Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic in two days

Are you tired of of the "win at all costs" takeover of youth sports? Disrespectful parents and untrained coaches are ruining the sports experience for our kids. Join me in the fight to restore traditional sportsmanship values to our fields, courts and playgrounds. Respect, civility, fair play and fun are not the slogans of a time long passed. They are the cornerstone of the sports experience and the foundation of a healthier, happier life for our kids. I invite you to attend the Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic on August 2 at Maryville University in St. Louis. The event will begin at 6 p.m.

Missouri Youth Soccer Association coaching director and former U.S. National Team member Denny Vaninger will be the instructor. Every coach who attends and completes the course will receive his/her 'F' level license free of charge. This is not charity, though. I expect you to take this "tax cut" and invest the training you receive from Coach Vaninger in your kids. Limited spaces remain. So, please take time to register now by clicking here or call 314-345-5130. My name is Solomon Alexander and I approved this message because our kids our too important to be coached by just anyone. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

Paid for by Alexander for Sportsmanship - Gina Bauman, Treasurer.

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100 miles and running

The Brigade logged some frequent sportsmanship miles on Saturday as we traveled literally from one end of the metro to the other. Kids are always worth going the extra mile for, but today's award winners made the trip extra special. First, we found ourselves in South St. Louis County for the 5th grade CYC Baseball Closed Division Championship. For those who are not aware, CYC's Closed Division only allows kids to play on their CYC team. Open Division teams have players who play for select or club teams and their CYC team. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque took on Immaculate Conception -Dardenne (ICD). These two teams played an excellent game with St. Margaret Mary pulling away late to take the title. However, one player from St. Margaret Mary stood out in skill and character.

Devin is a soft spoken young boy, but has the build and attitude of man many years his senior. St. Margaret Mary put him on the mound in the 5th inning and the young man was not shaken by the ICD bats nor the pressure of the situation. He had two strikes on three different hitters in the last inning and a couple of close calls didn't go his way. St. Margaret Mary fans let out collective "Ooohs!" while the coach voiced his displeasure from the bench. To borrow from a popular sportscaster, Devin was as cool as the other side of the pillow. He didn't yell or talk to himself. He didn't slam the ball into his glove or throw some type of fit on the mound. Devin did what his team needed him to do. He went back to work and got the third out. Devin's display of maturity and class made him an easy choice for the Brigade.

Big Sol with Devin

After watching both teams receive their awards and congratulations on a great season, the Brigade headed northwest to St. Charles to see the 8th grade CYC Softball Closed Division Championship between St. Martin De Porres and St. Angela. St. Martin has a tremendous lineup and overwhelmed St. Angela. The game was called early via the Mercy Rule. Shortened games sometime make decisions difficult for the Brigade, but a young St. Angela fan proved that sportsmanship is not scoreboard-dependent. Several other St. Angela fans were complaining aloud about the balls and strikes and the umpires overall. Our new friend, Tony said, "The umpires have a tough job. We should be happy they're here." A collective hush fell over the crowd. Although the fans around Tony were old enough to be his parents, he was the one acting like a grown-up. Recognizing Tony was an act of satisfaction and validation for the Brigade.

Tony and Big Sol

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents, fans and officials who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...



Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Sportsmanship Brigade on HEC-TV

Brigade strikes a pose for HEC-TV

The Higher Education Channel or HEC-TV recently profiled the St. Louis Sports Commission and the Sportsmanship Brigade. Click here to see the full story on how the Sports Commission is having an impact on the St. Louis economy and on young lives. By the way, the Brigade re-activates this weekend as the sweltering St. Louis summer is giving us a tiny break. Check out or Facebook page for time and location information. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic in one week

Coaches being coached

I attended a conference in Colorado Springs a few years ago and something a Canadian coach stuck with me.  He said Americans have a backward model when it comes to coaching. Our best coaches train our best athletes. On the surface this looks fine, but his point was that we waste expertise on those who don't really need it. In several countries, Olympic-level coaches are obligated to go back and coach on the youth level for a period of time. Kids are given the opportunity to learn from the best. As our Olympians head toward London, look at the basketball team. The best players in the world are being led by the best active basketball coach on any level. Who are our kids being coached by?

We certainly won't turn the American coaching model on its head overnight, but we can do something in our communities. Soccer season starts soon. What are you and your fellow coaches doing to raise your own game? How are you preparing to be a better coach than you were last year? What if I told you there's an opportunity a week from today that will allow you to improve your coaching skills, earn the 'F', license from the Missouri Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and be able to work with a former U.S. National Soccer Team member? What would you pay for that opportunity? $75? $50? How about for free? Would you become a better coach for your kids if the opportunity to do so were free?

Great! Then, you need to register for the 2012 Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic. The event will take place on Thursday, August 2 from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. inside the Simon Athletic Center on the campus of Maryville University. Former U.S. Soccer Team member and MYSA coaching director Denny Vaninger will be the instructor. Everyone who completes Coach Vaninger's course that night will earn their 'F' license free of charge. If you went to any other clinic on your own, the license would cost you $40. The cost of your license is being covered by the Sports Commission. We are committed to improving the sports experience for young  people and part of that means making you a better coach.

You must register to attend the clinic and you may do so by clicking here. Our offer is limited to the first 150 coaches. Spaces and time are running out. So, make sure you and your coaches register today. Great teachers are also great learners. It's time to go to school. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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A special look at the WWE Be a STAR rally in St. Louis

As you all may have guessed, I'm very much a fan of WWE. The reasons for my being a fan have evolved over time. When I was a kid, I just liked the pure action of it all. Body slams, dropkicks and sleeper holds entertained me to no end. They still do to a degree. Hulk Hogan told all of us little Hulkamaniacs to train, say our prayers and eat our vitamins. Well, I lift four days a week, pray daily and I eat Metabolic Meals. So, there you go. What wrestlers go through to entertain people in a different city pretty much every night is mind-boggling. The effort put into producing live show and one that's fit for TV is very hard work.

Somehow, WWE still finds time for kids. And they understand what kids care about. I've said this before, but kids don't care about your money or about what type of car you drive. The best you can ever do for a kid is show up. WWE, the Sports Commission and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis got together for a tremendous Be a STAR (Show Tolerance and Respect) anti-bullying rally yesterday. WWE Superstars Sheamus, The Miz, Eve, and Stephanie McMahon all showed up to teach kids how to end bullying in their schools and communities. When you watch the highlights below, please know that the shot of all the kids at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis is authentic. It's was well over 100 degrees yesterday and Sheamus was in a suit (email subscribers click here).

I'm sure he was hot, but his attitude stayed cool with the kids. He not only did the scheduled shoot, but he took pictures with every kid who wanted one. Pay close attention to the kids standing with Sheamus as well. The most awesome little girl in all the world made into the shot and I don't know how that happened. Anyway, we had a great time and the kids were all the better for it. Please follow WWE's lead and continue the campaign against bullying in your community. Go to beastaralliance.org for more information. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Superstars announced for WWE Be a S.T.A.R. anti-bullying rally in St. Louis

WWE and the St. Louis Sports Commission are hosting a Be a S.T.A.R. anti-bullying rally to coincide with the 1,000th episode of Monday Night Raw. On Monday, July 23, you are invited to join American Idol finalist James Durbin and several WWE Superstars for an event geared toward showing kids how to stand up against bullying in their schools and communities. Join us at 10 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis' Herbert Hoover location (2901 N. Grand Ave.) for a morning of fun, excitement and life-changing lessons. Admission is free but you must RSVP. Information on how to do is provided in the flyer below.

I almost forgot. WWE has announced the Superstars who will be in attendance at the rally. Hold on to your hats. Former 2-time Divas Champion Eve Torres will join the festivities. Not to be outdone, former WWE Champion The Miz is scheduled to appear. Another fella who's no stranger to the Gateway City - current World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus will make his way to North St. Louis. Last, but not least is a true wrestling heiress. She is a former WWE Women's Champion, married to WWE legend Triple H and the only daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. This powerful lady serves as the Executive Vice President  of Creative for WWE - none other than the Billion Dollar Princess - Stephanie McMahon. As with all live events, the Superstars scheduled to appear may change without notice. Reserve your spot today. This will be a great day for you and your kids. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach charged after fighting his own player

There's no way to spin this story. Any man who would fight a young girl just isn't a man at all. If this story is true, he has no business coaching basketball or any other sport. The lesson here is that our actions as adults can ruin the sports experience for kids. Watch the Fox 59 story below for more (email subscribers click here).


My mom used to tell me that if you can't play right, you shouldn't play at all. The same sentiment applies to coaching. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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WWE and the Sports Commission invite you to Be a S.T.A.R.

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Dads fight at little league game

The Northern Little League team defeated the Harris County All-Stars last Friday night in a baseball game just outside of Columbus, Ga. Charles Davidson, a Northern dad, decided to start playing the rap anthem "All I Do Is Win" in celebration of his team's victory. Iram King, a Harris County dad, didn't take too kindly to what he perceived as his team being shown up by Davidson. Watch the video below to see what happened next (email subscribers click here).



This incident has made the national rounds, but I think it's important to show the raw footage without commentary. Watch the video again and listen to the kids and some of the other parents. The fracas took on a life of its own as other parents started tussling. One kid can be heard yelling, "C'mon, Dad!" as his father rolled around on the ground fighting another dad. Another man said, "There's kids out here watching this stuff." That may be the most pointed statement of the whole situation.

Kids are watching this stuff. Thankfully, the Northern and Harris County kids show maturity far beyond that of their parents. The kids shook hands after the game and even posed for a dual team picture. Kudos to those young men for showing class. That being said, the situation is out of order. Everyone was outside of their roles. Kids were the mediators while the parents acted like fools. Ego and immaturity caused the brawl in which at least two young men saw their dads escorted to jail.

We have to gain control of ourselves. Our kids' experiences are ruined when we fight and get hauled off to jail. Believe it or not, kids are embarrassed to see us not act like adults. They complain about us being old and no fun, but they expect dad to act like a dad. We're supposed to be above the fray. Yet, so many of us wallow in the mire of childish behavior and nonsense. An old saying asked, "Are you a man or a mouse?" I have a 21st Century twist on that question. Are you a parent or a punchline? Before you answer, please keep in mind that raising kids is no joke. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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American Idol finalist uses his S.T.A.R. power against bullying

James Durbin is a former American Idol finalist - finishing fourth during the show's 10th season in 2011. He has gone on to release his first album and embark on a nationwide tour. However, Durbin hopes to make an even bigger impact away from the Idol stage. Earlier this year, he agreed to be the celebrity spokesperson for the Be a S.T.A.R. (Show Tolerance And Respect) Alliance - the anti-bullying program initiated by the Creative Coalition and WWE. Durbin explained his reasons for getting involved with Be a S.T.A.R. in a recent CBSNews.com interview. Check out the video below (email subscribers click here).



In two weeks, WWE will celebrate the 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw in St. Louis. But before anyone steps in the squared circle, Durbin will join WWE Superstars and 1,000 young people in a rally geared toward ending bullying in schools and communities. The Be a S.T.A.R. rally will be held at 10 a.m. on the morning of July 23 at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. Admission is completely free. We just ask that you download and complete the permission form found at bit.ly/1000Strong. You can email the waiver to salexander@stlsports.org or fax the form to 314-621-1391. Remember, stars like James Durbin and those in WWE can start the battle to end bullying, but only stars like you can end it. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic finds new home at Maryville

Coach Vaninger leading the troops during last year's clinic

The 2012 Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic will be held Thursday, August 2 at 6 p.m. at Maryville University's Simon Athletic Center. Instruction will be top-notch. We'll have plenty of food and a great sportsmanship message for you, your kids, and parents. That being said, we have raised the stakes a little. We've always wanted to provide coaches something tangible at our clinics - something they can use that will really help kids. How about this? Every coach who attends and completes the clinic will receive their "F" license from the Missouri Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) for free.

No, it's not a joke. Taking an "F" license course anywhere else would cost you $40. So, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. If you show the commitment to your kids by showing up, the Sports Commission will show its commitment to you. The only thing you have to pay at the Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic is...well...attention. Your instructor will be none other than former U.S. National Team member and MYSA Director of Coaching - Denny Vaninger. Enough talk. It's time for action. Click here to register. You must RSVP to attend the clinic. Please feel free to contact me at 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org if you have any questions or concerns. I told you this one's good. Have a great weekend and register today. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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Boy breaks wrist after being tripped by opposing coach

Most of you probably know about this story already. Last week, a Canadian youth hockey coach seemed to intentionally trip a player on the opposing team in the handshake line after a game. In case you haven't seen this most classless act, the video is posted below (email subscribers click here).



The coach's name is Martin Tremblay. He's 40 - and no disrespect to Coach Gundy at Oklahoma State - he's not a man. Adults don't seek to humiliate and hurt kids. Yes, I said hurt. The 13-year-old Tremblay tripped broke his wrist during the fall. When we talk about kids quitting sports because of adult behavior, incidents like this come immediately to mind. An adult ruined the sports experience for a kid to feed his own ego.

Some reports have asked what did the kid do to necessitate such an act. I'm sorry, but that mode of thinking is immature and short-sighted. Sometimes crazy people don't need a reason to be crazy. Besides, there's nothing a 13-year-old boy could have done in the course of a hockey game to justify the opposing coach breaking his wrist. Our kids need better coaches. They need coaches who understand the game and the value of youth sports.

We talk a lot about kid being so precious. Yet, we hand them off for just anyone to coach. Youth coaches may be the least pre-screened people in the world relative to working with kids. All you need literally is a pulse and a whistle. Coaches need to be trained in skills and drills as well as in sportsmanship. Incidents like the one shown here will continue as long as we take a laissez-faire approach to coaching education. Do something about it. Go to sportsmanship.org and take advantage of the many FREE programs we offer for parents and coaches. You'll be off to a great a start and your kids will be better for it. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol

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