Gerry Crowley,
  Winning Without Winning

I know it, and you know it: a problem exists in minor sports. Countless interpretations abound, but when all is said and done, there is one central problem. That problem is a focus on winning at all costs, and this problem does not start with the children.

Something is awry. Violence breaks out at games. Officials, parents, and especially the kids are verbally abused. The ejection of adults from the playing area is all too common. Many children drag themselves dejectedly off the field after games. The atmosphere is all too often tense, nervous, and unhappy. The kids simply want to have fun-that's why they play in the first place-but adults are keen on a different objective-winning.

It is my hope that by creating an awareness of what is happening, of what children are learning and the resultant detrimental effects; we can redefine the philosophy of minor sports and enjoy a healthy perspective within it.

Winning Without Winning is about children. Our children today depend on us-the adults-for their every need, but tomorrow they will be the adults making their own decisions. The actions they take tomorrow depend directly on the actions we take today.

The influence a coach has on children is enormous and long lasting. I have received thousands of letters from adults relaying their experiences as children. Their childhood memories of events during their days as minor sports players are sharp and clear, and in many cases have affected their adult lives. Coaches are teachers. Instead of books, bats and balls are used. The very foundation of life philosophies can be altered in either positive or negative ways by our teachers-by our coaches. What a power influence can be, and coaches have that power. What an awesome responsibility.

Children need to play and to have fun. Studies have shown that they learn more and perform better when they enjoy what they are doing. There is so much our children can learn from minor organized sports, not the least of which should be to feel good about their own personal accomplishments and their contributions to the team as a whole. As parents, coaches, and officials it is our job to set examples. We need to become aware of what winning really is, to understand how to make all children feel like winners---for the sake of the children. And are they not those for whom we toil?

Applying what I have learned to coaching children is not magic.

It's attitude. And it works!

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