Lessons from Losing

This column appeared in the Argus Leader on May 3, 2017.

This week, I find myself in a position I don’t enjoy: My team came up on the losing end of a big game. It’s a reality of sports.

Every time we take the field, there will be a winner and a loser. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy great success with the teams I’ve coached, but losing is part of the deal. And when it happens, it reminds me that nobody is perfect, losing is part of the game, and it’s my job as a coach to turn the negatives into something we learn from and improve upon. Right now, I’m still frustrated by watching my team not play to its ability, and I’m going to let that frustration settle for a bit. It’s not a bad thing to be reminded that we have work to do and we need to develop in order to succeed.

Losing is hard. One of the hardest things to confront as a coach and to teach to athletes is how to go about losing gracefully. We get consumed with frustration, disappointment and anger at the things we think went wrong. We question our decisions and performance, we think through all our mistakes, we consider perceived inequities, and in short, we look for the reasons why we lost so we can find immediate solutions.

It is extremely important at these moments to reflect on your own actions and how the team worked together. Did we make mistakes? Did we play well? What can we do to eliminate errors and better our play? It is pointless to dwell on things you cannot control, so I try to use these moments to focus on elements of my team’s game and performance. We can work to improve, and we can always find ways to raise our game. A loss is a difficult, but good reminder that there is always work to be done.

While there are significant differences between youth athletes all the way up to the pros in learning lessons from a loss, one critical message that coaches must send at every level is that there will be no excuses and no finger pointing. Blaming anybody but yourself for the loss is not fair, and it’s not productive. I”m not saying to be unduly hard on yourself and dwell on what went wrong, but I am saying the only way you use a loss to get better is to consider what didn’t work and to find a way to change it. The only thing you can control and alter is your own performance, so that is where teams need to focus their energy.

The way you deal with losing when you coach kids is remarkably important. Young athletes are so open with their emotions when it comes to their sport. The joy when things go well is unparalleled, and the sadness when things don’t is devastating. I often see coaches and parents of those young players who would literally do anything to win, and I attribute that to them wanting to spare their athletes the heartbreak that comes with losing. We all want success, but we build character and grace in our kids when we thoughtfully and intentionally lead them through their heartbreak. Kids need to internalize the basic tenets of sportsmanship, and it’s a great reminder for parents and coaches to model those critical lessons: Work hard, do your best, be gracious in victory or defeat and never give up.

At any level of play, leading a team through a loss is a tough challenge for coaches. We have to wrestle with our own emotions about the loss and still figure out how to get the team into a position to play better and eliminate mistakes. I have to think carefully about my athletes and find the right words and actions to motivate them to overcome this adversity. And at the professional level, I want them to feel the ugly emotions that come with losing, but to also understand that losing a game truly isn’t the end of the world. We will work together to improve, and we will hopefully find a way to achieve success.

Regardless of age and experience, every team has to be prepared for the fact that losses will come. That is part of the deal every time teams take the field in competition. There will be a winner and a loser, and the best teams will find a way to overcome challenges to win. As difficult as losing may be, it offers important lessons and motivation for athletes.

John Wooden said, “Losing is only temporary and not all encompassing. You must simply study it, learn from it and try hard not to lose the same way again. Then you must have the self control to forget about it.”

So while I don’t enjoy being in this place with my own team, I’m committed to learning from the last game and vigorously preparing for the next game. It’s time to get started. I’ve been reminded that we have work to do.

Leading Through Loss

This column appeared in the Argus Leader on Dec. 19, 2016

One of the most difficult challenges that coaches face is guiding a team or a program through losses. I was reminded of that this season watching down-to-the-wire finishes in college football and the NFL. Some of those tightly contested games were the end of the road in the playoffs, and others were longtime rivalries. In every game, however, both teams left every ounce of effort on the field. It is safe to say that no matter the level of play, athletes, coaches and fans all aspire to walk off the field on the winning side.

It is an extremely tough but necessary part of any sport that coaches learn to demonstrate great leadership during adverse circumstances. Obviously, you prepare your team to go in and win, and while losing is never enjoyable, it can particularly sting when it is the last game of a career or there is a fierce rivalry. It is especially difficult to convince athletes and fans that an otherwise extremely successful season has been worthwhile when you end the season with a playoff loss. Your team could reach every performance benchmark and have outstanding results, but getting knocked out of the playoffs makes everyone feel the season was a failure. Leadership during these times is a true test for coaches, and it can make or break the future of a program.

As the coach, you must work to bring your team together during these situations. You have to be willing to look everyone in the eye and explain that losing is tough and feels like the worst thing you could ever experience. No one wants to let all the hard work come to an end without that final victory, but a coach needs to help the team realize how many things have been accomplished during the season. It is easy to forget how far a team has come and how many milestones have been reached, so as the leader of those athletes, it is extremely important to help your team see their many achievements.

The lesson of learning to overcome difficult losses is not an easy one. Most athletes are ultra competitive and extremely loyal to their teammates and program, and that makes losing a bitter pill to swallow. When I was a junior in college, we played a tightly contested game in the national quarterfinals. I did not play well, and our team lost a game that we most likely should have won. Seeing the seniors walk off the field for the last time was one of the most difficult things that I had to do as an athlete. That visual really tore at me and was a huge motivating factor going into my senior year. Those same seniors were hurt and disappointed with the loss, but they were quick to approach me and the other returning players and tell us to remember that feeling and come back next year with the motivation to win the national title. I was amazed that they could set aside their disappointment and still have the leadership qualities to guide us moving forward. That situation taught me invaluable lessons about team dynamics and leadership, and it informs my view as a coach to this day.

When working with a team or athletes who experience that difficult loss, try to focus on the things they have gained from the season. Many will have developed a work ethic that will help them throughout their life, or they may have learned values that will help them become better citizens and family members. In every team situation, those athletes forge lifelong friendships, and as it was it my situation, perhaps the stinging loss will provide them the motivation to continue to work harder and hopefully get another chance at victory.

It is good to remember that everyone is working hard all season long to raise that trophy, but very few people actually get the opportunity to experience that feeling. A coach who can lead the team through the emotional challenges of a tough loss and instill motivation and a desire to improve in order to take that challenge again is extremely important to the success of a program. Find the positives in performances and the season, and turn those into fuel for the next run. True leaders will aspire to improve and go for it again, and they will inspire those around them to do the same.

Coach Kurtiss Riggs is the owner of Riggs Premier Football and director of the Sanford Power Riggs Premier Football Academy, which provides football training, camps and clinics for area athletes.

Parents: Can you #daretochill?

**This column appeared in the Argus Leader on Nov. 9, 2016.

If you have attended any sporting events this fall, you’ve undoubtedly seen parents displaying many qualities you hope young athletes would never emulate. We’ve all seen parents calling opposing teams “cheaters” when penalties are called on them, parents yelling at a coach about play calling, and athletes who heard parents yelling at officials about “missed” calls who then turn around and yell at officials about the same thing.

The environment for school and youth sports can be extremely unpleasant for everyone involved if you have these type of parents in your crowd. How do you get them to consider their behavior? The Positive Coaching Alliance started a new initiative this fall called #daretochill, and it emphasizes some critical points for parents.

As playoffs are in full swing and seasons wind down with high-stakes games, there is a sense of heightened pressure in the crowd right now. Those parents who were grumbling earlier in the season are now emboldened to shout their negative comments at players, coaches, officials and even other parents. The entire environment is stressful for young athletes, but it can become really unbearable as parents who really want their child to experience the thrill of winning big games go about “encouraging” their kids in all the wrong ways. The #daretochill initiative encourages parents to simply chill out and remember the reasons why they are there in the first place. 

Reminding parents to #daretochill seems simple enough, but there are multiple issues at play, so if you are one of those parents yelling from the stands, take a few moments to think things through. We can all display some of these undesirable qualities if we aren’t careful.

My best advice to parents is to check your expectations. All parents want what is best for their kids, but sometimes we lose sight of how we are actually affecting those around us. Our job as parents is to be our child’s biggest fan. There is enough pressure around and within them, they don’t need the additional pressure of extreme parental expectations. Especially at games and practices, your job is to encourage and support, never to coach or criticize. If you can’t step into the supportive role and instead insist on hounding your child, the coach, or officials, you will end up making the entire experience miserable for everyone involved. The end result of a zero fun experience is that 70 percent of kids drop out of sports completely by the age of 13. Don’t lead your child down that path. Check your expectations and embrace your role as your child’s greatest fan.

My other caution is to beware the power of the group. Sometimes parents who would never dream of challenging the official or chastising a child will get caught up in the momentum of some unfortunate choices by other parents. The group mentality becomes a negative force to be reckoned with, and it can completely destroy an event that was designed to instill confidence and enjoyment for athletes. We all can take a moment and #daretochill as part of that group, and parents who lead the charge for cooler heads to prevail will ultimately be much appreciated, especially by the athletes.

As you are attending those playoff games and cheering on your athletes, take a few minutes and remember what a great opportunity exists for athletes to be part of a team and a sport. We all want the best experience for our child, and we have a real opportunity to contribute to the way our kids’ feel about themselves and their experience. If we want them to love it, have fun and do their best, then it won’t hurt us to #daretochill and let them play.

Remember that at the end of the season, peaceful parents, content kids and your love for a sport and a team are some pretty great things to take home.

Leadership At Every Level

**This column appeared in the Argus Leader on September 20, 2016.

If there is one quality that I believe is critical to the success of a sports team, it is leadership. When we think of leaders, we tend to think of a coach who builds a solid program or a player who steps up in high pressure situations. In my experience, I believe that leadership is something everyone involved in a sports organization can and must demonstrate in order to achieve success. Athletes, coaches, parents, and organizations can contribute their efforts to be leaders in some meaningful way. With the 2016 season underway, these are some ideas for everyone to keep in mind to help their team achieve success.

As an athlete, what can you do to be a leader on and off the field? Start with your attitude. Think about the attitude you bring to practice and games. The way you interact with your teammates and coach lets them know you are willing to do whatever is needed to help the team. When there are struggles and you are still working hard and trying to keep your team focused, you will be leading your teammates by example. Every athlete has the potential to be a leader if he/she believes in the team and works to show it.

Athletes also show leadership through their commitment to team goals. Everyone wants to improve and win games, but not everyone commits to working hard outside of practice and setting aside individual goals to make the team better. Your commitment shows through the effort you bring during practice, games, and the off season. Remember that effort can be shown through training and playing hard, but it also shows through when you are supporting your teammates on and off the field. Sometimes that effort is extremely difficult, especially when you need to support a competitor. You will be demonstrating great leadership if you can put in the effort, especially when it’s difficult, and stay strong in your commitment to making your team better.

Coaches have a tremendous opportunity to show leadership, not just in the win/loss record for their team, but with the relationships they build with their team and players. Kids look to their coaches for their guidance in words and actions, so it is important to keep in mind the effect of both those things on young athletes who have tremendous reliance on their coach. Your words and attitude as a coach will shape your players’ love of the game, love of practice, and desire to continue in the sport. Remember that if you model those values for your team, you create instant respect and players will listen and buy into your team’s philosophy. Coaches should always bear in mind the power they have over young athletes.

In addition to learning the game, young athletes need someone that will give constant support. Parents are the leaders that athletes look to for that positive support. I cannot stress enough that parents need to know their role with their young athletes and be a child’s biggest fan. Parents must be careful to set a positive example with other parents and especially in supporting their child’s coach. Don’t fall into the negativity trap of criticism about playing time, coaching mistakes, or issues with the organization. Your kids look to you to know that you love and support them regardless of the bigger issues, so don’t attempt to coach them during games and practices, and especially not right after a game. Let your coach do the coaching and be sure that your child knows you support him/her no matter what happens. Your leadership in helping them understand sportsmanship is vital to their love of the game.

Youth sports organizations also have the opportunity to set the leadership tone for everyone involved. An organization can make it clear that emphasis is not upon winning or losing, and it can be a leader for positive change. Sports organizations need to stay ahead of safety trends and ensure that they are promoting best practices for sport, safety, and organizational management. An organization that is demonstrating good leadership will show a willingness to listen to its members, open-mindedness to issues that arise, and a desire to operate and make necessary changes for the betterment of the group. Communication is key to success with an organization, so be sure that solid leadership is in place with your group/league and that communication is operating efficiently at all levels. The examples that are set by the youth sports organization will carry through the dynamics of coaches and parents, so it’s important to remember the emphasis on leadership at the organizational level as well.

While the ups and downs of the season can take a toll on everyone, strong leadership at all levels can help keep attitudes in check and the season on track. Don’t look to others to step up and provide leadership, find the ways that you can be a solid, dependable leader within your organization. Remember that everyone has a part to play in building success.

It Takes a Special Dad to Coach Kids

**This column also appeared in the Argus Leader on June 13, 2016

As Father’s Day approaches, it is a great time to reflect on the unique role that dads play in youth sports. We look to parents to coach their kids in youth sporting leagues, and in football that task often falls to fathers. Coaching your own kids has unique challenges, but it also can have unique benefits for young athletes. Parents are concerned that kids learn the rules of the game, but they also have a powerful opportunity to teach life lessons to the young athletes they encounter.

I was recently following a Junior Football team with several of my athletes, and I noticed the coach would show up excited about practice and working with the team. As practice began, he had a routine but didn’t seem very comfortable with the kids’ instruction. He was uncertain on the style of offense and the rules, and he totally forgot all special teams. At that point, I figured they could be in for a long season.

After watching their first game, the team only gained one yard on offense, and the coach approached me and asked if I would consider giving him some assistance. My response was, "Please don't take this the wrong way, but why do you coach the boys?" He replied, "I get up at 3 a.m. to go to work, and I get off work and go directly to practice. Practice lets me spend time with my son and see him in a climate that he enjoys, and I enjoy being part of something with him and the other boys." That response told me everything I needed to know about this dad being exactly the kind of coach who should be working with our kids.

Coaches, particularly those volunteer dads who step up to coach their child’s team, can bring a wealth of positives to young athletes. They are demonstrating that they value spending time with their child and his/her friends and creating a meaningful experience together. They are taking an active role in making sure kids learn proper technique and rules of the game. They are demonstrating sportsmanship. These parents model how to handle conflict, how to win and lose, and how to be a good teammate in a competitive environment.

Occasionally you will see parents/coaches who accept the role to make sure their own children get more playing time, or they live vicariously through their child’s experience. And all coaches can get too wrapped up in winning and losing, and lose sight of the learning process that is so critical to youth sports. It’s important to keep sight of the most critical aspect of youth sports: to ensure that the kids have fun and enjoy the game.

As parents, whether we coach or not, we need to work together to help achieve that goal for our young athletes. Thank you to the volunteer coaches and parents who work to ensure that our kids have a positive experience. To those dads who are helping to shape our kids’ development through your mutual love of the game, Happy Father’s Day.

An Open Letter to Youth Sports Parents from Their Athlete

**This column also appeared in the Argus Leader on May 31, 2016.

Mom & Dad,

I am really excited for summer and the chance to be with all my friends. I’m looking forward to long days spent at the ballpark and on practice fields. I will be learning new things and making new friends. I hope that this is a fun experience, and I also hope you are proud of me for getting out there and trying.

Please remember that when I’m on the field or in the dugout, the experience is for me and about me. Also please remember that I am going to make mistakes; it is how I learn. I’m trying hard to do all the things I’ve been taught, but I’m still pretty new to the game. When I mess up, trust me, I already know what I did. Yelling about it isn’t going to help. If I want to talk about the mistakes, I will bring it up later. Or just trust that my coach and I have figured out what I need to do to improve.

I hope you see that I am trying to learn the rules of the game, figure out my position and listen to my coach and the officials. When you come into the picture with constant questioning about playing time, extra training, schemes and practice, it is overwhelming to me. It is really awkward when you are continually yelling from the stands about those things. I’m working as hard as I can to learn to be a good teammate and show respect to those around me. It really helps if you show that same respect to my coach and my teammates.

I also hope you see that I am happy and having fun. The finer points of performance are not my focus. I’m working together with my friends so we can play our very best. I’m not worried about outperforming my teammates, landing a spot on an elite team in high school, or getting a college scholarship. I just want to play with my friends and have fun.

One of the things you tell me is that it doesn’t matter whether we win or lose. Help me believe you. I want you to be excited about how I play and contribute to my team, not just be proud of the final score. I love to make a big play too, but as I’m learning the game, I need to know you enjoy watching me no matter what happens.

There will be great days, and there will be rough days. That is sports, and that is life. Please don’t critique my game, criticize my coach’s decisions, or continually point out the differences in playing time between me and my teammates. I would love it if you helped me to set some goals, and then helped me to achieve them. It would be even better if we could spend some time together working toward those goals. I know that now and forever, you will be my biggest fans.

I never say thank you enough, but I really do appreciate the time and energy you devote to me. I will look back on these summer days as some of my favorites because I shared them with you and my friends. Thanks for all that you do to help me be my very best.

Love,
Your child

Five tips for Sports Parents

**This column also appeared in the Argus Leader on March 15, 2016.

John Wooden once said, “Sports do not build character, they reveal it.” There is no aspect of sports where that truth is more evident than with sports parents.

We have all been present at sporting events where parents created a miserable experience for everyone involved, and the presence of those vocal few profoundly affects the experience for the majority of parents who are doing it right. In my years of working with parents of young athletes, these are the messages I try to reinforce to avoid being “that parent”:

1. Learning to lose is as important as learning to win. Parents often struggle with their kids losing, not because of the win-loss record, but because they hate seeing the disappointment their kids go through. It is so important that parents set goals outside of winning and losing with kids. Focus on aspects of performance, team goals and meaningful ways to celebrate improvement. It is OK for kids to figure out they don’t like losing, but parents need to help them learn to win and lose with respect for opponents, officials and the sport.

2. Adversity is part of the sport. Athletes at all levels will struggle, but kids don’t always have the emotional or physical resources to face their challenges. Parents need to help young athletes understand that struggles are part of learning how to improve and contribute to a team. Some days kids play well, some days they don’t. Some days they get lots of playing time, some days they don’t. Whatever the situation which is frustrating to a young athlete, parents need to find ways to empower their child to face the challenges. Parents can’t face it for them, and ultimately, kids learn about sports and life by encountering challenges with a solid support system.

3. Doing too much, too soon is not good for young athletes. We live in a time where there are tons of costly, flashy options available for young football players, and parents think their athletes need national exposure from birth in order to get their kids playing time and college scholarships. What exactly is the benefit for 7-year-olds from playing an expensive and over-hyped flag tourney in Puerto Rico? For the most part, these programs are a terrible addition to youth football. They are expensive, they mimic college and professional football with a heavy emphasis on winning, they set kids up for injury and burnout and they are unnecessary. It is better for young athletes to develop their athleticism and confidence, and to learn football fundamentals than to compete in a national Super Bowl-type atmosphere. Choose carefully the environment where your kids learn sports and sportsmanship.

4. Maintain perspective, and keep expectations in check. One of the hardest things for parents to deal with is the changes that kids go through as they grow. Their son or daughter dominated in fourth grade, but they do not know what is wrong with them now in eighth grade. Are they not trying as hard? Or practicing as hard? And how do we fix that? If you have watched your child’s peers grow and change, you know that physical development greatly affects performance, and it is different for every single child. Parents need to remember that performance and ability will vary widely in youth sports so focus on learning solid fundamentals. Helping kids focus on their own improvements and contributing to the team maintains a healthy perspective.

5. Keep it fun. Parents who berate their child, coaches, officials and other parents take the fun out of the sport for everyone involved. Parents who push too hard and project unrealistic expectations create harmful consequences for their child. Remember, the worst part for kids in youth sports is usually the ride home after the game. Encourage, support and be enthusiastic. When athletes start to lose excitement for the sport, then it usually time to move on to the next sport.

Youth sports should provide athletes and families a rich environment to learn and grow together. Parents must be mindful that the example of sportsmanship they set for their young athletes will carry over in powerful ways. Be an advocate for your athlete, but keep it positive and in perspective.

Tips for the College Recruiting Process

**This column appeared in the Argus Leader on Jan. 26, 2016.

If there is a question I am frequently asked by parents, it is about whether their child can play college football. Parents are hopeful that their kids can play at the college level, and they are generally attuned to the many challenges of getting to play college ball. Dealing with academics and college finances is part of the big picture, but with National Signing Day fast approaching, parents and athletes are focused on college recruiting.

The Argus Leader recently ran an article discussing the difficulties faced by high school athletes in rural areas or from smaller schools who want to play college ball. How do they get the opportunity to play college ball? What things can families do to assist the process? There are many things for parents and athletes to consider in their quest to play at the college level.

1) The time to focus is during an athlete’s sophomore or junior year of high school. Beware of programs touted for very young kids that promise opportunities for youth to get seen and recruited. They are often expensive and don’t deliver on the promise of college scholarships.

2) Recruiting services are "money-traps." Unless an athlete wants to go to schools on the East or West coasts, coaches will see your athlete. Even if an athlete wants to get out of the Midwest, it's possible to self-promote just as effectively as any recruiting agency. With the technology and other resources available to athletes, they can make sure that coaches see what they have to offer without having to pay thousands of dollars to an unknown agency.

3) College camps have become a recruiting camp in many senses, but it is still a very effective way to let coaches see athletes firsthand and see the skills that they offer. College camps can let the coaches assess talent compared with other athletes, and it gives the coaches a chance to get to know your athlete. If athletes are considering attending a big school, then they should expect a lot of kids at that school’s camp. Many athletes have the same aspirations, but it is still a great chance to be in front of the coaches. This is a much better option when compared to recruiting firms or camps that are purely for profit.

4) Only attend combines and recruiting events that will have active college coaches in attendance. Many combines and all-star games will promise that there will be college coaches in attendance, when in fact there will not be anyone present. Do not be afraid to ask coaches if they will be in attendance or if someone from their staff will be there.

5) High school coaches are great assets for the recruiting process. High school coaches will receive a great deal of literature from colleges. Make sure that your coach knows that you have a goal of playing college football and at what level. Coaches can also make it known to the college coaches what an athlete’s goals are, and they can assist you with getting "seen" by the college coaches.
Families have to consider travel and cost. Consider whether traveling to a college camp on the West Coast is going to be something that will help your recruiting process, or whether the camp is "just for the experience." There are a large number of camps and opportunities, and things can add up quickly. This is still on top of all the events that your high school team may be participating in, family events, and individual training. Set a budget and then map out the camps that you think will fit into that budget.

6) Make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to become an eligible athlete. Athletes need to perform well on their ACT test, possess a solid GPA, register with the Clearinghouse, develop a realistic financial aid plan and consider state or private schools. All of these are things families need to consider and plan for in the recruiting process.

The key to a positive and productive college recruiting process is to know what level of play is realistic for an athlete and then to find connections and opportunities to get seen by programs that would be a good fit. Remember, academics are the most important fit, and football is part of the bigger picture. Review your options, discuss with coaches, and plan ahead to find realistic and beneficial opportunities for your athlete.

'Concussion' Gives Opportunity for Discussion

**This column appeared in the Argus Leader on Dec. 21, 2015.

You will be hearing a great deal about safety in the sport of football with the Christmas release of the movie, “Concussion.”

The movie centers around still-developing scientific research regarding the long-term effects of concussions on football players. Hopefully this will prompt families to engage in discussions about safety in all of youth sports.

Many families will see this movie and wonder if they should let their child play football at all. Obviously, football has been a huge part of my own life, so I am strongly in favor of letting kids play the game. That being said, I also support the ongoing research and efforts to improve player safety and minimize the risks of injury.

Parents have always wrestled with the decision of whether or not to let their kids play football, hockey and other contact sports. If they let their kids play, what age would be the best to begin? Should they have their child play flag football instead of tackle football? What helmet should their child wear? Is the coach teaching correct tackling form? Are the league and officials doing their best to protect kids? Concussions are very serious, and we continue to strive to create a safer game, but are concussions the only safety factor that we need to consider? Should the risk of injury prevent kids from participating in football at all?

Research tells us there are risks to playing football. Science has come a long way in measuring the effects of concussions on athletes in all contact sports. As a result, the sport is evolving to improve fundamentals and training for athletes. While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of injury for athletes in contact sports, there are things we can do to help minimize the risk and still expose our kids to the many benefits of youth sports.

Ultimately, parents need to decide what is acceptable for their athlete. How does a parent do this? Be informed about the risks, and ask questions of the coaches and directors of youth programs.

● Is my child being trained using the newest, safest standards for the sport?

● What kind of training have coaches received on player safety? Is correct tackling technique being worked on every day?

● What is the team protocol if my child is injured during practice or a game?

● What is the coaching philosophy for working with young athletes?

● Is the coach organized and using drills that are incorporated within the structure of practice, or is the coach using hard-hitting drills to waste practice time?

● Are the athletes excited and moving around, rather than standing and listening to someone lecture the entire practice?

● Are all facets of the game being taught in the limited practices? Not just practicing plays, but teaching tackling, blocking, alignment, special teams, etc.

● Is the team atmosphere healthy and focused on learning while having fun?

● Is your athlete physically able to keep up with his/her teammates?

● Is your athlete mentally and physically ready for the things which he/she will be asked to do?

In football, it is critical for kids to learn proper fundamentals for tackling. It is extremely important that their learning coincides with their physical development. This is why many kids start with flag football and progress into tackle football as they develop strength and technique. Adjusting to the use of equipment is necessary and encouraged with young athletes, but all contact should be controlled and limited by coaches until they are confident in the athlete’s skills and comfort level.

Parents can not rush physical development by forcing an athlete into a sport they are not ready to play. The athlete’s lack of ability will be shown physically and mentally, and that is when the risk of injury increases. Flag football allows the athlete to grow and mature, while at the same time becoming confident and mentally prepared to eventually take that next step into tackle football. Communication and trust between parents and coaches is critical to this process.

While much of the conversation from the movie will center on the risk of injury in contact sports, don’t lose sight of other important points of consideration. We all want our kids to experience the many physical and mental benefits of being part of youth sports, and with proper training and support, kids can be involved in football but minimize the risk of serious long-term injury. Be informed about the science and the sport, ask questions about the programs you are considering for your athlete, and ultimately, make the decisions that are the best fit for your family.

How Do You Define Success?

**This column appeared in the Argus Leader on October 28, 2015.

As the high school football season winds down and teams head into playoffs, we tend to measure the value of a successful season in terms of who stays alive to win a championship. Under that standard, only one team feels that it experienced a successful season, and that is especially unfortunate when it comes to youth football.

There are many benchmarks that can measure whether your season has been successful. An honest reflection on the season is the key to understanding your accomplishments and building on them. Whether you are the athlete, parent or coach, remind yourself that winning is important, but it is not the only way to define success.

Athletes:

Ask yourself what things you have learned during the season. Did you learn new skills on the field? Were you a good teammate? Hopefully you developed more confidence in your abilities and in doing your part for the team.

Were there times when you needed to show respect and good sportsmanship to the people around you? That is very difficult at times for athletes who are trained to be highly competitive. It is definitely a sign of success when you conduct yourself with pride and respect for officials and opposing teams, even under difficult circumstances.

Can you think of times where you faced challenges and you kept a positive attitude? That is also an important consideration for success. Most importantly for athletes, did you have fun practicing and playing with your teammates? If you enjoyed your season and gave your best effort, then you should definitely measure your season as successful.

Parents:
The biggest question for parents is whether or not you did your very best in your role as the biggest fan for your athlete. Did you find ways to encourage and support your child whether they were winning or losing? Your job is to be a positive role model and cheer for your child, so ideally, you spent most of the season leading by example to your young athlete.

It can be extremely easy to lose sight of team dynamics and the bigger picture when you want so badly for your child to excel. Part of what parents have to do is nurture their athletes through the ups and downs of the season. The season’s grind takes a toll on everyone, so if you can honestly reflect on things and say you kept a positive tone with your athlete and helped them work through daily challenges, you did your part.

One of the most difficult things for parents is to stay away from the "blame game" with referees, coaches, leagues, other teams, etc. When things aren’t going well, we sometimes slip into that mentality, so if you were able to promote positive thinking and stay away from blaming others for the season’s challenges, it was absolutely a successful season.

Coaches:

Of course, coaches want to win, but some of the winningest programs don’t have healthy atmospheres for young athletes. As a coach, can you look back at the season and see that your team improved each week? Did you set practice and performance goals for your athletes? Did you achieve those goals? Improvement for young athletes is incremental, and often they take one step forward and two steps back as they learn the sport and the many skills required of them on the field. If you can see that your team worked together under your leadership every week to learn and improve, then your youth football season was successful.

Did you instill a sense of team pride in your athletes? Were you able to encourage them to learn and have fun without yelling or losing your temper? That is not always easy in youth sports, so hopefully you established a positive atmosphere for your athletes and provided an appropriate balance of learning and discipline. Coaches have a tremendous impact on their athletes’ confidence and mentality, and I’m continually impressed at the devotion of volunteer coaches to creating a great experience for their teams.

We often refer to an undefeated season as a "perfect season," but I’m going to tell you there is no such thing as a perfect season. Every season has its challenges for athletes, parents and coaches, and a huge part of sports is learning to overcome those challenges. The best thing we can do is assess how we contribute to the development of our kids and their love of the sport. If we are honest about our interactions, we can build on the strengths of this season and learn from any mistakes we made. Let your success story include the tales of many contributions to the team and making the season the best possible for athletes. Win or lose, your team will understand success.

Building Your Team

**This column appeared in the Argus Leader on Sept. 14, 2015.

The season is well underway, and athletes are experiencing the grind of practices and games and the highs and lows of being part of a team. Developing a team first mentality is a challenge for young athletes, and it can be difficult for them to manage their inability to control things like playing time, play calling or ultimately winning or losing.

Teams need to work together and find their stride, and individual athletes contribute to the team mindset. I often talk about football being the greatest team sport, and at this point in the season, it is important to focus on the things you can still do to improve your team.

Helping with team chemistry. Team chemistry is the number one factor that I look for with all the teams that I have coached. Teams with tremendous talent that lack team chemistry become a very average team. Teams with average talent that have great team chemistry become excellent teams. A team with great chemistry finds ways to be encouraging, accepting and challenging to its individual members. That dynamic causes individuals to step up, and the team becomes stronger as a result. You can help build chemistry on your team by encouraging your teammates and coaches, accepting your role on the team and continuing to challenge yourself and your teammates every day.

Getting adequate diet, sleep and nutrition. Many young athletes never even factor in a diet plan or what is nutritional for them. Sleep is often neglected in this day and age of social media, and athletes don’t get enough rest because they are constantly connected to their social environment. If an athlete is truly going to be committed to his team, he must realize that the commitment is not only at practice or games, but all week long.

Your team needs to know that they can rely on you to get through the week, and you are doing everything you can to mentally and physically prepare your body for the season. Athletes should be getting at least nine hours of sleep, constantly drinking water,and continually monitoring what they are putting in their body and brain. You need to take care of yourself as an individual athlete in order to give your best contribution and performance as part of your team.

Finding a balance between school and sport. While young athletes don’t always have a mindset about the importance of school, they need to focus on being student athletes. We want kids to be involved in sports for a number of reasons, but they need to keep perspective about the odds of them eventually making a career out of sports. Remind your athletes that football is an extracurricular activity, and the reason they have this activity is because school provides this for them.

They will not be able to play high school or college football unless they have good grades and remain eligible. Sometimes athletes lose perspective because of the amount of time that is committed to practice, film and game prep, so some reminders from coaches and parents can definitely help. You should always take care of academics first.

As parents and coaches, we can help athletes avoid complacency in these areas and continue to improve physically and mentally every day. The best contribution athletes can make at this stage of the season is to focus on the things they can control and help raise their team’s performance. Athletes will learn a great deal about themselves and about the game if they learn what it means to do their part for something bigger than themselves. Your collective effort will make a successful team, win or lose.

Planning for the Unexpected: A Message for Coaches

**This article also appeared in the Argus Leader on August 19, 2015.

I have been coaching football for 17 years now, and as a coach, I love the excitement as football season begins. So much preparation has taken place during the off season, athletes have been working hard, coaches have been planning and designing plays, and everyone has high hopes for the season. 

At the beginning of the season, a team’s story is unwritten. Coaches are taking what they know and creating possibilities for their team to be its very best. Inevitably things will happen that you can’t plan for, and when those occur, coaches need to be mentally prepared. People tend to remember wins and losses, but it's those unforeseen challenges and the coach’s response that can define a career and write a team’s story as one of success or failure.

Regardless of careful planning, every team will face unexpected challenges at some point. Some teams are destroyed by them, but good teams find ways to turn these negatives into positives or find ways to sustain and keep moving in the right direction. What are some of the biggest challenges you will face as a coach?

Injuries. Athletes put their blood sweat and tears into their preparation for each season. For some athletes, it is over in seconds with season-ending injuries. Not only is this difficult for the team, but it can also be tough for the athlete mentally. What direction do they go? They instantly feel a sense of distance from the team. Coaches must focus on moving forward and getting the team to move forward.

Coaches and athletes can get the mindset of “next man up” and lose sight of the injured player. It is extremely important to keep the injured player involved with the team. Give him a role, and let him have a sense of responsibility. The athlete and the team need to work to keep a connection. Emotional and mental development can be just as valuable as physical development. A coach’s leadership is critical to a team finding its way after key personnel go out with injury.

Choices on and off the field. Losing an athlete to injury is difficult, but sometimes you lose athletes to academic issues, or an athlete’s poor choices, or other circumstances beyond your control. Athletes will make poor decisions on the field that cost the team at times, and likewise they will make poor decisions off the field that will cost the team. As a coach, you hope you have created an atmosphere that largely prevents those things. Inevitably things go awry, especially with high school and college athletes.

Again, the coach’s leadership will define how a team rises to meet the challenge and persists in maintaining a successful, winning atmosphere. Remember, we are mentors and we have to guide athletes through these poor decisions. The choice they made might have been selfish and had a huge impact on the team, or it might have cost the team dearly on the field, but as a coach, you need to help the athlete and the team learn from the experience and focus on the future.

Parents. Not every challenge that you deal with as a coach occurs with players. Parents and communities are a huge contributor to the success of a team, and issues with parents can be some of the most emotionally charged and difficult challenges you face as a coach. Parents can be very zealous and protective. When things are not going the way they envision, not everyone has the wherewithal to trust the coach has a plan to help the young men. Many times, parents and communities can be overly reactive and not see the big picture. Communication is the key for coaches dealing with tough situations with parents. I recommend all parties utilize the 24 hour rule, to allow time to reflect, before engaging in difficult conversations. Remember that you all care about the athlete’s success, so let that be the starting point for discussion.

Mistakes. Maybe the most difficult situation of all is remembering that as coaches, we can and will make mistakes. Everyone is human, and there are times where you may not put the team in the best situation or call the best play. Can you own up to your mistake? Players will see the mistake, and if you can admit to it, they will respect you. Trust what your assistants are telling you. Many times they know you very well, and they will see things that you may not notice. They can tell you that you are wrong, and you need to trust their judgment. This will help minimize mistakes.

It would be great if a season went smoothly and according to plan, but in the event that life throws some curve balls in your team’s direction, remember the challenges make you better. Don’t dwell on the change of plans. Be the leader who writes a story of success for your team.

A Letter to Athletes

**This column also appeared in the Argus Leader on Aug. 3, 2015.

Dear athlete,

It seems like it has taken forever to arrive, but football season is finally about to begin. Whether it is going to be your first year playing, or you are putting on the pads for a final season in high school or college, there is much to be learned from the upcoming season. Many of us fondly remember our football playing days, and we will be lacing up our cleats along with you in spirit this fall. As I reflect back on those days and work with athletes of all ages in preparation for the season, there are a few reminders I can offer you:

Be a good teammate. Football is the greatest team sport. You have to work together with every person doing his best in his role in order to succeed. Individual glory is not the goal, and you will gain so much from standing together with your teammates through all the challenges and joys of a season. Remember that every single person has a role, and you will all be better in the end if you support each other in those roles.

Compete with respect. You are an athlete, and your competitive nature is what helps you to succeed in many situations. Just don’t lose sight of the fact that you always represent your team, your school or your community. Great competitors have respect for their opponents and their sport, so be sure to demonstrate your best sportsmanship during games and practice.

Be grateful. I know exactly how hard athletes work to achieve their goals, but they never reach that goal without a great deal of support and guidance. Families, coaches, teammates and communities all contribute to an athlete’s success. Don’t forget that you are fortunate to have the opportunity to play the game, and your successes come from a network of people who believe in you. Say thank you often, and mean it.

Play with heart. There is nothing I enjoy more than working with athletes who play for the love of the game. If your heart isn’t into long days of practice, training and the challenges of playing football, it will show in everything that you do. You don’t have to be the best athlete on the field, if you play with heart you will gain from every single experience. Play the sport you love, and love the sport you play.

Adjust your attitude. It is difficult to tell young players how grueling a season can be. There can be crazy ups and downs that face players and teams, and you need to be mentally prepared to face the challenges. Control the things that you can and face the things that you can’t with your best effort and attitude. Every player makes mistakes. It is your job to learn from them and use it to improve.

Enjoy every moment. Don’t ever forget why you play this game. It won’t seem like it during two-a-days, but seasons will pass quickly, moments of joy and frustration become memories, and you won’t stand beside your teammates every day with a common goal. I promise that win or lose, the moments that will play out on the field this fall will be some of your most cherished memories. Be sure to be enjoy the days and experiences.

Best of luck to you as the season begins. Win or lose, I hope you take pride in your contributions to your team and to the sport.

Sincerely,
Coach Riggs

Adversity Adds Value

**This column also appeared in the Argus Leader  on July 20, 2015.

Adversity is a reality in sports and in life. Every game has a winner and a loser, and every athlete experiences highs and lows, both on and off the field. One of the things I see all too frequently is parents working very hard to prevent their kids from having to experience adversity. 

As parents, we try to give them every opportunity to succeed, we support and encourage during competitions, and we drive young athletes all over the country to help them have a great experience. But we also work hard to disguise adversity. 

We do not want our kids to experience challenges and disappointment, and we hide it from them in many different ways. We blame officials, we question coaches, and after the game we create excuses for why our team did not win or why our child did not get to play enough.

I would encourage parents to shift their thinking and let adversity be a valuable teacher for their kids. Young athletes need to remember that in every game there is a winning team and a losing team. Kids often only focus on winning and playing time, and when their team loses a game they are not sure how to handle the loss. We need to help them find value in learning the game, bettering their skills, and turning adversity into an opportunity to improve. An athlete who develops a mindset to face a challenge and find a way to overcome it is one who will go far in the sport and in life. As Dan Reeves said, ‘Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter.’

There are key factors in developing a mindset to overcome adversity: 

Adaptability. Especially in the game of football, we are teaching athletes to respond to whatever comes their way. They need to be able to make quick, smart adjustments and adapt to continually changing situations. Much of what happens during a game isn’t within an athlete’s control, so he needs to focus on the things he can do and work with the team to overcome difficulties. They also may be asked to play out of position, or step aside in certain situations to allow another athlete to perform. If athletes can learn to fulfill their role, rely on their teammates, and be smart in the face of changing conditions, they will find ways to overcome those challenges.

Solid skill foundation. When the going gets tough, athletes simply must possess a solid skill set to fall back on. If athletes have a solid skill foundation, then a coach can always find a place for them on their team. Those skills need to be reliably present in every situation, so never lose sight of reinforcing fundamentals with your athlete. Young athletes need solid skills in every situation that they may face.

Positive mindset. One of the greatest aspects of athletics is the challenge that we face with every practice and game. We continually push ourselves to set goals and reach new limits. We do not always reach these goals right away, and many athletes will quit at this point. Positive thinking is the key to creating mentally strong athletes who can overcome any challenge they may face. A positive mindset will help the athlete turn disappointment into an opportunity to get better. Losing will never deter an athlete with a positive mindset!

Work ethic. Not every athlete has the God-given ability to go out and run the fastest or jump the highest. However, every athlete has the ability to develop a solid work ethic that will allow them to succeed. Talent can take an athlete to a certain point of success, but it’s the work ethic that really separates good athletes from great athletes. Teaching our kids to work hard for something they want to achieve is a benefit on the field and in life.

As we worked with athletes at SD Junior Football Camp last week, I was reminded of the difficulties kids face in learning the game, finding their place on the field and on a team, and facing the numerous challenges that come their way during a season. Those difficulties present many teachable moments for parents and coaches who are interested in the overall success of young athletes. 

We will make them better in the long run not by sheltering them from challenges, but by helping them develop skills to overcome the adversities they face.

Things to Avoid as a Sports Parent

**This column also appeared in the Argus Leader on July 6, 2015.

Summer is the height of youth sports season with many families hitting the ballparks and fields to watch their favorite young athletes play.  We've all been at a youth sporting event where an overzealous parent made things difficult for other families or their own athlete. In an effort to avoid those moments, it is a good time to remind parents of some critical things to avoid as a sports parent:



Never Criticize.
As the biggest supporters of our young athletes, we all have answers and input to make the team better. It is extremely important that parents never criticize and critique the coach, officials, or teammates in front of young athletes. Criticizing can become contagious. Athletes see criticizing as an outlet for failure and respond by criticizing teammates, officials, and coaches. Young athletes need to learn that things will occur outside of their control, and they need to accept it and move on.

Never Bribe.
We want to help motivate our young athletes, and giving incentives or bribes seems like such an easy strategy. Using flashy uniforms or extrinsic secondary rewards to encourage kids to play and work hard can really come back to work against those well-meaning parents. Athletes will begin to only work for those incentives and develop unrealistic expectations of flashy and expensive gear for minimal performance. Any coach will tell you, the best motivation comes from within your athlete, so resist the temptation to motivate extrinsically.

Never question a coach at practice or in front of the kids.
There is a line here that parents need to respect. Asking questions of your coach is fine, and should be expected in all sports. It's choosing the wrong time and place for those questions that can cause
problems. Questioning a coach in front of the athletes at practice creates an atmosphere that quickly takes away respect for the coach, parent, and athlete. People view confrontation and instantly take
sides, and that will seriously undermine your team environment. Always remember to take time to reflect, and then if you still have questions, reach out to the coach at the appropriate time and place.

Never "coach" after the game.
I have frequently written about an eye opening article about the worst part of youth athletics: The car ride home. Parents try to be sensitive since they don't want to be "that parent" who will coach
from the sideline. Instead, they wait until they get into the car and begin giving what they believe is "superior guidance" to their young athletes. Kids want to enjoy and talk about the fun things from the
game. They want to hear that you loved watching them play, and you are proud of their efforts. They see their coach as the person who should be giving that "superior guidance," and mom or dad should be giving support. They need to know that you are their biggest fan, no matter what, so don't lose perspective on their needs.

Never teach them that winning is the most important thing.

In youth sports, parents who are focused exclusively on wins and losses can create an environment that takes away from FUN and equals FRUSTRATION. When parents get wrapped up in wins and losses, kids start to feel unbelievable pressure that causes frustration and can lead to displeasure with the sport altogether. Set realistic goals with your young athletes that are about individual performance and seeing improvement in themselves and their team, then be sure to help them work toward those goals. They learn far more about work ethic and long-term rewards from that approach than they do from watching the scoreboard.

It is difficult to always get it right as parents, so even when we fall short on these it is important to keep trying to do our best as role models and leaders for our kids. After all of these cautions and “nevers,” perhaps the most important of all is to never forget how important you are in your young athlete’s eyes...and never forget to enjoy their efforts and your time together

Team Players Elevate the Game

**This column also appeared in the Argus Leader on June 21, 2015.

One of the questions I am asked by parents and athletes at every level is, “What do I need to do to be great?”

The answer obviously varies depending on the athleticism and circumstances of athletes, and the variables that can make athletes successful are not always within their control. That being said, in my experience there are some things that all truly great athletes have in common, and many of those things are within an athlete’s ability to define. We tend to think about physical training as the key to being the best at your sport. Physical training is definitely important, but it goes beyond that. If you want to be a great athlete, think about these things:

1. Work ethic

At every level of competition, hard-working players will find a place on a team. Athletes who want to compete at the top of their game must be willing to put in the time to get better, even outside of practice hours. The greatest players usually are the ones who arrive first and leave last. They simply put in as much time as they can because they want to get better. They also put 100 percent effort into every moment of practice. They work so hard that everyone else has to raise the level of play to be able to compete. Consider the message you send to coaches and teammates with your work ethic, and make sure it is a positive one.

2. Coachability

The best players know that they can always improve their game, and that they need guidance and advice to do so. Even the most successful players have flaws, and they must be willing to accept coaching to improve their skill set. If a great player is not willing to work within the team concept, then it can destroy a team. Great athletes who are not coachable are not great players. The willingness to listen and accept coaching advice can help elevate a player to be his/her very best. Be sure to listen to the suggestions your coaches give to you, and incorporate their suggestions.

3. Positive mindset and attitude

All athletes are going to face adversity. Great players are able to meet and overcome those challenges. The best players have persistence that will not allow them to quit, and they learn from facing their obstacles. Defeat is never permanent, and they take the things they learn from meeting adversity and use them to get better. When the going gets tough for the team, remind yourself that you are there to learn and find a way to turn adversity around.

4. Being a team player

Great players know that their success depends on the strength of the team. No matter their role, they will work to get their teammates involved and help utilize whatever strengths they offer. The best players will challenge their teammates in a positive way to benefit the team. The players who succeed want to contribute to a team environment that says individual accomplishment is less important than succeeding together. When you attend games and practices, ask yourself whether your words and actions are contributing to a positive team environment.

In all my years of coaching and at every level of competition, there are always athletes on a team who exemplify these characteristics of success. You should always work on the physical side of your game, but what will truly make you great is your passion for the game, dedication to improvement, and extraordinary commitment to the team. Focus on your training, but also be the person on the team who never complains or gives up, who looks out for teammates, and who works tirelessly to make himself and the team better. If you do those things, you will be a good athlete and a great player.

Flag or Tackle? Making the Choice

As a long time coach, parents often ask me questions about their child’s development. One of those recurring questions is whether or not a child is ready to move from flag football to tackle football. The safety of the sport has grabbed a lot of headlines lately, so I understand concerned parents who are hesitant to make the move from flag to tackle or are reluctant to try football at all. There are advantages to playing at both levels, and it is important that families make the decision with good background information.

What are the benefits of flag football?

1. There is no risk of being tackled, having to block, or encountering extremely physical play. Athletes can work their basic skill development on every play and have more opportunities catching and throwing the ball.
2. The flag environment is very controlled with tighter rules and coaches on the field.
3. Athletes establish confidence in game fundamentals and on-field skills that can carry over to tackle football.
4. Flag is the best place to begin the process of Heads Up Football training. There is no substitute for learning proper fundamentals!
5. Athletes can easily transfer the fundamentals they learn in practice onto the game field. Kids can run plays and routes, and practice concepts that are more difficult to reinforce in youth tackle football.

What are the advantages to tackle football?

1. Playing tackle football is a great team sport where teammates rely on each other during every single play.
2. OLine and DLine players have an opportunity to work fundamentals and succeed at the positions suited for them.
3. In a positive environment with good coaching, young athletes can establish confidence that carries over to things on and off the field.
4. Transitioning through established programs promotes proper skill development. SDJRFB does an excellent job helping develop young athletes to successfully transition into middle school and high school football.
5. There has been tremendous effort through Heads Up Football to improve the safety of tackle football and increase concussion awareness for youth players. Learning proper fundamentals is proving to be key to improving safety for kids.

Most young athletes will play flag football in their early years in the sport, and at some point, they will look at transitioning to tackle. When parents ask me if their child is ready, these are the things I ask them:

1. Does your child ever physically shy away from contact on the field?
2. When you see a group of athletes participating in an event, do you feel that your child is at all behind the other kids in coordination, motor development, or processing the movements needed to compete?
3. Do you think your child needs continued focus on game fundamentals and skill development?

If you answered any of these with "yes," then you should consider staying with flag. 

There are definite advantages to both flag and tackle, depending on the skill level of the athlete and the comfort level of his/her parents. Be sure to talk to your coaches and get informed opinions about what is best for your child! It isn’t just a question of age and equipment, it is a question of development and readiness, so consult with people who are familiar with your child’s abilities. We will see a lot of elementary-aged athletes this summer at the Fieldhouse, so don’t hesitate to ask our staff if you have questions about your child’s readiness for flag or tackle.

Whether parents choose flag or tackle, they should know their child will be gaining valuable skills that will have lasting benefits on and off the field. Have fun, and enjoy the game!

2014: A Year in Review

2014 was an exciting year of growth and improvement for Riggs Premier Football. We had a large number of new clients and new events that really set the tone for excellence and hard work! 

We had 125 elite high school athletes at our 1st annual Combine, and over 300 kids attended the 2nd annual SD Junior Football Camp. Along with the larger events we were able to offer individualized training and position clinics to utilize our talented, diversified coaching staff for the benefit of area athletes.

Our coaching staff continued to grow professionally, and our Academy athletes enjoyed great success in their individual endeavors, development as teams, and finding excellence on and off the field. It is a privilege to work with such committed coaches and athletes. Looking forward to more great things in 2015!

Season of Thanks

It takes many dedicated individuals and a supportive community to see success at various levels in the football scene. In this season of giving thanks, I wanted to offer my reflection on some of the positives of the 2014 season.

Thank you to the athletes who gave their all at practices and games. Football is a demanding sport, and learning the game, improving skills, and performing with enthusiasm and sportsmanship is not always easy. The greatest aspect of football that it is the ultimate team sport. Bringing a group together and needing every single individual to commit to a common goal is what makes football great! Watching athletes "buy in" to the team concept is very rewarding as we watch our youth continue to advance in the game. When athletes realize they are playing for more than themselves, they play with more heart and conviction. Our kids give their all to physical development and the betterment of their team. They each have the power to make their teams great through their contributions, and that makes football the best team game of all.

Thank you to the parents who embraced their role in developing their athletes, on and off the field. Youth sports is a journey. Athletes go through many amazing experiences, and they also go through many tests and trials along the way. Athletes need supportive parents that embrace the good and the bad in the journey, and tirelessly support their kids on the sidelines, in their schoolwork, and their time away from the sport. Parents guide their athletes through learning about teamwork, winning and losing gracefully, understanding their role on the team, contributing through playing time, making mistakes, being respectful to officials and coaches, and having fun. We've all seen (or been) the parent who struggles with these lessons at times, but the vast majority of parents work very hard to support and help their players be their best. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated!

Thank you to the countless volunteers that made youth sports a successful overall experience for kids and families. Youth sports would not be successful without those volunteers that help with reffing, working concessions, serving on boards, creating and working tournaments, and providing our youth with opportunities to learn, appreciate, and develop in the sport. Team sports for kids require an immense amount of 'behind the scenes' coordination, and the people who undertake the task of delivering excellent programs and tournaments deserve sincere gratitude.

Thank you to the many parents and community members who stepped into the difficult and thankless job of coaching. Coaches take on the responsibility for teaching the fundamentals of a sport, safe technique and skills, and all the aspects of managing young athletes in challenging physical and emotional situations. Coaches have to be able to nurture their athletes through all the ups and downs of a season, and they have to do that with kids who have various levels of understanding of the game, and the network of parents who question their every decision. It's an incredibly difficult job to do well, and those volunteer coaches have a huge impact on athlete and family experiences. Thank you, coaches, for donating your precious time to help our young athletes.

Thank you to the community of Sioux Falls for an unwavering support and vision for youth sports. We are so lucky to have a community that has such a strong commitment to youth athletics and the development of our kids. Our athletes want to get better, and our community wants to help them! From the newest facilities, fields, lights, or tournament opportunities, we are truly blessed in Sioux Falls in many different sports and youth activities. We have the best of the best!

Best wishes to you and your families for a Thanksgiving filled with family, food, friends, and football.

The Local Best

Check out media reports on any given day, and you will see that professional athletes live under a magnifying glass in our current culture. Everything they do is watched, scrutinized, reported, and judged. Unfortunately, most of the headlines are negative, and people are very quick to point out every shortcoming and mistake that a pro athlete makes. Whether the scrutiny is fair or unfair, these athletes need to realize that they are always in the spotlight, and kids are always looking up to them.

Athletes may not like the idea of being a 24/7 role model, but when they put on a jersey of a professional team, then they can't escape the media glare and the high expectations of their fans. There have been countless examples of athletes with serious personal issues of late, and plenty of disappointed fans seeking jersey returns and a new role model. These events provide an excellent opportunity to remind kids that they don't have to look very far to find plenty of other tremendous role models for young athletes. 

As the season winds down and teams come together for playoff games, it’s a great time to remember that parents, coaches, and local athletes can be great role models for our kids. All three are leaders that have the attention of our young athletes. Children learn right from wrong, the idea of sportsmanship, and all about the competitive nature in athletics from their parents. Coaches have an impact far beyond the field as they try teach the rules of the game, issues of sportsmanship, and the importance of working within a team.

Roosevelt High School

Local athletes, like pro athletes, are people that our young athletes try to emulate. Watch the end zone areas of any high school game in America, and you will see kids in jerseys cheering on their local best and dreaming that someday they will be in the same position as those Friday night superstars. Each of those people have the ability to be tremendous role models for young athletes, and they can really have an effect on their young fans' lives and love of the sport.

Parents, coaches, and athletes need to remember and model the elements that will help those young fans be better on and off the field. We all hope that our young athletes can observe and learn things like listening, being coachable, being a good teammate, and learning to value team goals and not just personal goals. Parents, coaches, and athletes can help young athletes understand the consequences of skipping practice or losing their cool during a game or practice. We can also help them learn to take pride in their efforts and not just winning. If you are a parent, coach, or athlete who interacts with these young athletes, you are in a unique position to mentor them and help instill these values.

Not sure who some of these local athletes are? I asked some of our local high school coaches to recommend players who model sportsmanship on their teams. These are a few of the athletes who were recommended:

Washington High School

Roosevelt Head Coach Kim Nelson recommended Tyler VanVoorst. Tyler is a junior WR at RHS, and Coach Nelson stated, “He puts his teammates first all the time. He is the first to celebrate other players' good plays and touchdowns. He thanks his teammates when he scores, or has a good play. He will play anywhere we ask him to play and give a great effort. He is also a good student and a very good person in school and in the classroom. He respects everyone and is a great example of a "servant leader."

Harrisburg Head Coach Brandon White recommended Cody Cook. Coach White stated,  "Cody Cook is our role model! The way he treats his teammates is tremendous, and I appreciate the way he coaches up the young guys, on the field and off."  Coaches at the Academy have always been extremely complimentary about having the opportunities to work with Cody. He gives maximum effort in everything that he does, but more importantly is very coachable and respectful.

Washington High School Head Coach Chad Stadem recommended Logan Eckoff. Coach Stadem stated, “Logan is an outstanding student. He is involved in many activities at Washington including football, choir, baseball, etc. He is always at practice and willing to do anything we ask him to do for the team. He treats everyone with respect and is respected by all of his teammates.”

Cody Cook

We are accustomed to recognizing the accomplishments of teams that win championships and athletes who make big plays, but it is just as important to recognize those athletes who are champions off the field and during practice. Congrats to these athletes who are leading by example in their football programs!

It is easy to get caught up in the headlines about professional athletes, but remember that kids value the people around them. If you have the opportunity to interact with young athletes, take advantage of that time to model the qualities of great sportsmanship and help instill positive values. Today’s impressionable young athletes will be tomorrow’s Friday night superstars. Let’s lead them by example to be excellent, on and off the field.