodigy in every sense of the word.
Yang who played many sports as a kid - baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball - but never golf. Who had no interest in the sport whatsoever, in part because his father regarded golf as elitist. Who did not touch a club until age 19, and then only because he'd taken a lousy job picking up balls at a country club. Who until he had turned pro and advanced to playing tournaments was almost entirely self-taught.
So, respectfully, I ask, do we really need to sign up our six-year-olds for travel soccer?
Still, I couldn't help noticing the contrasting life stories of these two, after Yang's improbable victory in the PGA Championship Sunday.
Woods who got a golf club, then his baby teeth. Brought along in the sport by a dad consumed with raising a champion. At 2, appeared on the Mike Douglas Show. At 3, had a nine-hole score of 48. At age five, featured in Golf Digest and on ABC's That's Incredible. Winner of the Junior World Championships six times. A prodigy in every sense of the word.
Yang who played many sports as a kid - baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball - but never golf. Who had no interest in the sport whatsoever, in part because his father regarded golf as elitist. Who did not touch a club until age 19, and then only because he'd taken a lousy job picking up balls at a country club. Who until he had turned pro and advanced to playing tournaments was almost entirely self-taught.
So, respectfully, I ask, do we really need to sign up our six-year-olds for travel soccer?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Youth sports word of the day: Moderation
On The Takeaway this morning, I joined a panel discussing a Tufts University study about kids' sports and kids' emotional health. My shorthand version of the study's conclusions: Children who do little or nothing with their leisure time except play sports are sometimes bullies and frequently not well-adjusted.
This is the latest in a rapidly rising stack of medical treatises that, seems to me, could be misinterpreted as discouraging sports play for kids. In fact, the researchers point out that sports are key to a child's healthy development, when combined with a range of activities including - prominently, in the Tufts's research - 4H.
Quite logical in my mind. I can't imagine a parent - even the over-the-top kind - disagreeing.
This is the latest in a rapidly rising stack of medical treatises that, seems to me, could be misinterpreted as discouraging sports play for kids. In fact, the researchers point out that sports are key to a child's healthy development, when combined with a range of activities including - prominently, in the Tufts's research - 4H.
Quite logical in my mind. I can't imagine a parent - even the over-the-top kind - disagreeing.
Friday, August 14, 2009
An enlightened approach to kids sports in Wisc.
Earlier in the week, I was a guest on Wisconsin Public Radio, an hour speaking about Until It Hurts and other kids' sports issues in the news, notably research showing a 150 per cent jump in injuries to kids during gym class.
During the show, host Joy Cardin and I spoke about how one objective for parents should be instilling a lifelong love of sports, not (or not just) training kids to be picked for an 11-12 travel team.
A listener replied with this email.
"My high school recognized this youth athletics problem in the early 90's. They started offering a class called "Life Sports". A class that opened the doors to other sporting activities that people enjoy throughout their life. For instance: Canoeing, Golf, Tennis, Racquetball, Trap Shooting, Downhill Skiing, and Horseback Riding. Sports that adults can participate in, long after the Dreams of being a Professional Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Baseball player have ended."
Another emailed with a tip about a gym teacher in the local high school, Pam Haffely. Haffely also was rethinking old ideas about gym, adding yoga, treadmills and visits to the weight room to old standards like softball and floor hockey.
It makes sense to broaden gym this way, as a strategy for keeping kids participating when their high school days are over. Sensible, but unusual. Are there gym offerings like this where you live?
During the show, host Joy Cardin and I spoke about how one objective for parents should be instilling a lifelong love of sports, not (or not just) training kids to be picked for an 11-12 travel team.
A listener replied with this email.
"My high school recognized this youth athletics problem in the early 90's. They started offering a class called "Life Sports". A class that opened the doors to other sporting activities that people enjoy throughout their life. For instance: Canoeing, Golf, Tennis, Racquetball, Trap Shooting, Downhill Skiing, and Horseback Riding. Sports that adults can participate in, long after the Dreams of being a Professional Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Baseball player have ended."
Another emailed with a tip about a gym teacher in the local high school, Pam Haffely. Haffely also was rethinking old ideas about gym, adding yoga, treadmills and visits to the weight room to old standards like softball and floor hockey.
It makes sense to broaden gym this way, as a strategy for keeping kids participating when their high school days are over. Sensible, but unusual. Are there gym offerings like this where you live?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Has anyone given more to youth sports in the U.S?
RIP, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. You contributed more to youth sports in America than any other coach, educator, activist.
--
--
Monday, August 10, 2009
New study on health risks to lacrosse players
In a study made public today, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that sudden deaths due to chest trauma (getting hammered with a ball, stick, puck, opponent's forearm, and so on) are more common in lacrosse than any sport except hockey.
More common as opposed to common. Over 28 years, the study revealed just 23 deaths or cardiac arrests in male athletes in high school and college lacrosse programs. Not an epidemic. Still, this will doubtless get the attention of lacrosse parents, scholastic sports associations, U.S. Lacrosse.
Researchers analyzed data about stricken lacrosse players from 1980-2008 and learned the following:
-Ten died after receiving blunt chest blows, including four goalies wearing chest protectors.
-Twelve other students collapsed because of pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
The authors recommend - sensibly - that better chest protectors be developed to protect players from freak accidents.
More common as opposed to common. Over 28 years, the study revealed just 23 deaths or cardiac arrests in male athletes in high school and college lacrosse programs. Not an epidemic. Still, this will doubtless get the attention of lacrosse parents, scholastic sports associations, U.S. Lacrosse.
Researchers analyzed data about stricken lacrosse players from 1980-2008 and learned the following:
-Ten died after receiving blunt chest blows, including four goalies wearing chest protectors.
-Twelve other students collapsed because of pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
The authors recommend - sensibly - that better chest protectors be developed to protect players from freak accidents.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Logging on to Youth Sports Live for $14.95
I'm going to subscribe this month. I'm not bragging, just informing.
August 6, 2009
Dear Little League Baseball and Softball Volunteers and Fans:
Little League Baseball and Softball International Tournament games can be seen on television throughout the month of August, with nearly 60 games scheduled to be televised. A list of games, dates and times, is available, here: http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2009/May-Aug/LLTVSchedule.htm.
Anyone with an Internet connection can log on to Youth Sports Live to watch dozens of Little League International games from several venues throughout the United States. To access the Youth Sports Live, go to: http://www.youthsportslive.com/SummerTournament09/LittleLeague-Tournaments.aspx. The one-month subscription of $14.95 covers all the games and events, including postgame interviews at the Little League Baseball World Series.
To view webcasts of games in the 2009 Senior League Softball World Series, log on to: http://delmarvasports.youcastr.com/season/little-league-senior-softball-world-series. For webcast coverage of the 2009 Little League Softball World Series, log on to: http://www.softballworldseries.com/Videotransferpage.htm.
August 6, 2009
Dear Little League Baseball and Softball Volunteers and Fans:
Little League Baseball and Softball International Tournament games can be seen on television throughout the month of August, with nearly 60 games scheduled to be televised. A list of games, dates and times, is available, here: http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2009/May-Aug/LLTVSchedule.htm.
Anyone with an Internet connection can log on to Youth Sports Live to watch dozens of Little League International games from several venues throughout the United States. To access the Youth Sports Live, go to: http://www.youthsportslive.com/SummerTournament09/LittleLeague-Tournaments.aspx. The one-month subscription of $14.95 covers all the games and events, including postgame interviews at the Little League Baseball World Series.
To view webcasts of games in the 2009 Senior League Softball World Series, log on to: http://delmarvasports.youcastr.com/season/little-league-senior-softball-world-series. For webcast coverage of the 2009 Little League Softball World Series, log on to: http://www.softballworldseries.com/Videotransferpage.htm.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
How parents are keeping kids on the field in Beloit
This ESPN piece, which aired in June, does a nice job capturing the havoc being wreaked by the economic meltdown on youth sports - and how a few families are coping in Beloit, Wisconsin. Well done.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Gym class more dangerous than it used to be
Not sure what to make of this but, as a public service, am passing it along: Gym class apparently is becoming more dangerous.
A study released today by the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that the number of kids injured during gym has leaped 150 per cent in 11 years. (That is, the annual number of cases increased 150 percent during the study period).
During the years of the study (1997 to 2007) researchers analyzed the cases of 405,305 children and adolescents treated in emergency departments for PE-related injuries. Here are some highlights pulled from the data.
-Nearly 70 percent of the injuries occurred during six activities: running, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics.
-Researchers noted differences in the types of injuries suffered by boys and girls. Boys, for example, were more likely to be injured on the head, during collisions with other people, and during group activities. Girls tended to suffer strains and sprains to the lower extremities, and to be injured during individual activities.
-Middle school-aged children accounted for the majority (52 percent) of injuries.
A study released today by the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that the number of kids injured during gym has leaped 150 per cent in 11 years. (That is, the annual number of cases increased 150 percent during the study period).
During the years of the study (1997 to 2007) researchers analyzed the cases of 405,305 children and adolescents treated in emergency departments for PE-related injuries. Here are some highlights pulled from the data.
-Nearly 70 percent of the injuries occurred during six activities: running, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics.
-Researchers noted differences in the types of injuries suffered by boys and girls. Boys, for example, were more likely to be injured on the head, during collisions with other people, and during group activities. Girls tended to suffer strains and sprains to the lower extremities, and to be injured during individual activities.
-Middle school-aged children accounted for the majority (52 percent) of injuries.
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