Parents in Sports - Part 2
n our fist series we identified the various types of parents, who can be a positive or detrimental influence in sport participation. We discussed “confidence builders” and “confidence killers” for young athletes and the Long Term Athlete Development [LTAD] model as a new approach in Canadian sports. According to a recent January seminar I attended in Edmonton, hosted by Istvan Balyi [National Coaching Institute BC, the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, and Sport Canada LTAD] a “Paradigm Shift” sport and coaching is needed [meaning a change in the fundamental model of events/science]. While taking notes I sat there smiling away. The man relayed my thoughts on age group development I had tried to get across for endless years but people either thought I was too forward, crazy, or whatever. Ah, here comes the man and puts it on the line using pretty harsh words [bless him!]: We are not doing a good job! We don’t understand the essential approach for developing younger athletes, the necessary training methods and preparation, which cannot simply get pushed down from elite training. He cited Einstein’s famous quote: Insanity is “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Dr. Greg Wells
