Winning-at-all-cost coaching, sports specialization and parent "sports rage" are just a few of the problems occurring within youth sports today. The Center for Ethical Education at the University of Notre Dame has developed a new approach. The Play Like A Champion TodayTM Sports as Ministry (PLC) initiative supports Catholic parishes and dioceses in promoting: athletics as ministry to youth and families, building teams as Christian communities, character development, spiritual growth, intrinsic motivation and responsible decision-making.
The Center designed the program to provide children with the highest quality sports experience possible. Drawing on the expertise of members of the Notre Dame coaching staff, the research of developmental and sport psychologists as well as leaders in Catholic ministry, PLC aims to transform youth sports by educating coaches and parents to nurture personal and spiritual development along with athletic excellence.
In its inaugural year, 2006-2007, Play Like A Champion TodayTM enjoyed partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Los Angeles, the Dallas Parochial League, the Catholic Diocese of Rochester, NY and several large parish communities across the country. PLC educated 3,000 coaches who in turn impacted the lives of over 20,000 youth athletes. PLC is excited to welcome numerous additional Catholic dioceses and parishes this academic year.
Larry Muno, Program Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said about the project: "PLC is a fantastic program! It addresses all pertinent issues that impact the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; providing kids with fair playing time, putting kids first and combating the win-at-all-cost mentality so prevalent in youth sports. The program shows coaches how to win the right way all while considering the child's development and emphasizing the enjoyment of participation. My coaches come out of the training with a different perspective and a renewed passion for coaching youth sports. We are extremely satisfied with the PLC program and sincerely believe that it is making a difference in our diocese."
Workshop evaluation data also confirms the effectiveness of the initiative. For example, 90% of the coaches who attended the workshops reported that they would recommend the workshop to others. When asked about the impact of the workshop, 70% responded that it had changed their way of thinking about youth sport coaching.
The Center's own research on player, coach and fan behavior at youth sporting events (for children ages 10-14) documented unacceptable levels of unsportsmanlike and aggressive behavior. One might expect Catholic programs to fare better than their secular counterparts, but this research indicates that in many respects, Catholic programs are worse.
"If Catholic-sponsored youth sports programs are going to achieve their full-potential as envisioned by Pope John Paul II, Catholic dioceses and parishes are going to have to invest in preparing coaches as educators." says Dr. Clark Power, PLC program director. "The Church has a long and proud history of preparing her ministers for service. Prior to attending a Play Like A Champion TodayÔ Workshop, most coaches in Catholic sponsored youth sport programs never thought of themselves as youth ministers. After the workshop, most coaches have not only bought into their ministerial role but feel that they can more effectively promote the highest values of sport."
In addition to offering coach workshops, this year PLC unveiled its Parent Like A Champion TodayTM program, an interactive workshop to help parents of young athletes. The PLC Parent Workshop seeks not only to respond to all too frequent incidents of "sideline rage" but also seeks to give parents sound advice on how to guide their children through their youth sports careers. Parents receive education and materials that help them reinforce the goals of character development through sport stressed by the PLC program. Parents also receive guidance on how they can help their children to form habits of spiritual reflection, perseverance, sound decision-making, team work, good nutrition and regular exercise.
The weekend of June 20-22, 2008, leaders of Catholic youth sports programs from across the United States will be invited to gather on the campus of the University of Notre Dame for the 3rd annual Play Like A Champion TodayTM Leadership Conference in order to be trained to bring the program to their home diocese, parish or league.
For more information on Notre Dame's Sports as Ministry Initiative or the PLC Leadership Conference, please contact Kristin Sheehan of the Notre Dame Center for Ethical Education at 574-631-9981.
