Abuse in Athletics

Over the past few months much has been written about regarding abuse from coaches in athletics - specifically college athletics.  Sadly, the practice of both physical and psychological abuse seems to becoming highlighted more so now - which means that perhaps it has been there all along but may not have been reported.  This article regarding Rutgers University discusses the University's newest selection of an individual who will lead their athletic department - Julie Hermann.  Ms. Hermann replaces Tim Pernetti.  Mr. Pernetti had hired men's baksetball coach, Mike Rice.  Mr. Rice had been videotaped during his basketball practices in which his behavior demonstrated that he physically, verbally and psychologically abused his players.  One of his coaches was very uncomfortable with this and followed up with reporting to his supervisor, Tim Pernetti.   Instead of being dismissed from his job, Mr. Pernetti along with the support of the President of the University, kept the Mr. Rice in the head coach position.  After much negative (rightly so) media attention, Mr. Rice was fired and the Athletic Director resigned.  The AD has been subsequently replaced  by Julie Hermann.

The allegations that have been suggested regarding Ms. Hermann's practices when she was a coach, if true, are yet another example of alarming behavior.  When I sit and ponder to think about what individuals would be at practice and games on a consistent basis, the individual(s) that come to my mind are athletic trainers.  We have an understanding of how a coach runs practice; what they do to motivate their players; how they support their players and how they discipline their athletes.  It is a difficult situation when our values do not connect with those of the coaching staff - what are we left to do when we see a co-worker acting in ways that are disrespectful, and in some cases breaking rules?  What do we do?  This is an ethical question that each of us may need to face in our professional lives.  For some athletic trainers, the answer is clear - speak with the coach, go to our supervisor, make  our voice heard - make something happen.  For others, this may not be so easy.  Fear may be a reason - fear of retaliation; fear of job security; fear of being viewed by others as a 'tattle tail'.

There has been legislation passed in the 1980s that is to protect individuals who want to step forward and report misconduct without fear of retaliation (Whistleblower Protection Act).  However, individuals may still not want to come forward.  While each situation is different, my suggestion is that if you find yourself in this type of challenging situation to do what the right thing is - it may not be the easy thing to do, but select the path where you will be able to look at yourself in the future with no regrets.  Know that all of us will not take the same path - decide what is the best course for you.

Benefits of Meditation to Our Youngest

There has been much written regarding meditation and relaxation techniques for adult populations, but this article posted on ABC News on-line also demonstrates the benefits of 'mindfulness' to our youngest. 

With so many different responsibilities our youth have, it only seems to make sense to have 'quiet' time in which they can sit, relax and take a few moments to quiet their minds.  The authors discuss the importance for all of us to take some quiet moments in our very busy lives in order to help rejuvenate ourselves.  Two studies in this article discuss the positive outcomes of better focus, better health, better attention and better test scores for those children who utilize meditation techniques.  It would be interesting to follow through and study both the short term and long term effects this may have on a cohort.  Perhaps, if the outcomes were similar to the studies identified in the article our school systems might consider implementing!

The World Needs Help!

Just recently a referee who was officiating a league soccer game was punched, and subsequently died from his injuries.  The article is here .  For me the story reminds me how precious life is and how quickly it may change - for any one of us.  How very sad it has become that the way to handle frustration is to hurt another.

University of Oregon Athletic Training Facility

Class - I post this video so that you can see the possibilities of an athletic training facility . . .

Women's Deaf Soccer Team Wins Gold!

Just wanted to post this as I have been involved in the World Games for the Deaf in the past and this year the ladies are playing in the World Cup.  Here are two videos regarding the team and their efforts.  One of my good friends traveled as their ATC.

Here is the link their video after beating Germany in the second round:

http://cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2012/07/30/exp-point-deaf-soccer-team.cnn.html

here is the link after beating Russia in the finals:

http://cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2012/07/31/exp-point-deaf-world-cup-champions.cnn.html

I Want to Go to School Here!

As we continue to try and 'figure out' how to deal with the obesity trends that have been affecting the US, I came across this pilot school in the UK that may have some of the answers.  Chef Jamie Oliver has begun a school in which students learn traditional subjects, but in addition learn how to grow fresh vegetables and learn how to prepare and cook healthy meals.

Although the article does not outline how the pilot program outcomes are being measured, they are suggesting that the children enrolled in this program "helps support their wider learning, gives them vital life and vocational skills, and more importantly for us improves their health and ability to make better food choices".  I would only assume that this program also instills a desire to take care of the environment and to help each other. 

What a novel approach for a school to take.  It seems to be getting down to the very basics, however, I believe that when one is involved at this level (actually growing and caring for 'the crop') one takes on a deeper responsibility.  I think too, that when children are involved in the planning and preparing of meals in addition to being educated on healthy eating, they are much more motivated to have healthier eating habits.  I would love to see the US take a leap and incorporate this into our schools!

Special Needs? He May Not Agree

As we are in the middle of the 2012 Summer Olympics, I thought it very appropriate that I write about a South African track and field athlete, Oscar Pistorius.  He will be running in the 400 meter race.  Nothing special, right?  Well, what I haven't told you is that when Oscar was born, he was born without his fibulas.  His parents had to make a very difficult choice, and they decided to have his lower legs amputated.  Oscar uses 'blades', some call 'cheetah' legs while others may call 'cheater' legs.  It is a very insightful read and makes me begin to think that, hmmm, Oscar doesn't see his lot in life as unlucky but rather as a blessed.

I post this article for a few reasons; 1) we need to recognize the definition of 'athlete' needs to be expanded within our framework; 2) we need to step out of our comfort zone and make contact with others who may be different than us; 3) we need to recognize there is a wealth of opportunity for us to provide health care to our expanded definition of 'athlete'; and 4) to recognize and understand that others can help us to learn and appreciate even the smallest things in life.  After all, isn't that what life is about - enjoying the journey and not believing life to be a destination.

I hope you enjoy the read and below is a video of Oscar in action!

Not trying to promote Nike on this one, but pretty inspirational commercial below: