All Coaches, paid or unpaid, must be certified in Coaches Education by December 31, 2008. Coaches can now become certified online for $52 or in a classroom setting by one of California's Instructors.
Click the links below for more information.
About CIF Coaching Education Program
CIF/NFHS Online Coaching Education Course ($52 PER COACH)
CIF/NFHS Instructor Training Fall 2008 Northern and Southern California Dates
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
CIF-SS ASSOCIATION RULE ELIMINATED
For the first time in 32 years the CIF Southern Section eliminated the out-of-season restrictions on coaches working with their student-athletes. In a 41-37 vote of the CIF Southern Section Council, Rule 313 of the CIF Southern Section Constitution and By-Laws (otherwise known as the “Bluebook”) was eliminated from the by-laws July 1, 2008.
Rule 313, otherwise referred to as the “Association Rule” read:
During the school year, prior to the established date for authorized before and after-school practice in a particular sport and following an individual’s or team’s last authorized competition, a student may receive athletic instruction in a CIF Southern Section approved sport only during one regularly scheduled physical education period in which the student is enrolled and earning credit for that particular sport. (Note: Before and after-school practice is authorized in all sports from May 12, 2008 until the close of school, maximum 15 days.)
The rule, in effect, eliminated any type of contact between an individual sports coach and a student-athlete in that sport during the school year and outside of the season of sport except for one hour. The responsibility will now rest with," individual schools," on how much contact a coach and student-athlete can have during the school year.
How much contact is healthy? When should a school say, "You program is too demanding in the off season. You need to cut it back." Is burn out a possibility? Only time will tell.
Rule 313, otherwise referred to as the “Association Rule” read:
During the school year, prior to the established date for authorized before and after-school practice in a particular sport and following an individual’s or team’s last authorized competition, a student may receive athletic instruction in a CIF Southern Section approved sport only during one regularly scheduled physical education period in which the student is enrolled and earning credit for that particular sport. (Note: Before and after-school practice is authorized in all sports from May 12, 2008 until the close of school, maximum 15 days.)
The rule, in effect, eliminated any type of contact between an individual sports coach and a student-athlete in that sport during the school year and outside of the season of sport except for one hour. The responsibility will now rest with," individual schools," on how much contact a coach and student-athlete can have during the school year.
How much contact is healthy? When should a school say, "You program is too demanding in the off season. You need to cut it back." Is burn out a possibility? Only time will tell.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
California Rehab and Sports Therapy
California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy specializes in:
1) Post injury/surgical rehabilitation (return to activity)
2) Plyometric and power development,
3) Injury prevention and
4) Performance enhancement (sport specific training)
The performance enhancement program known as, The Next Level, focuses on sport performance and overall fitness. This training is designed to meet specific demands and movement patterns, that athletes use in their sport, to improve performance and confidence.
Training involves both inside / outside activities - Free Weights - Swiss Balls - Medicine Balls - Cardio Machines - Ladders - Sport Cords - Parachutes - Jumping mats - BOSU Trainer and more.
Their staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, with facilities located in Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Help is one click away at: http://www.calrehab.com/.
1) Post injury/surgical rehabilitation (return to activity)
2) Plyometric and power development,
3) Injury prevention and
4) Performance enhancement (sport specific training)
The performance enhancement program known as, The Next Level, focuses on sport performance and overall fitness. This training is designed to meet specific demands and movement patterns, that athletes use in their sport, to improve performance and confidence.
Training involves both inside / outside activities - Free Weights - Swiss Balls - Medicine Balls - Cardio Machines - Ladders - Sport Cords - Parachutes - Jumping mats - BOSU Trainer and more.
Their staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, with facilities located in Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Help is one click away at: http://www.calrehab.com/.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Baseball's Stages of Development
Stage 1
Tee Ball -Coach Pitch - Kid Pitch - Minor/Majors
Stage 2
Pony League - High School - American Legion - Scout Ball
Stage 3
Connie Mack - Jr. College - NAIA - NCAA
Stage 4
Independent Ball - Minor Leagues - Major Leagues
In Baseball, as in life, there are many stages of development. Maturity in either one takes time, patience, guidance and support. Just as adults understand that stages of maturity are not always reached at the same time, so youth coaches should also understand that skill development follows a similar pattern. Yet - put a 10 year old, in a uniform, on the field and keep score, it is unbelievable how both coaches and adults will react. It ranges from bragging to cursing, especially at the club level.
The ‘Big Picture” in baseball, as in life, should be viewed as following a natural progression based on the interest and drive of the individual athlete. Some players will progress early and struggle later, once others catch up maturity wise. While some will start out slow, struggle and then, (if they stay with it and are not run off) bloom into a tough, skilled athlete. However, patience, guidance and support, are needed in both scenarios along the way.
As parents, coaches and adult role models, the best example one can give any young person is the freedom to progress at their own rate. Remember, the shoe that fits one person, pinches another. There is no recipe for development that suits all cases. So relax and enjoy the game. There will be plenty of time for development along the way.
Tee Ball -Coach Pitch - Kid Pitch - Minor/Majors
Stage 2
Pony League - High School - American Legion - Scout Ball
Stage 3
Connie Mack - Jr. College - NAIA - NCAA
Stage 4
Independent Ball - Minor Leagues - Major Leagues
In Baseball, as in life, there are many stages of development. Maturity in either one takes time, patience, guidance and support. Just as adults understand that stages of maturity are not always reached at the same time, so youth coaches should also understand that skill development follows a similar pattern. Yet - put a 10 year old, in a uniform, on the field and keep score, it is unbelievable how both coaches and adults will react. It ranges from bragging to cursing, especially at the club level.
The ‘Big Picture” in baseball, as in life, should be viewed as following a natural progression based on the interest and drive of the individual athlete. Some players will progress early and struggle later, once others catch up maturity wise. While some will start out slow, struggle and then, (if they stay with it and are not run off) bloom into a tough, skilled athlete. However, patience, guidance and support, are needed in both scenarios along the way.
As parents, coaches and adult role models, the best example one can give any young person is the freedom to progress at their own rate. Remember, the shoe that fits one person, pinches another. There is no recipe for development that suits all cases. So relax and enjoy the game. There will be plenty of time for development along the way.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
College Players taking over Draft
Changes in draft-and-follow rules are altering clubs' strategies. Tim Beckham became the top selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft on Thursday, giving all high school players in the country the hope, that someday, they might be selected with the first pick. However, if those future high school stars looked past Beckham at the two-day Draft as a whole, they might not be as hopeful. Each of the 30 clubs went," college heavy", in the 50-round affair that ended Friday evening at The Milk House. This produced a record-tying 21 collegiate players chosen in the first round on Thursday, a better indication of what was to come over the final 44 rounds on Friday.
Conversely, only 485 prep players were selected out of the 1,504 names that were called. While the 485 prep players drafted represents an increase of nine over last year, it's the second-lowest total in 21 years. High school players represented 32.2 percent of the players drafted this year, the lowest since 1987 when 32.8 percent came from the prep ranks.
These numbers are a direct result of the changes in the rules regarding, the draft-and-follows. Clubs are drafting more college players, because they are more advanced and mature. Clubs today are less willing to have patience with the younger players while they are more willing to draft the college players and take their chances with them. Also, the later-round high school players are deciding to go to college more.
Only 19 players have gone directly to the Majors without stopping in the Minor Leagues, the last being outfielder Xavier Nady, whom the Padres selected with the 49th pick in the 2000 Draft. All scouting reports indicate that there are no players in this year's Draft that will be able to make that leap.
On a final note, Major League Baseball's Urban Youth Academy also made its presence felt and is becoming a familiar part of the Draft process. The Academy had two players selected in the first round (Kyle Skipworth, sixth to the Marlins) and Aaron Hicks (14th to the Twins) and two more in the compensation round.
Conversely, only 485 prep players were selected out of the 1,504 names that were called. While the 485 prep players drafted represents an increase of nine over last year, it's the second-lowest total in 21 years. High school players represented 32.2 percent of the players drafted this year, the lowest since 1987 when 32.8 percent came from the prep ranks.
These numbers are a direct result of the changes in the rules regarding, the draft-and-follows. Clubs are drafting more college players, because they are more advanced and mature. Clubs today are less willing to have patience with the younger players while they are more willing to draft the college players and take their chances with them. Also, the later-round high school players are deciding to go to college more.
Only 19 players have gone directly to the Majors without stopping in the Minor Leagues, the last being outfielder Xavier Nady, whom the Padres selected with the 49th pick in the 2000 Draft. All scouting reports indicate that there are no players in this year's Draft that will be able to make that leap.
On a final note, Major League Baseball's Urban Youth Academy also made its presence felt and is becoming a familiar part of the Draft process. The Academy had two players selected in the first round (Kyle Skipworth, sixth to the Marlins) and Aaron Hicks (14th to the Twins) and two more in the compensation round.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is the network of four muscles and several tendons that form a covering around the top of the upper arm bone (humerus). These muscles form a cover around the head of the humerus. The rotator cuff holds the humerus in place in the shoulder joint and enables the arm to rotate.
A tear can occur within the muscle. The rotator cuff can be torn from a single traumatic injury. Most tears, however, are the result of overuse of these muscles and tendons over a period of years. People who are especially at risk for overuse are those who engage in repetitive overhead motions. These include participants in sports such as baseball, tennis, weight lifting, and rowing.
The most common repair is arthroscopic. During this procedure a fiber optic scope and small, pencil-sized instruments are inserted through small incisions instead of a large incision. The arthroscope is connected to a television monitor and the surgeon can perform the repair under video control.
An animation of the surgery can be viewed at: http://kurzweilmd.com/animation1.html.
A tear can occur within the muscle. The rotator cuff can be torn from a single traumatic injury. Most tears, however, are the result of overuse of these muscles and tendons over a period of years. People who are especially at risk for overuse are those who engage in repetitive overhead motions. These include participants in sports such as baseball, tennis, weight lifting, and rowing.
The most common repair is arthroscopic. During this procedure a fiber optic scope and small, pencil-sized instruments are inserted through small incisions instead of a large incision. The arthroscope is connected to a television monitor and the surgeon can perform the repair under video control.
An animation of the surgery can be viewed at: http://kurzweilmd.com/animation1.html.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Balk
Mission Viejo, Calif. - Balk Costs Kinder a medal.
A balk was called against Sara Kinder on her third dive at the State Diving Championships Thursday, at Saddleback College. The Balk, by rule a 2 pt penalty per judge, cost 20.4 pts in her total score. Sara finished with 129.7 pts and in 11th place with the balk - without it - a score of 150.1 and a medal with All American Honors. The Balk was caused by a person yelling her name just as she began her motion. This ill timed outburst did cause a moment of hesitation and distraction which cost her 20.4 pts. Time for ear plugs.
April 19th, 2008Torrance, Calif. - Cypress sent one female diver to the Southern California Dive competition Saturday. Freshman Sara Kinder represented the Chargers and ended the day with an invitation to the State Championships. Kinder competed in the 1 Meter dive and finished with a score of 137.25. Her score was good enough for third in the Orange Empire Conference and fifth overall in Southern California. Her fifth place finish qualifies her for the State Championships. Kinder has a couple weeks to prepare for the State Championships which begin Thursday May 1st at Saddleback.
A balk was called against Sara Kinder on her third dive at the State Diving Championships Thursday, at Saddleback College. The Balk, by rule a 2 pt penalty per judge, cost 20.4 pts in her total score. Sara finished with 129.7 pts and in 11th place with the balk - without it - a score of 150.1 and a medal with All American Honors. The Balk was caused by a person yelling her name just as she began her motion. This ill timed outburst did cause a moment of hesitation and distraction which cost her 20.4 pts. Time for ear plugs.
April 19th, 2008Torrance, Calif. - Cypress sent one female diver to the Southern California Dive competition Saturday. Freshman Sara Kinder represented the Chargers and ended the day with an invitation to the State Championships. Kinder competed in the 1 Meter dive and finished with a score of 137.25. Her score was good enough for third in the Orange Empire Conference and fifth overall in Southern California. Her fifth place finish qualifies her for the State Championships. Kinder has a couple weeks to prepare for the State Championships which begin Thursday May 1st at Saddleback.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Playoff Time
Amateur baseball at every level is winding down throughout the nation. High Schools, Community Colleges, NAIA and NCAA Colleges are all coming to the end of their regular seasons. The top end teams are in a tough battle for league or conference championships; the middle teams are scrambling to get into the playoffs and the bottom end teams are already looking toward next year.
The “Playoffs”, are commonly referred to as, “The Second Season“. A chance to play the game a little longer and compete for a more prestigious championship. However, the prevailing attitude that, no matter what the season has been like - that somehow, “now” a team can turn it around in the playoffs, is usually wishful thinking.
Teams, like individuals, have identities, strengths and weaknesses which have been revealed during the regular season of competition. The playoffs will magnify those characteristics and reveal a teams true leadership, resolve and character. Being successful in the playoffs will always come down to: 1) good pitching, 2) solid defense, 3) timely hitting and 4) coaching that understands the moment. If this truly sounds like your club then good things will happen.
Good luck to all and “May the force be with you“.
The “Playoffs”, are commonly referred to as, “The Second Season“. A chance to play the game a little longer and compete for a more prestigious championship. However, the prevailing attitude that, no matter what the season has been like - that somehow, “now” a team can turn it around in the playoffs, is usually wishful thinking.
Teams, like individuals, have identities, strengths and weaknesses which have been revealed during the regular season of competition. The playoffs will magnify those characteristics and reveal a teams true leadership, resolve and character. Being successful in the playoffs will always come down to: 1) good pitching, 2) solid defense, 3) timely hitting and 4) coaching that understands the moment. If this truly sounds like your club then good things will happen.
Good luck to all and “May the force be with you“.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Ump
The difference between victory and defeat in the game of Baseball can be inches. Off the glove, off the plate, off the wall, just fair, called third…These are just a few examples of how the game can be decided.
While baseball fans usually forgive a player for striking out, they seldom excuse an ump that appears to blow a call. A missed third strike, a foul ball that looked like it might have been fair or a close play at the plate are just a few of the ways the men in blue can elicit jeers, boos, or the familiar comment, "Are you blind?" While instant replay usually reveals the wisdom of a call, it can add fuel to the fire. The only consolation that today’s umps have is that for every close call they make, only half the fans will be irate. The rest will be elated.
On July 24, 1983, the Royals' George Brett hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to give Kansas City a 5-4 lead over the Yankees. New York protested, claiming that the pine tar on Brett's bat extended up the handle more than the legal 18 inches. The men in blue agreed; home plate umpire Tim McClelland after conferring with Joe Brinkman, found that the pine tar on Brett's bat exceeded the allowed limit of 18 inches, and Brett was called out, giving the Yankees a 4-3 victory. It was the correct call, but American League President Lee MacPhail, thinking the pine tar rule silly, overturned Brinkman's decision four days later. The two teams assembled in New York on August 18 to finish the ninth inning and the yanks failed to score. So 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours and 14 minutes after it began, the Royals won the game for good - proving sometimes, even when you’re right, you’re wrong.
While baseball fans usually forgive a player for striking out, they seldom excuse an ump that appears to blow a call. A missed third strike, a foul ball that looked like it might have been fair or a close play at the plate are just a few of the ways the men in blue can elicit jeers, boos, or the familiar comment, "Are you blind?" While instant replay usually reveals the wisdom of a call, it can add fuel to the fire. The only consolation that today’s umps have is that for every close call they make, only half the fans will be irate. The rest will be elated.
On July 24, 1983, the Royals' George Brett hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to give Kansas City a 5-4 lead over the Yankees. New York protested, claiming that the pine tar on Brett's bat extended up the handle more than the legal 18 inches. The men in blue agreed; home plate umpire Tim McClelland after conferring with Joe Brinkman, found that the pine tar on Brett's bat exceeded the allowed limit of 18 inches, and Brett was called out, giving the Yankees a 4-3 victory. It was the correct call, but American League President Lee MacPhail, thinking the pine tar rule silly, overturned Brinkman's decision four days later. The two teams assembled in New York on August 18 to finish the ninth inning and the yanks failed to score. So 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours and 14 minutes after it began, the Royals won the game for good - proving sometimes, even when you’re right, you’re wrong.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A Matter of Prespective
Delivering in the clutch is something all spectators root for during the struggle of an athletic contest. Witnessing a two out - two strike - RBI single, in the bottom of the ninth to win, is electrifying. However, what exactly happened? Did the pitcher make a great/bad pitch? - Did the hitter make a great/poor swing? There are two sides to every event. Most people, including some coaches, tend to evaluate the outcome rather than the effort. This usually results in praise for success and criticism for failure.
Focusing strictly on the outcome does not always tell the complete story. One could miss the life lesson to be taught: that it is possible to do everything right and still not get the desired result. Example: a pitcher, with game on the line, in the bottom of the ninth, hits his spot, against a tough hitter, who fights off an inside pitch and shoves it into right field for the game winning hit. Both have executed their job but only one received the desired outcome.
Good coaches instinctively recognize the moment by going to their pitcher to pick him up. Even recognizing his execution with game on the line. Why? Because they realize this situation could happen again down the road. Making the choice to remain positive instead of focusing on the loss or finding someone to blame is keeping ones perspective on the “Big Picture”, your player and the team.
Remember, when you judge another person, you do not define them, you define yourself.
Focusing strictly on the outcome does not always tell the complete story. One could miss the life lesson to be taught: that it is possible to do everything right and still not get the desired result. Example: a pitcher, with game on the line, in the bottom of the ninth, hits his spot, against a tough hitter, who fights off an inside pitch and shoves it into right field for the game winning hit. Both have executed their job but only one received the desired outcome.
Good coaches instinctively recognize the moment by going to their pitcher to pick him up. Even recognizing his execution with game on the line. Why? Because they realize this situation could happen again down the road. Making the choice to remain positive instead of focusing on the loss or finding someone to blame is keeping ones perspective on the “Big Picture”, your player and the team.
Remember, when you judge another person, you do not define them, you define yourself.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Quicksand in Athletics
In the film, "The Replacements", Gene Hackman asked his team of replacement players what they feared the most about playing professional football. One of the responses was "quicksand." Quicksand, as described by Keanu Reeves in the film, is what every athlete fears most - that helpless feeling of compounding one mistake after another, sinking deeper and deeper until you’re in over your head - like quicksand.
In the recent NCAA Final Four Basketball Playoffs, both UCLA and North Carolina experienced that feeling of being in quicksand. The teams played hard, each battled to within striking distance only to be pushed back at every turn. Neither team shot well nor seemed to catch a break but continued to fight. Both Memphis and Kansas played fearless for the entire game creating a feeling of concern and even panic in the minds of their opponents. As a result, opposing players began to try too hard, do too much, take the game on themselves, while others silently disappeared or became ineffective to the point where they added to their own demise.
Everyone makes mistakes, anyone can have a bad day or a bad game. The true test of being in quicksand, is how one handles it. UCLA and North Carolina displayed courage and class both during and after their games.(more than can be said for the sports writers who carved them up the next day to sell paper.) Both programs will learn from this experience and this setback will only make them stronger.
Quicksand can be experienced at every level and in every sport. The secret to overcoming it is to relax, stay within yourself, believe in your abilities and your teammates. The more one struggles the deeper one will sink. Remember, one game (good or bad) does not define a team or a player but one game can reveal, as well as build, character.
In the recent NCAA Final Four Basketball Playoffs, both UCLA and North Carolina experienced that feeling of being in quicksand. The teams played hard, each battled to within striking distance only to be pushed back at every turn. Neither team shot well nor seemed to catch a break but continued to fight. Both Memphis and Kansas played fearless for the entire game creating a feeling of concern and even panic in the minds of their opponents. As a result, opposing players began to try too hard, do too much, take the game on themselves, while others silently disappeared or became ineffective to the point where they added to their own demise.
Everyone makes mistakes, anyone can have a bad day or a bad game. The true test of being in quicksand, is how one handles it. UCLA and North Carolina displayed courage and class both during and after their games.(more than can be said for the sports writers who carved them up the next day to sell paper.) Both programs will learn from this experience and this setback will only make them stronger.
Quicksand can be experienced at every level and in every sport. The secret to overcoming it is to relax, stay within yourself, believe in your abilities and your teammates. The more one struggles the deeper one will sink. Remember, one game (good or bad) does not define a team or a player but one game can reveal, as well as build, character.
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