Jerald Shin Shapiro asked:


In every game, there is always the possibility of running into an injury instead of the goal line. If you are affiliated with sports as a coach, you will want to make sure that you help your players to stay safe and avoid possibilities for injury. By keeping a checklist in mind of what the players need and how to meet this, you will have the ability to keep them going in the game. 

One of the most important factors that relates to children’s safety and injuries is related to the growth of the child. Because they are not fully developed, an injury can cause problems not only with the pain at the moment, but also with potential future problems. There are several who have found the various reasons for the injuries, many which could be prevented. 

The number one cause for injuries in sports is related to a lack of education. Children will go without wearing the proper safety gear, or will take a wrong move that could have been prevented if they knew it would injure them. Because this is the number one reason for injury, it is important for coaches to inform every player of the importance of safety gear and educating them on ways to prevent injury while playing. 

A second factor related to sports injuries is from children who do not receive the proper conditioning before they go to play a game. They should be practicing scenarios of the game as well as learning techniques that will help them to reach the goals of the game without making a wrong move. Once you learn the basics of maneuvers for games, it is your priority to make sure that all of your players understand why the moves are set rules. 

If you are looking at the different possibilities to help your players stay healthy and safe in practice and in a game, then it is up to you to step up to the plate. Making sure that they receive the proper education and observing their use and understanding of safety gear can help save children from the fall.



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Stu Owens asked:


It can be challenging and a lot of hard work or it can be simply just taking some time out. However, if you look at your gap year one thing should be gained from your time out – reward. Developing a skill, learning a language, experience a different way of living – all can be rewarding and mean that your gap year was a fulfilling experience.

One gap year experience is to play sport. Are you passionate about sport and feel like you want to share your passion with others? How about sharing this with youngsters in an exciting overseas environment? If these two questions really grab your attention then here is another one – are you going to do something about it? With a gap year sport programme you can develop your coaching skills whilst passing on your knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation.

Sport coaching placements can last for between 10-19 weeks, depending on the sport you coach. Participants coach sport to youngsters in local schools and community teams. On average coaches may also be able to do a part time job and, if desired, it is often possible to supplement this with additional umpiring or refereeing work for your specialist sport.

Whilst challenging and demanding (you could be responsible for a whole class of future sporting heroes!) there is no doubt that the experience of working with youngsters over the course of a school term is highly rewarding. Coaching sport is also a fantastic addition to any CV, allowing you to demonstrate initiative, leadership and communication skills.

With most programmes, you will live alongside other gap year participants that could be in 4 star city centre accommodation that provides easy access via local transport to your place of work. You would also be assigned a local mentor to be on hand to assist you throughout your programme and you will be guaranteed a minimum number of coaching hours per week.

We recommend that people interested in coaching sport obtain suitable coaching and first aid qualifications before departure, as this will assist you in not only getting a job but also giving you assurance of coaching others. It is also beneficial for you to obtain umpiring/refereeing qualifications in your chosen sport in order to take advantage of the full range of work available.

If you are unable to obtain a coaching or First Aid qualification prior to your departure then don’t worry. Some schools are happy to employ people provided they have playing and coaching experience. You can also enrol on a coaching and First Aid course upon arrival in your chosen destination.

Really keen participants can also join a local sports club should you wish to play as well as coach sport during your programme and really make the most of your time and skill.

Sport is a wonderful way to discover a new culture. By combining playing or coaching sport with a gap year, you become integrated into a local community with their sports club or academy and become a second family. Playing or coaching sport provides a framework for your time away. Supplement this with travel, work experience and a whole new group of friends and that’s gap year experience in a nutshell.

People that are passionate about sport and travel can really make the most of their time overseas. Many gap year companies can organise regular social events and excursions, which ensure a fantastic experience for all, whilst ensuring you are always in touch with peers and local people alike. Gap year mentors also assist participants in finding work, dealing with any issues that may arise and co-ordinating travel plans – a real commitment to a personal experience.

So if you are passionate about sport and travel, then why not spend your Gap Year playing and coaching sport in exotic locations around the world.

Sport Lived organise sporting Gap Year programmes in exotic locations around the world. Play or coach your favourite sports and enjoy the excitement of living overseas. www.SportLived.co.uk



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Dr. Patrick Cohn And Lisa Cohn asked:


One sports parent began training his son at the age of four to become a pro football player. The dad quit his job to facilitate his son’s coaching. The boy is now 12 and spends 10 hours per day training with his father.

When is a sports parent too involved?

Above all, sports parents need to keep in mind the importance of helping their young athletes lead balanced lives. Do they have the time to play with friends and pursue other interests? Or are their identities only defined by their role as athletes? You don’t want your kids to judge their self-worth solely on whether they score points or play on winning teams.

It’s also important to let the child lead you. You don’t want your child to play sports to fulfill your dreams. When kids play only to satisfy their parents, they often feel pressured. It’s difficult to play freely and intuitively. What’s more, they generally drop out of sports, and then miss all its great social, emotional and physical benefits!

We’re not saying you shouldn’t be involved at all in your child’s sports experience. It’s all about striking a balance. Once your child decides to play sports, you’ve got an important role to play as sports parents.

You should take charge of finding an appropriate coach and team for your child. It’s a good idea to support the coach and team as much as possible by bringing snacks or organizing the parents.

What’s more, you should learn all about “mental game” strategies that will help your child boost confidence and happiness in sports. Some of these strategies include:

• Setting manageable goals instead of communicating high expectations

• Focusing your child’s attention on the process of execution in the here and now instead of worrying about results, rankings, and statistics

• Helping kids take responsibility for their confidence instead of leaving confidence up to chance—and how well they play at the beginning of a game

• Helping kids learn how to let go of mistakes

• Encouraging young athletes to stay composed during crunch time so they can contribute to the team instead of tightening up and playing scared

• Encouraging kids to play freely and intuitively rather than playing scared and being afraid of making mistakes.



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