PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY

1. Welcome to the Play Like A Champion Today� Sports as Ministry Initiative through the University of Notre Dame. This will provide a general overview of our youth and parent workshops.Welcome to the Play Like A Champion Today� Sports as Ministry Initiative through the University of Notre Dame. This will provide a general overview of our youth and parent workshops.

2. WHAT IS PLC? The Play Like A Champion Today�Educational Series, developed by the University of Notre Dame�s Institute for Educational Initiatives, is comprised of several initiatives designed to elevate the current culture of youth sports and enhance the lives of each sports participant. PLC was spearheaded by Notre Dame Professor Clark Power in conjunction with leaders in the fields of educational development, sport psychology and Catholic Ministry with the goal of elevating the current culture of youth sports. Coaches and administrators in the Notre Dame Athletic Department also collaborated in writing the program and fully endorse the Play Like A Champion Today� Educational Series. PLC was spearheaded by Notre Dame Professor Clark Power in conjunction with leaders in the fields of educational development, sport psychology and Catholic Ministry with the goal of elevating the current culture of youth sports. Coaches and administrators in the Notre Dame Athletic Department also collaborated in writing the program and fully endorse the Play Like A Champion Today� Educational Series.

3. WHAT IS PLC? Programs include: Sports as Ministry Initiative (SAM) Parent Like A Champion Parents and Coaches Together (PACT) Coaching for Character (C4C) Developed and implemented in 2006, PLC�s Sports as Ministry (SAM) is an education program for Catholic elementary and middle schools. The program is aimed towards coaches and athletes between the ages of 6 and 14. Parent Like A Champion, developed in 2007, is a complementary curriculum to SAM and is directed towards parents of youth sport athletes. The program hopes to help parents and coaches get on the same page in regard to the purpose and process of youth sport participation. Parents and Coaches Together (PACT) is a sports specific program created for the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. Created in 2008, Coaching for Character (C4C) is a curriculum designed for public school or community based sports programs or leagues. Like SAM & our parent material, C4C helps coaches make sports participation a character building experience. Developed and implemented in 2006, PLC�s Sports as Ministry (SAM) is an education program for Catholic elementary and middle schools. The program is aimed towards coaches and athletes between the ages of 6 and 14. Parent Like A Champion, developed in 2007, is a complementary curriculum to SAM and is directed towards parents of youth sport athletes. The program hopes to help parents and coaches get on the same page in regard to the purpose and process of youth sport participation. Parents and Coaches Together (PACT) is a sports specific program created for the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. Created in 2008, Coaching for Character (C4C) is a curriculum designed for public school or community based sports programs or leagues. Like SAM & our parent material, C4C helps coaches make sports participation a character building experience.

4. WHAT IS PLC? The Ultimate Game Plan A comprehensive design for coaches, parents, and administrative leadership teams. Research-based & child-centered Designed to promote the moral, character and spiritual development of our youth through the GROW approach. PLC presents the ultimate game plan. Focused on more than just developing competitive sports programs, PLC is designed to educate all individuals responsible for ensuring that children have a positive and successful youth sport experience (coaches, parents, & administrators). Every aspect of the program is research-based, incorporating the latest research in sports psychology, moral development, and character education. Being child-centered, PLC works from the recognition that children are different than adults and a youth sports program should put the children�s needs first. PLC presents the ultimate game plan. Focused on more than just developing competitive sports programs, PLC is designed to educate all individuals responsible for ensuring that children have a positive and successful youth sport experience (coaches, parents, & administrators). Every aspect of the program is research-based, incorporating the latest research in sports psychology, moral development, and character education. Being child-centered, PLC works from the recognition that children are different than adults and a youth sports program should put the children�s needs first.

5. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Archdiocese of Los Angeles, CA Diocese of Rochester, NY Dallas Parochial League, TX Archdiocese of Seattle, WA Diocese of Orlando, FL Diocese of Gary, IN Kansas City Parochial League, MO In our inaugural year, 2006-2007, PLC was implemented in the Diocese of Rochester, the Dallas Parochial League, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as well as several parishes around the US. We have the privilege of working with numerous additional dioceses for the 2007 -2008 school year. Our newest partners include the Archdiocese of Seattle, Diocese of Gary, Diocese of Orlando, Niagara Canada Catholic school system, and several parishes and schools in the Austin, Texas; Columbus, OH; South Bend, IN; and Knoxville, TN. 14 dioceses in all attended our 2007 Leadership Conference, many of whom are going through the proper channels to bring PLC to their area. 28 locations attended the 2008 Leadership conference.In our inaugural year, 2006-2007, PLC was implemented in the Diocese of Rochester, the Dallas Parochial League, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as well as several parishes around the US. We have the privilege of working with numerous additional dioceses for the 2007 -2008 school year. Our newest partners include the Archdiocese of Seattle, Diocese of Gary, Diocese of Orlando, Niagara Canada Catholic school system, and several parishes and schools in the Austin, Texas; Columbus, OH; South Bend, IN; and Knoxville, TN. 14 dioceses in all attended our 2007 Leadership Conference, many of whom are going through the proper channels to bring PLC to their area. 28 locations attended the 2008 Leadership conference.

6. WHY PLC? CAUSES FOR CONCERN Sports specialization at early ages Professionalization Excessive pressure from coaches and parents Over-emphasis on winning Coaches and parents living vicariously through children Some of you might be thinking: Why do we need PLC? There is growing unrest around youth sports in our country. Sports that were once seen as enjoyable and nurturing are becoming instead hard work and of questionable developmental value. This affects all people involved in youth sport: athletes, coaches and parents. There is increasing pressure on young athletes to specialize year round in one sport. These sport programs are becoming increasingly expensive often characterized by high stakes travel teams. There is a great devotion of resources to elite athletes while fewer opportunities exist for all children to play and compete. There is pressure on coaches to put winning above the good of the children � a win at all costs mentality. Many parents have sky high ambitions for their children and are taking extraordinary measures to advance their child�s athletic career. There are increasing incidents of �parent rage� at all levels of youth sport. Just one story is of the father who was unhappy about his son�s playing time, so he actually pulled a gun on his son�s football coach. This man�s son was 5 years old.Some of you might be thinking: Why do we need PLC? There is growing unrest around youth sports in our country. Sports that were once seen as enjoyable and nurturing are becoming instead hard work and of questionable developmental value. This affects all people involved in youth sport: athletes, coaches and parents. There is increasing pressure on young athletes to specialize year round in one sport. These sport programs are becoming increasingly expensive often characterized by high stakes travel teams. There is a great devotion of resources to elite athletes while fewer opportunities exist for all children to play and compete. There is pressure on coaches to put winning above the good of the children � a win at all costs mentality. Many parents have sky high ambitions for their children and are taking extraordinary measures to advance their child�s athletic career. There are increasing incidents of �parent rage� at all levels of youth sport. Just one story is of the father who was unhappy about his son�s playing time, so he actually pulled a gun on his son�s football coach. This man�s son was 5 years old.

7. 2005 NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS REPORT CARD It is no wonder the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance gave youth sports an overall grade of D for having a child-centered philosophy and found unacceptable levels of unsportsmanlike behavior in youth sports. It is important to note that Catholic sports groups are not immune from the current culture. In fact, a study done at Notre Dame found a greater incidence of coach, athlete and spectator misbehavior in Catholic sponsored events than in public sponsored games.It is no wonder the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance gave youth sports an overall grade of D for having a child-centered philosophy and found unacceptable levels of unsportsmanlike behavior in youth sports. It is important to note that Catholic sports groups are not immune from the current culture. In fact, a study done at Notre Dame found a greater incidence of coach, athlete and spectator misbehavior in Catholic sponsored events than in public sponsored games.

8. PLC OBJECTIVES Promote character development through sports participation. Teach sport coaches that they are youth ministers. Remind coaches and parents that �Sports are Play.� Profile what it means to be a Champion. Identify the GROW approach. Develop partnerships with parents. The PLC Sports As Ministry program was created to change this climate. PLC holds that sports is an opportunity for growth, not only physically, but moral, emotional and even spiritual growth. Our objectives include the above bullets. The PLC Sports As Ministry program was created to change this climate. PLC holds that sports is an opportunity for growth, not only physically, but moral, emotional and even spiritual growth. Our objectives include the above bullets.

9. PLC MATERIALS & DELIVERY Partnering coaches are required to attend a 3-hour interactive, discussion-based workshop Each PLC Workshop participant is provided an extensive coaches or parent manual. Participants are guided through a PowerPoint presentation and participate through a series of discussions and exercises. A companion video is also used to reinforce points made by the PLC Trainer. Our educational approach is through an interactive workshop in which coaches are presented with the latest research and paradigms for creating competitive sports programs and athletes of character.Our educational approach is through an interactive workshop in which coaches are presented with the latest research and paradigms for creating competitive sports programs and athletes of character.

10. CERTIFICATION Initial coach certification takes place through the interactive workshop which is valid for 2 years. Re-certification is through an on-line program available September 2008.Initial coach certification takes place through the interactive workshop which is valid for 2 years. Re-certification is through an on-line program available September 2008.

11. WHY INTERACTIVE? Effectiveness - Adults learn most effectively in an interactive environment that engages them and incorporates their experiences. Respect - By providing the opportunity to participate, listen, and learn from others, we incorporate and show respect for coaches� experience and expertise. Relationships - Through participation and sharing, coaches promote fellowship, learning from and appreciating the experiences of others. Program Development - The interactions between coaches and presenters promote growth, allowing us to further develop the program and better meet coaches' needs. Comprehensive � We recognize that coaching is a complex, multifaceted endeavor, so we made our program just as sophisticated. Evaluation � We use evaluation tools to monitor progress and ensure results. Practice What We Preach - The highly engaging workshop models the interactive approach we expect our coaches to use with their players. Research cements the most effective manner to effect change in adults is through interactive, in person education. The reasons for this are numerous and are detailed in these bullet points.Research cements the most effective manner to effect change in adults is through interactive, in person education. The reasons for this are numerous and are detailed in these bullet points.

12. THE BENEFITS OF SAM Catholic focus Integrative approach Spiritual development Establishment of a coaching community On-going support Experienced staff Retention of coaches Communication with coaches/establishment of expectations Fewer incidents of poor sportsmanship The benefits of our program are ongoing and vast. They are detailed in this slide.The benefits of our program are ongoing and vast. They are detailed in this slide.

13. THE RESULTS 90% of workshop participants agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the PLC Workshop. 78% of workshop participants reported that the PLC Workshop had changed their thinking about the way they coach. According to the pre/post test data, 61% strongly agreed and 34% agreed that they would apply the ministerial approach to their coaching. PLC is proving to have a lasting and profound effect on coaches as well as the youth sports participants themselves. Unlike other coach education programs, PLC incorporates an evaluation component into their program implementation. Workshop participants are asked to complete a series of pre and post evaluations as well as collect post season evaluations from their athletes and parents. Results are tabulated by Notre Dame researchers and reported back to partnering organizations. The evaluation data helps our program continue to develop and meet the needs of our partners as well as ultimately determine the effectiveness of our program. PLC is proving to have a lasting and profound effect on coaches as well as the youth sports participants themselves. Unlike other coach education programs, PLC incorporates an evaluation component into their program implementation. Workshop participants are asked to complete a series of pre and post evaluations as well as collect post season evaluations from their athletes and parents. Results are tabulated by Notre Dame researchers and reported back to partnering organizations. The evaluation data helps our program continue to develop and meet the needs of our partners as well as ultimately determine the effectiveness of our program.

14. PPT EXAMPLES The following slides are examples of PowerPoint Slides taken directly from our PLC Coaches Workshop. The following slides are examples of PowerPoint Slides taken directly from our PLC Coaches Workshop.

15. COACHING-AS-MINISTRY An integral part of PLC is that sport coaches are youth ministers. Sports is an opportunity for ministry. Sports are about the soul- sports can propel us to the heavens and feed us spiritually. An integral part of PLC is that sport coaches are youth ministers. Sports is an opportunity for ministry. Sports are about the soul- sports can propel us to the heavens and feed us spiritually.

16. SPORT AS PLAY Sport is exercise, entertainment and sometimes hard work, but first and foremost for our children, sport is play. We encourage our workshop participants to look at the faces of the kids on this slide. The number #1 reason both boys and girls give for playing sports is to have fun. Sport is a particular kind of play in which joy is derived from giving one�s all in competition. They are focused, intense, but most of all, their faces show they are having FUN. Sports are games and they are meant to be played by all children. Sport is exercise, entertainment and sometimes hard work, but first and foremost for our children, sport is play. We encourage our workshop participants to look at the faces of the kids on this slide. The number #1 reason both boys and girls give for playing sports is to have fun. Sport is a particular kind of play in which joy is derived from giving one�s all in competition. They are focused, intense, but most of all, their faces show they are having FUN. Sports are games and they are meant to be played by all children.

17. PLAYING TIME Our partners are offered a research-based commendation on playing time and asked to make a school or league policy. Our partners are offered a research-based commendation on playing time and asked to make a school or league policy.

18. PROFILE OF A CHAMPION We ask our workshop participants to define Champion? We often think of a champion as a person with extraordinary athletic talent or someone who wins games for their team. Really, a champion is someone who brings their best self to each game. Someone who plays with full concentration for self and teammates and one who plays with respect for self, teammates, opponents and officials. In PLC we emphasize that every child can be a champion! In addition, we also try to make the connection that playing sports helps to develop the cardinal virtues � fortitude, temperance, prudence and justice. We take the cardinal virtues and explain how they correspond to the qualities of champion and our GROW model. We ask our workshop participants to define Champion? We often think of a champion as a person with extraordinary athletic talent or someone who wins games for their team. Really, a champion is someone who brings their best self to each game. Someone who plays with full concentration for self and teammates and one who plays with respect for self, teammates, opponents and officials. In PLC we emphasize that every child can be a champion! In addition, we also try to make the connection that playing sports helps to develop the cardinal virtues � fortitude, temperance, prudence and justice. We take the cardinal virtues and explain how they correspond to the qualities of champion and our GROW model.

19. GROW Goals + Relationship + Ownership = Winning The GROW approach is a central tenet of the PLC curriculum. We believe that if coaches focus on setting goals, building relationships, and giving their players opportunity for team ownership, winning will not be far behind. The GROW approach is a central tenet of the PLC curriculum. We believe that if coaches focus on setting goals, building relationships, and giving their players opportunity for team ownership, winning will not be far behind.

20. PARENTS AS PARTNERS It is essential to get parents & coaches on the same page and working together Parents are such an important part of the sports experience and they hold a unique role and responsibility. Our Parent Like A Champion program is integral to the success of PLC as we build partnerships with parents. Parents are such an important part of the sports experience and they hold a unique role and responsibility. Our Parent Like A Champion program is integral to the success of PLC as we build partnerships with parents.

21. CONTACT INFO PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY� 154 I.E.I BUILDING NOTRE DAME, IN 46556 plc@nd.edu www.playlikeachampion.org 574-631-9981 Our contact information is as follows:Our contact information is as follows:

22. TO PUT IT SIMPLY� PLAY� LIKE A CHAMPION... TODAY!