Season's Beatings

What? You don't like the title? Seems a little over-the-top? It might be, but what's going on in gyms and on fields across the country is shameful. Baltimore's ConneXions School for the Arts and Washington, D.C.'s Cardozo Academy met for a boys high school basketball match-up. Fans were unhappy with the officiating. Players joined in. A coach got shoved and the melee you see in the video happened between, players, coaches and fans (email subscribers click here). 
You can have the tools to prevent this type of thing from happening in your league. Register for and attend the  St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. Local and national experts will show you how to improve the sports experience for your kids rather than have it devolve into madness. Go to sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130 to register. Also, be sure to check out Page 2 of this blog to find out how you can earn grant funding for your organization just by attending the event. It won't get better until we make it better. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Saints classless in record-setting performance

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage record Monday night. Marino amassed 5,084 passing yards for the Miami Dolphins in 1984. Brees eclipsed the mark last night against the Atlanta Falcons in a 45-16 Saints victory. The record-clinching pass is shown in the video below (email subscribers click here).
Granted, Drew Brees is one of the good guys in pro sports. His work in helping to rebuild New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina stands by itself. However, this was not the way to break one of the great NFL records. The Saints had a 38-16 lead with a little more than five minutes to go in the game. Most coaches in most games would resort to running the football and draining the clock. Instead, New Orleans passed the ball on five of the next six plays. Saints head coach Sean Payton explained the team's mindset going into the drive:

 “Someone is going to ask this question, so I am going to answer it before it’s asked,” Payton said. “Typically, would I be throwing there? … probably not. In fact, the answer is I wouldn’t be. But I thought it was appropriate to get [the record] and we did it.”

They certainly did it alright. The Saints were seduced by the bright lights of Monday Night Football and couldn't help themselves. Actually, they could've helped themselves. New Orleans has one more regular season game on January 1 at home against the Carolina Panthers. Brees only needed 30 yards at the beginning of the record-breaking drive. He would've easily gotten that in the first quarter on Sunday. It's very important that we don't let ego drive us - especially those of us who work with kids. It's fine to break records. Just don't let your character break with them. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Merry Christmas from the Alexanders! (Madelyn, Madison, and Big Sol)

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Rangers catcher hits umpire in the face

Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba is playing winter baseball in the Venezuelan league. In a game on Friday, he began arguing with the home plate umpire after swinging at strike three.The situation quickly got out of control. Baseball is by far my favorite sport, but the culture that allows the blatant disrespect of umpires is embarrassing. It's the only sport that lets players, coaches, and managers curse at the officials to their faces, kick dirt on them and whatever else. Now, the culture has devolved into striking umpires. Have a look at the video below and let's do what we can to change the sports environment (email subscribers click here). This simply can't continue. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Hockey dad charged after choking son's coach

An assistant coach reprimanded a player for swinging his hockey stick at teammates as if it were a baseball bat. The kid's dad apparently didn't like the way the coach disciplined his son. Dad then began choking the coach. makes perfect sense, doesn't it. This is a youth hockey team of 11-13 year-olds. KARE-TV in Minneapolis gives the full story in the video below (email subscribers click here).
The nonsense really has to stop. If you're serious about creating a more positive sports environment for kids, please join us for the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. It's a free event for parents and coaches. A free continental breakfast will be provided and more importantly - you'll hear from local and national experts on how we can improve the youth sports experience. Call 314-345-5130 for more information or register online at sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Georgia school defeats hunger, wins state title

Undoubtedly, some kids will be upset this season over the presents they didn't get. There's a big box under the tree which contained shoes or clothes - instead of the new game system or smartphone they wanted. Attitudes may still be sour at Christmas dinner as they pick through the full plate of turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans and that unrecognizable casserole that Aunt Helen always makes. It will take the kids years to realize how important being able to have dinner with family really is. Dinner is a big deal. Many kids go to bed hungry each night. They don't care about games. You can't eat an XBOX. No kid should have to worry about where the next meal is coming from. Unfortunately, I was one of those kids at one point.

My mom and I lived in trailer park in Fayetteville, N.C. when I was in third grade. We were all very poor back then. I know people do a lot of political posturing on this topic, but let me be clear. Welfare is not enough to feed and care for a child. We received about $200 a month in cash and about $135 or so in food stamps. Mom paid the rent with the cash and sold some food stamps to pay the gas bill. You'll notice I said gas bill. We needed hot water to bathe and we had a gas stove. Electricity was optional. I completed more than one math assignment by candlelight in my day. It would get really hard toward the end of the month and mom had to get creative. Mom was older than most women with an eight-year-old, and many of the men who lived in the trailer park looked upon her as a mother. They hated seeing her struggle to take care of me.

These guys didn't have jobs and went hungry themselves sometimes. So, they made a deal with my mom. If they could get food, she would prepare meals for them when she cooked for us. Full bags of groceries started appearing and I had chicken and steak dinners with some of the roughest dudes in Cumberland County. I'd love to say that some generous person provided the food. Let's just say shoplifting incidents rose in Fayetteville that year. The story of Burke County (Ga.) High School reminded me of that time in my life. The team won the state title in football after overcoming a most formidable opponent - hunger. Coach Eric Parker noticed his team fading late in games. It wasn't because they needed to do more wind sprints. They needed more vegetables. Kids were literally pulling themselves out of games because they were hungry.

Coach Parker did something about it for his team and about 400 other hungry kids. Watch the CBS News video below for the full story (email subscribers click here). 

 Hungry kids can't perform well on the field or in school. Drop a gift off at a food pantry this holiday or at the very least invite a few more people and their kids to your Christmas dinner. Above all else, be thankful for what and especially who you have. Besides, having a scoop or two of Aunt Helen's casserole won't kill you. It hasn't all these years. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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A star athlete who didn't forget about Cleveland

NFL wide receiver Braylon Edwards was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2005. He was traded to the New York Jets in 2009 and is currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers. As a rookie, Edwards made a promise to 100 Cleveland area eighth-graders. If they maintained a 2.5 GPA throughout high school and completed 15 hours of community service, he would give each of them $10,000 toward their college education.   It would've been easy for him to renege on his promise after being traded and subsequently playing in other cities. Nevertheless, Edwards stayed true to his word as 79 of the original 100 met the scholarship criteria upon graduation.

That's right. Edwards paid $790,000 in scholarship money. He gave these students a lot more than money, though. Have a look at the story Rick Reilly put together on him for ESPN.com by clicking here. I know most of us are not millionaires and we certainly can't help send 79 kids to college. However, we do have the ability to keep our promises. Do what you say you're going to do. There's a young person or maybe several young people in your life that need you as an adult to keep your promise. Don't let them down. Be like Braylon Edwards and see the experience through. For the reward in building successful young people is far greater than the sacrifice. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Vince Young inspires cancer patient

Current Philadelphia Eagles and former Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has made some mistakes in his NFL career. He had very public spats with former coach Jeff Fisher. Off-the-field issues contributed to Young's unceremonious ouster from Tennessee. And yes, he was the one who first called this year's version of the Philadelphia Eagles the "Dream Team." That being said, it's tough to question Young's heart where children are concerned. He became a surrogate father to the late Steve McNair's sons after the former quarterback's untimely death in 2009. Young also paid a visit to a young man named Archie Taylor in 2006.

Taylor was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 12. Word got back to Young that he was Taylor's favorite player and he decided to stop by to lift the boy's spirits. Young presented Taylor with the jersey that Tennessee presented him with on draft day. Sure, professional athletes visit sick kids everyday. Vince Young isn't any more special in that regard than thousands of other players. What makes this story special is how Archie Taylor used Young's visit. As a matter of fact, I'll stop rambling and let the young man tell you himself. Watch the KRIV-TV story below (email subscribers click here).

Archie Taylor Jr. 'A Walking Miracle': MyFoxHOUSTON.com

This is the type of effect we want to have on kids as parents and coaches. We need to inspire our kids to progress beyond their situation. In Taylor's case, he had to fight cancer. Maybe the kids in your league are fighting poverty, poor grades, or the ever-debilitating apathy. If you haven't already done so, make sure you register for the St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University. Sessions on Coaching leadership and Sports Parenting will be held to help you help your kids reach their limitless potential. Go to sportsmanship.org to RSVP for this free event. By the way, Hempstead (Texas) didn't win the state championship, but Archie Taylor has won an even greater battle. One could even credit Vince Young with helping him get on a "Dream Team" of his own - The Survivors. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related link(s): Play It Forward - stlsportsmanship.blogspot.com
                       Attend Youth Sports Summit - Earn Grant Funding - stlsportsmanship.blogspot.com
                     

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Attend Youth Sports Summit - Earn Grant Funding

This event and the information presented in the event are too valuable for you and your organization to miss. Just in case you didn't see it, I'm reprinting Friday's post. Marketing professionals always say you should have a "Call to Action." In other words, what do you want people to do? I'll make it simple: Read. Recruit. Register.

As you know, the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative is hosting our annual St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Youth Sports Summit is a must-attend event for coaches, parents and league administrators.  Those in attendance come away with valuable tools, knowledge and resources that help improve the athletic experiences for children. 

Not only is the Summit free to attend, but the participation of your coaches and parents can actually generate funds for your organization.  We have a wonderful program put together, and we believe this event is so important that we are offering grants to area youth leagues, associations and organizations that have a minimum of 15 coaches and/or parents attend.  Grants will be issued according to the following scale:

15 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $250 grant.

25 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $500 grant.

50 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $1,000 grant.

Please note that 15 coaches and/or parents is the minimum attendance number to receive grant funding.  Increases in grant awards are only available in the 25-person increments shown above.  For more information and to register, please click on this link or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Grants available for Youth Sports Summit attendees

As you know, the Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative is hosting our annual St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on January 14, 2012 at Maryville University from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Youth Sports Summit is a must-attend event for coaches, parents and league administrators.  Those in attendance come away with valuable tools, knowledge and resources that help improve the athletic experiences for children. 

Not only is the Summit free to attend, but the participation of your coaches and parents can actually generate funds for your organization.  We have a wonderful program put together, and we believe this event is so important that we are offering grants to area youth leagues, associations and organizations that have a minimum of 15 coaches and/or parents attend.  Grants will be issued according to the following scale:

15 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $250 grant.

25 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $500 grant.

50 coaches and/or parents in attendance = $1,000 grant.

Please note that 15 coaches and/or parents is the minimum attendance number to receive grant funding.  Increases in grant awards are only available in the 25-person increments shown above.  For more information and to register, please click on this link or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Team places third, coaches burn trophies

The New Canaan (Conn.) 8th Grade Black youth football team placed third in its division this season. It's not the championship-level finish the team is used to. New Canaan has won the division each of the last five years. Still, it's not the end of the world. Right? Like most youth leagues, New Canaan Youth Football issues participation trophies even for the kids who don't win the championship. Well, the eighth grade coaches took the team's finish pretty hard. After the postseason banquet in late November, the coaching staff took the kids to a nearby park and told them to throw their trophies into a pile. Coaches then poured gasoline on the trophies and set them ablaze.

Yes, the coaches set the kids' trophies on fire. The picture above shows the charred remains. This is honestly one of the most imbecilic, asinine, and completely irresponsible things an adult could do. Forget the trophies for a moment - these geniuses started a fire in a public park using gasoline with children present.  Our number one responsibility as adults is to keep kids safe. I don't care what motivational tool your're trying to use. Setting a fire doesn't effectively convey the point. Getting back to the trophies - why would you destroy anything that belongs to a child? I know there's contingent of people who think giving every kid a trophy is a mistake and encourages mediocrity. 

Participation trophies are similar to citizenship and attendance awards in school. Why do kids get attendance awards when the law states they have to go anyway? The same thing goes with citizenship. We all expect our kids to behave well and be good citizens. The purpose of these awards is to build kids up and encourage them. Participation awards tell a kid that while you didn't win the championship, you're still a winner and we appreciate your hard work and attitude.  These coaches also ruined the last experience the kids will have in youth football. They're all going to high school. They can't comeback and avenge this season's disappointment. This is just an all-around failure by the coaching staff.

Fortunately, next year's eighth graders will have a new coaching staff. The New Canaan board accepted the resignations of the current coaches and subsequently banned them from coaching any team in the future. Two points from the booklet A Standard Higher Than Victory are appropriate here related to coaches:

• Coach for the love of the game and the love of the athlete.
• Put the welfare of your athletes above winning.

(Note: Copies of A Standard Higher Than Victory are included in the Cardinals Care Package which you can receive for free at sportsmanship.org).

People always remember experiences more than events. The kids in New Canaan probably won't remember they placed third 10 years from now, but they will remember the trophy-burning. Make sure your kids have positive experiences that will help them realize their full and limitless potential. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Related link(s): Youth football coaches resign from board after trophy-burning incident - acorn-online.

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St. Rose and ICD teams show sportsmanship isn't soft

2011 concluded in grand style for the Sportsmanship Brigade. We visited the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) 6th grade boys volleyball playoffs on Saturday. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Immaculate Conception of Dardenne Prairie (ICD) locked horns in the quarterfinals. It was a very aggressive match and the boys left all they had on the court. They were diving and grunting all over the place. Yet, they played with respect and played within the rules - which by the way has been a common theme throughout the Brigade's visits to CYC games.  St. Rose took the first set and seemed confident going into the second. ICD had other plans, though. They took the second and third sets to advance to the semifinals.

These young men are good athletes and even better people. The Brigade recognized five young men  - three from ICD and two from St. Rose. All cheered for their teammates when they were on the bench and were seen encouraging teammates and even opponents seemingly after every play on the court. The reason you only see four boys in the picture with me is because the second young man from St. Rose left with his parents before we could catch up. His coach accepted the award on his behalf.  We were very impressed with both teams.

As basketball season begins in January, look for the Sportsmanship Brigade at a gym near you. Whether it's CYC, City Rec, or your local sports association - the Brigade wants to see young people doing the right thing. If you want your youth league or organization on the 2012 schedule or you want to volunteer as a Brigade member, please call 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sports events looking for acts of good sportsmanship by athletes, coaches, parents, and fans. Those who display good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more info on the Brigade and all of the programs within the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Sports mom loses it

The following is a Public Service Announcement from the St. Louis Sports Commission and its Sportsmanship Initiative. Parent behavior can sometimes get out of control at youth sports competitions. We don't mean to lose it. We know it's inappropriate to go off the deep end...especially in front of the kids. Maybe we just come down with a case of the "can't help its." If you or someone you know behaves like the mom in the following video (email subscribers click here), please call the Sportsmanship Hotline at 314-345-5130 and get registered for the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit today. Our trained professionals specialize in Coaching Leadership, Sports Parenting, CPR Training and more. We'll also present a breakout session dealing with social media so you don't end up on websites like stupidvideos.com.

It doesn't matter what the sport is, the Sportsmanship Initiative can help. We have worked successfully with baseball, football, soccer, wrestling and volleyball coaches over the years. But maybe you don't want to call. That's fine. Just click on this link to register. There is no fee to join and no hidden costs will be charged later. Encourage your friends to join you and come to the St. Louis Youth Summit on Saturday, January 14, 2012 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium. Space is limited. So, you must RSVP to attend. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is a program of the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative which creates more positive environments for kids to play sports so they will remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. For more on the Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol



  

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Albert Pujols vs. LeBron James: Decisions, Decisions

You've probably heard by now that former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has agreed to a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a reported $250-260 million over 10 years. Don't worry, this is not a referendum on professional athletes' salaries. This post is about decisions and the consequences thereof. Albert Pujols made a conscious decision to leave the Cardinals to sign with the Angels. If you'll remember, another high-profile athlete made a similar decision in the summer of 2010. Of course you remember when LeBron James decided to "take his talents to South Beach" on national television.

When James signed with the Miami Heat and left Cleveland, Cavaliers fans were furious. The dust from the decision settled and one fact remained. James left Cleveland because he wanted to go to a team where he had the best chance of winning. Under the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, Cleveland could have offered James up to $30 million more than any other team. Money wasn't the issue. James thought he could win on a team with Dwayne Wade and Chis Bosh. He almost did. The Heat lost in the NBA Finals 4-2 to the Dallas Mavericks. Cleveland regressed considerably - posting the worst record in the league last season.

Conversely, Pujols had an entirely different motivation. Albert Pujols portrays himself as a man of faith and good character. He does great work in the community and had professed an allegiance to the Cardinals. He said that he wanted to be a Cardinal for life and winning was very important to him. The Cardinals are the current World Series Champions. On that basis alone, there was nowhere else to go. Men like Musial, Brock, Gibson and Ozzie are Cardinals for life. To be in that company makes you a baseball immortal. Pujols' words didn't line up with his actions. This is where the character component comes in. Be who you say you are. If you're about money, then say it. If you're about winning, that's OK too.

Professional athletes are a reflection of us. Some are honest. Some are greedy. Most are in the middle. LeBron James deserves credit for sticking to his principles. He's chasing the elusive brass ring. Albert Pujols traded his brass ring for some gold coins. Gold does have value, though. We used to use it to prop up the value of the American dollar. Maybe Pujols can use his to prop up a broken reputation. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Doc Rivers on Sports Parenting

Our friends at the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) have put together a tremendous series of videos expounding upon many of the topics covered in this blog. In the video below, Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers talks about his role as a sports parent (email subscribers click here). Rivers was a great NBA player and he now coaches one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Oh, and he's won a championship with said team. Imagine him walking into your gym while you're trying to teach his son how to set a screen.

You may think he has a strained relationship with his sons' coaches. Quite the contrary. Rivers knows his role as a parent and how it relates to his kids' coaches. Sports Parenting is a breakout session topic at the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit - which will be held January 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium. Lane Green, Athletics Director of the Olathe (Ks.) School District, will lead the discussion and provide valuable information on how sports parents can excel in their role and contribute to the success of the team.

Other breakout sessions include CPR Training from the American Heart Association and a discussion on social media called Follow Your Friends: Using Social Media As A Positive Tool In Youth Sports. We will also address the topics of coaching leadership and how to prevent poor behavior in our large group sessions. Former St. Louis University basketball star Scott Highmark will deliver the keynote address. A free continental breakfast will be provided as well as plenty of free parking on the Maryville campus. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is absolutely free, but you must register in order to attend as space is limited.

Just click on this link to RSVP or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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How to celebrate after a sack

With a little over seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers, the St. Louis Rams decides to go for it on 4th down. Mizzou product and current San Francisco defensive end Aldon Smith had other ideas, though. The rookie blew through the Rams offensive line and sacked quarterback A.J. Feeley for a loss and ended the drive. I know what you're thinking - another unsportsmanlike penalty for excessive celebration. Nope.  Instead of doing some ridiculous sack dance, Smith hustled off the field and took a seat on the bench. He made sure there was no chance of his team getting a penalty. With all of the criticism heaped on NFL players for their sack and touchdown celebrations, this may be the most original and classiest one yet (email subscribers click here to see video). Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Holy Trinity keeps the play in playoffs

Big Sol with Holy Trinity. Spurlock is #20.

The Sportsmanship Brigade recognized McKenzie Spurlock of Holy Trinity in St. Louis on Saturday. Spurlock's 7th grade volleyball team took on St. Bridget in the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) quarterfinals.  Brigade members have witnessed several great acts of sportsmanship during this volleyball season, but never with this much on the line. This is the playoffs. How would players act if a call went the wrong way or the score got out of hand? Well, McKenzie Spurlock showed us that good sportsmanship never takes a break and great players can have great attitudes. Holy Trinity and St. Bridget played three spirited sets and it was close throughout. Neither team lost its cool, but Spurlock stood out as she treated the game as if it were a family outing in the park.

She did everything she could to help her team win and she was having fun doing it. Spurlock encouraged her team on the court and continued even when she was on the bench. This is the type of attitude we want our kids to display: Play hard. Play to win. Play with respect. Play for fun. The word play is a key element here. Whenever you play anything, it's supposed to be fun. By the way, Holy Trinity did advance to the semifinals. Don't know how they played, but I'm sure they had a blast. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Students punished over disturbing hazing incident

As parents and coaches, we must be ever vigilant in protecting our children - even when it means protecting them from themselves. Hazing is nothing new in sports.  It used to be considered a rite of passage. Veteran teammates would "welcome" new players by making them perform some humiliating, but mostly harmless task. For example, rookies in football have to carry the veterans' practice pads. However, hazing has come under scrutiny in recent years - especially with our kids. As a matter of fact, hazing is now illegal in many communities across the country. Some kids have taken it too far and put themselves and their teammates at risk.

Such is the case at Andover (Mass.) High School. The boys basketball team participated in a camp last summer at a local college. During the camp, younger players were forced by upperclassmen to eat cookies covered in bodily fluids. School district officials, law enforcement and parents failed to see the humor in this situation. WFXT-TV provides full details of the case in the report below (email subscribers click here).

The students involved were disciplined, but it cannot stop there. Hazing on the youth and high school level has become a form of bullying and can no longer be tolerated. Adults have to take a more proactive role in preventing these incidents. Let your kids know in no uncertain terms how you feel about hazing. Sports are supposed to build our children up, not tear them down. Until next time...

 Be a Good Sport!

 -Sol

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Scott Highmark interview on sportsmanship

Former St. Louis University basketball star Scott Highmark will deliver the keynote address for the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit. Aside from playing Division I basketball, Highmark has extensive experience in youth sports as a coach and parent. He was interviewed last year by Melenie Broyles on her How Not 2 Act radio program. Click on the following link for the show's podcast - Good Game, Good Game. Really? Really? Highmark's portion picks up at the 16:00 mark. He provides a very interesting take on how a potential Division I athlete was not recruited by several schools because of his father's behavior at games. Of course, you can hear Highmark for yourself at the 2012 St. Louis Youth Sports Summit. The event will take place on Saturday, January 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Auditorium and is free to all coaches and parents.

In addition to Highmark, breakout topics will address Coaching Leadership, Sports Parenting as well as free CPR training from the American Heart Association. Free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. You can register by clicking here or calling 314-345-5130. The St. Louis Youth Sports Summit is a program of the St. Louis Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative - which creates more positive environments for kids to play sports so they will remain active and lead healthier, happier lives. For more on the Sportsmanship Initiative and its programs, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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