Weekly Notes for Champions

Volume 19, Issue 11 | November 12, 2019

The Value of Sports

Frank Allocco on the Value of Sport Catholic

"I would tell parents that the true value of sports is teamwork,

it's kids playing together for each other." ~ Frank Allocco

While everyone wants to win, the true value of sports can be found in the thrill of competition and the joy of a child at play. Parents should focus on their child’s development of both athletic skills and virtue during the course of a season or a career. Growth is found in the times of struggle that teach fortitude and the moments of triumph when hard work pays off. As long-time coach Frank Allocco points out, the value of sport is also found in the opportunity to be a part of a team, to build relationships with coaches and teammates while striving for a common goal.

Watch the short video above and consider your own view of sports in the context of Frank's comments. Then reflect on the following questions:

As parents, do we stop to enjoy the journey of watching our children play?
Do we take time to give thanks for this great opportunity and the tremendous benefits sport offers?
Most importantly, do our children know that our love is unconditional, that we'll be their biggest fans whether they succeed or fail?

As the video illustrates, the confidence a child gains from the love of a coach or parent can have a lasting impact. Sports are more than a moment or a result; the values gained can last a lifetime.

Fall Webinar: Creating a Safe Environment

Each November the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gather for their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, MD. This year the church’s sex abuse scandal will dominate the agenda. As the Bishops meet, Play Like a Champion invites our community to gather for information & discussion centered on creating a safe environment for athletes. We will host the Fall edition of our Quarterly Webinar Series TOMORROW , Wednesday, November 13 at Noon EST titled: Play Like a Champion Abuse Awareness, Prevention and Reporting. The webinar will detail Play Like a Champion’s Safe Environment Model , which includes a strong “prevention” component describing core principles of how children should be treated. Other webinar components include:

Types of Abuse (Abuse can be sexual, physical, and psychological)
Abuse Awareness (Facts of Grooming)
Safe Boundary Guidelines for Adults and Children
Communication with Children Guidelines
Signs of Potential Abuse
Code of Conduct for those responsible for Children
When and how to report “boundary violations” and suspected abuse

The webinar will be applicable to all partners at both the youth and high school level. Join us for this important conversation and learn valuable tips for creating a safe environment specific to the athletic arena. Click below to register for free today!

A Prayer for Sports Parents

Father in Heaven, help me to do your will in my role as a sports parent. May I be for my young athlete a source of encouragement and strength. May I help my child to grow in their faith while supporting their development in skill. May I be a positive partner to my child’s coaches, supporting them in their effort to teach and develop all the children on the team. May I be positive in my support at practices and games, Even when this is difficult. And may my example lead other parents to do the same. In all things may I strive to imitate the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph in their devotion and care for the child Jesus. Through their intercession and in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series

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