Just Let 'Em Play

Andrew Jacobs, Jeff Montgomery, Peter Malone

Description

The stories seem more prevalent today than ever: coaches, and parents pushing kids to the point of "burnout" before high school, parents fighting with referees and umpires, coaches berating kids in front of teammates and parents, and even kids using performance-enhancing drugs. Renowned sport psychologist Dr. Andrew Jacobs, longtime Major League pitcher Jeff Montgomery, and Hall of Fame swimming coach Peter Malone have seen first-hand the issues that are making youth sports increasingly difficult for parents, coaches, officials, and especially kids to navigate. Jacobs' clients, who range from elementary school to professional athletes, regularly talk to him about "burnout"-even before high school. Montgomery, who almost walked away from baseball after four years in the minor leagues, stuck with it and went on to become a three-time American League All-Star and the 1993 A.L. Reliever of the Year during a 13-year major-league career. He learned about today's "win-at'all'costs" mentality while coaching youth baseball for almost a decade. Peter D. Malone coached more than 10,000 swimmers during his 44-year career. During his last 35 years of coaching, he was the general manager and head coach of the Kansas City Blazers, a program featuring swimmers from recreational to Olympic levels. He coached four Olympic gold medalists. In Just Let "Em Play: Guiding Parents, Coaches, and Athletes through Youth Sports, Dr. Jacobs, Montgomery, and Malone utilize decades of experience and training with amateur and professional athletes to explain the importance of winning and losing, success and failure; why it's okay that not every athlete receive a trophy; and the role of parents, coaches, officials, and athletes.

Sujets

• Sociologie, société et politique
• Psychotherapy

Informations

• Publié par: Ascend Books
• Date de parution: 01 décembre 2015
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9780996194471
• Langue: English

Extrait

“I’m excited to see Dr. Jacobs author a book like this. I have been a long time reader and fan of his newsletters on winnersunlimited.com and frequently talk about their content with board members of the soccer program I am in charge of. With nearly 1,000 kids playing each fall, I have seen and heard parents lose their minds on the sidelines. Every one of them would benefit from reading a book like this. When it comes to youth sports, parents need to redefine “winning” and provide their kids with an environment where “playing” is fun again. Dr. Jacobs knows how to get that point across.”
– Hershey Weisman Regional Commissioner AYSO Region 33 - Encino, CA
“ Just Let ‘Em Play is essential reading for anyone interested in teaching developing minds the keys to success in life through sport. The authors show us that sport is a powerful vehicle in teaching the young about good work ethic, quality decision-making, and how we choose our attitudes. Learning how to ‘just let ‘em play’ will allow you to shift paradigms to positive vocabulary and goal setting, which are imperative to observing the phenomenon of success. You will watch children blossom and become great in whatever they choose. Just Let ‘Em Play will be a well-used reference as I raise my own children.”
– Catherine Fox Two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist
“I had the privilege to have worked with Dr. Andrew Jacobs during my coaching tenure with the Kansas City Royals. He has the experience to have written this outstanding book for coaches and parents. It is a tremendous guide for parents, coaches, and athletes, and will give them a broader look into all aspects of sport. I’ve spent 39 years in professional baseball, 13 of them at the Major League level. I was fortunate to have coached the 2001 World Series champion Arizona Diamondbacks. To the readers, I really believe you will enjoy reading this book, get a good perspective about sport and understand that it is so important to focus on having fun.”
– Eddie Rodriguez Roving Infield Coordinator San Diego Padres
“Having been a soccer coach for 40 years, I have witnessed the ups and downs from athletes, coaches, officials, and fans. As I have seen the progress and growth in popularity and participation in soccer in this country, one of my concerns has been the pressure that’s placed on younger players to get involved and to play at an advanced level at younger and younger ages. Organized leagues are getting formed at younger ages and the pressure to specialize in one sport is becoming more demanding on athletes and parents.
“I have known and worked with Dr. Andrew Jacobs since the mid-1980s. The advice and knowledge he and his co-authors provide in Just Let ‘Em Play should be a requirement for all parents who are enrolling their children in youth leagues in any sport and should be a part of the continuing education process for coaches and officials. This book will help youth sports continue to be an enjoyable and learning experience for all involved.”
– Rick Benben Head Coach, University of Missouri-Kansas City Men’s Soccer
As a 3 time Major League All-Star pitcher and youth sport coach, and the father of two pro ball-players (with one becoming an All-Star this year) I have seen the good and bad in sports. Over the past 20 years youth sports has changed and become more challenging and demanding on younger and younger athletes. The pressures of having to win and being ridiculed when you lose have replaced the real purpose of youth sports, “to have fun”. Having been a teammate of Jeff Montgomery and worked with Dr. Andrew Jacobs, I know they understand what sports are really about. Just Let ‘Em Play will help guide you through the right decisions to make and let your kids have fun and learn how to succeed. This book should be required reading for all youth sport parents, coaches and officials.
– Tom “Flash” Gordon 20 year Major League Pitcher 3 time Major League All-Star 1998 American League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year
“Coach Pete Malone and Dr. Andrew Jacobs established a nationally recognized program in Kansas City that has shaped the lives of numerous athletes. Through their leadership and guidance, countless swimmers have achieved success at the highest levels. Just Let ‘Em Play will provide an opportunity for athletes, parents, and coaches to learn the importance of having fun while chasing your dreams. Shannon is proof: With support and dedication, dreams can come true.”
– Connie & Dan Vreeland Parents of Shannon Vreeland – former Blazer swimmer and Olympic gold medalist
“When people talk about swimming in the greater Kansas City area, they’re talking about Pete Malone. What he has accomplished at the KC Blazers and how he groomed athletes from this team was amazing and was no accident. When I started swimming for Pete, he was already a nationally renowned coach, having produced Olympic medalists. Then there was Dr. Andrew Jacobs, with whom I worked at two peak times throughout my swimming career. Dr. Jacobs helped me to keep it simple, prepare a race plan, and keep me focused on my personal goals.”
– Max Jaben Israeli Olympic athlete Owner, Swim Fit LA
“Dr. Andrew Jacobs, Jeff Montgomery, Peter Malone, and Matt Fulks could not have been more timely in writing Just Let ‘Em Play . As a parent, middle and high school coach, and former national and collegiate elite athlete, I have a vast perspective of youth sports and elite athletics in America. This book is a tremendous resource for guidance, information, and advice for every coach, athlete, and parent, regardless of the sport or level of achievement. Every parent ‘just wants their kid to be happy’ (if not also a famous all-star). I believe sports are essential to personal development and success, which are keys to true happiness and strong character. ‘Character’ is a buzz word in education today, but sports doesn’t try to artificially manufacture character if you Just Let ‘Em Play (and don’t give every kid a trophy just for showing up!).”
– Debbie Risen Hurwitz U.S. National Swimming Champion NCAA Swimming Champion University of Texas Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee
Dr. Andrew Jacobs • Jeff Montgomery • Peter D. Malone
with Matt Fulks Foreword by Shannon Vreeland, Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer
Copyright © 2015 by Dr. Andrew Jacobs, Jeff Montgomery, and Peter D. Malone
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ISBN: print book 978-0-9961944-6-4
ISBN: e-book 978-0-9961944-7-1
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015953507
Publisher: Bob Snodgrass
Editor: Claire Reagan
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedications
Foreword by Shannon Vreeland, U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer
A Note From The Authors
Introduction by Dr. Andrew Jacobs
Chapter 1
“When I Was Your Age…”
Chapter 2
The Decision to Play
Chapter 3
Embracing Failure Can Lead to Fun
Chapter 4
Your Child Wants to Play a Sport. Now What?
Chapter 5
Doctor’s Orders – a Q&A with Dr. Steven Joyce
Chapter 6
Everyone Has a Role in the “Athletic Box”
Chapter 7
It Starts with the Parents
Chapter 8
Harsh Realities
Chapter 9
The Power of Parent Language and Demeanor
Chapter 10
Youth Sports and Family
Chapter 11
The Coach’s Role
Chapter 12
A Word to the Athletes
Chapter 13
Beyond Youth Sports
Chapter 14
Sportsmanship
 
Resources  
Youth Sports Organization Lists  
Andrew Heymann Speech  
Mission Statements
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
SPECIAL THANKS TO
DICKSON-DIVELEY
O  R   T   H   O   P   A   E   D   I   C  S
   
DEDICATIONS
From Dr. Andrew Jacobs
I want to thank several people who have been an inspiration to me.
First, to my mother, Dorothy Duncan, who has always been a support to me, a great role model, and voice of honesty and reason.
To my great uncle, Hirsch Jacobs, who inspired me to pursue excellence because of his tremendous accomplishments as a horse trainer.
To my sons, Jonathan and Gregory, your journeys through youth sports and life have inspired me to pursue my desire to help others understand the importance of sportsmanship and having fun in sports. You have both been my greatest sense of joy. I am proud and honored to call myself your father.
Finally, I want to thank my longtime girlfriend, Gayle Liker. You have been my rock, my sounding board, and my best friend. Thank you for always being truthful and encouraging me to pursue my dreams.
From Peter Malone
I dedicate this book to Jane, my wife of 42 years, who shared my professional swim coach career. Jane