26 - Sunday, October 18, 1998 — North Shore News ow is the time ¢ OKAY, you've checked out the goals and atti- tudes of the sport and the association your child is going to involve him or herself in and the coaches seem like they have an atti- tude that is as much about character devel- opmient as competing in your youngster’s chosen endeavour. You've handed over the hard earned cash to purchase unitorms and equipment. You've paid the annual dues required and the season is just about to begin. But wait — what type of attitude, behaviour and com- mitment have you agreed on with your child so they understand what is expected of them? Have you discussed thoughts on respecting their teammates, coaches, referees and yes, even themselves? Are they aware of the need to be punctual for prac- tices (you play a big part in this one mom and dad), to be upbeat and support the other kids around them, par- ticularly those less experi- enced? Well, if vou have, great —- but if previous seasons are anything to go by alot of parents haven't said boo and they just assume their vouny- ster will [carn necessary skills trom the coaching staff. Obviously the volunteers and professionals that develop our kids have a tremendous impact on their emotional maturity, but it’s also essential they ger ‘the same positive reinforcement at home. Make sure you take the time to discuss fair play, hon- esty and respect as part of the overall package of involve- MeNt in sport se everyone will benefit in the long run. I told a story recently on this subject and it bears repeating. Mr. Skip Kenney, the men’s head swimming coach at Stanford University (Palo Alto, California) was ona recruitment visit to the home AYLORMOTIVE COLLISION SPECIALISTS | 39th Year of avery Gilented vounte svuanmier fo for those thot rainuliar with the untiversin ’s reputation, being accepted to Stanturd an a swim scholar ship is akin to being dratted to play tor che Montreal Canadians Hockey team in the avid sesenties. i Anyway, he was visiting the home of a hotshot athlete with real Olympic potential and Was attempting to recruit him to the school’s progrant. ‘There were various topics dis- cussed with the young man and his mother, not the least af which was lite after sim: ming and his long-term gous. Skip looked to the ath- lete’s mother as she persisted in questioning his options and asked her to express her thoughts on the bay's acade- mic future. Betore she could answer the boy interrupted and blurted, “Don’t be so stupid mom, Mr, Kenney can cover thar stuff later.” Skip concluded the meet- ing, thanked the mother for her time and bade goodbye. The young man who had so much talent but couldn’r 165 HP, 2.5L engine Ail wheel drive Auto transmission Four channel ABS talk ab even demonstrate basic respeet tor das mother in tre Mie v7 t hers WAS Hever accepled ante the Stantord program, Coach Kenney reasoned thar it he could be so disre- speettal to his mother then how mitch respect could he have tor himsecit! And. if he had such little regard tor his own worth then how suceess ful could he be working at intense levels and integrating within a small and intimate group of clite athletes all learning and relying on cach other? We have a real chance to make a difference im our chil- dren's development through sport and there is no excuse for not taking advantage of it. ‘Yo bring the matter closer to home, PE had an interesting conversation with a young hockey player recently that illustrates just haw much good and bad can be learned in the athletic arena. I pulled into a West Vancouver gas staion and the young man of around 16 years of age — who | had known since he was probably six or seven) -— Was PURINE fas, Prve alwans comeimbered this veumg man as bert the epiteme of fur play and sportsmanship and as he has grownup Phave always had the highest reward for his Iptewrity and manners as welbas the wav he was abies ready to step im and help Jess experienced plavers émy son Stephen having been one in the past). Heo wreeted me with 3 “Hi Mr. Collins” and 1 returned the salutation, We got talking about a column Thad written just a few weeks ago where I described an example of negative and damaging coaching. Briefly it outlined how a West Vancouver hock- ey head coach had lied toa referee concerning an iftegal hit, the result being an inno- cent kid was thrown out of the game and everyone else on the bench learned that maybe fying can get vou someplace. I explained to him what | thought abour that sort of example to any group of young athletes and he responded with “but you jut respe doit understand --- some of the plavers on the bench were PF vears old? For amoment P said nothing, bur finally respond ed with the comment “Are vou saving to me chat because the plavers were 17 vears old that ar was OB ror the ce tobe on ther behalf Vhe lad said, sat” Now Phave to tell vou T know this particuiar individ ual is not going te be swayed too long by such Hegativisnr because he is made of stronger stuff, but talk about sport having an imNuence on character out- side the playing field! I was chided a couple of reks ago in a detter to the caitor and told to get down off my “podium.” Even though the author of the letter agreed with my com- mentary that excellence in sports administration and coaching is desirable, she didn't feel it was realistic. Vell, we better start demanding excellence oT guess See Demand page 27 B.C.A.A. - A.RA, APPROVED CENTRE Power moon roof Power windows, locks & mirrors Air conditioning Leather interior Heated seats/mirrors 80 watt, 6 speaker AM/FM cassette/CD 60/40 split rear seat Halogen fog lamps 15” alloy wheels and much more 0a59684 ALL MAKE COLLISION REPAIRS “LIFETIME GUARANTEE” Alternative transportation arranged TALKING & Estimates * YELLOW PAGES A 299-9000 Consultation [7l4l5{S.. 985-7455 > Complete range of mutual funds, including Trimark, Fidelity, Dynamic and Templeton » Full brokerage services through our investment firm, > . . Credential Securities Inc. 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