Team of Experts

Qualities of A Good Coach

Shari Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., talks about the qualities that make good coaches and provides first-hand accounts of seeing great coaches in action.

Who's Who in the World of Sports Psychology

Shari Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., explains what the various degrees in sports psychology, sports psychiatry, and education mean, and recommends use of MomsTeam to provide parents and coaches with information.

Counselers and Teachers, the Role of Parents in Youth Sports

Shari Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., talks about the role of parents in youth sports as teachers and as emotional supporters.

Lessons Learned through Sports

Shari Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., discusses the important life lessons children can learn through participation in sports.

Talking With A Child After a Poor Game or Performance

Shari Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., provides tips on how parents can talk to a young athlete after he has performed poorly in a game or competition, and the importance of consoling the child, rather than putting him down.

Approaching Youth Sports Coaches When Parents Share Common Concerns

Child psychologist Shari Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., says that, in most circumstances, a parent's best course of action if she has a concern with her child's coach is to empower the young athlete to speak to the coach herself. When a number of parents on a team find that they share a common concern, however, it may be time to request that the coach hold a team meeting for players and parents. It is important that parents inform the coach in advance of the meeting of the general area of concern and that they emphasize that the goal is to find a positive solution that is best for all the children.

Preventing Concussions in Sports

Some concussions in sports such as football, soccer, ice hockey, track and field, swimming, diving, cheerleading, spirit and cheer can be prevented

Concussion Bill of Rights #12: National Sports Bodies and Pro Leagues Take Concussions Seriously

Because children follow and take their cue from the examples set by their heroes in the pros and high amateur ranks, the national sports governing bodies and professional leagues need to set the right example for the parents and children of this country by showing that they take concussions seriously. Until they do, parents are going to be fighting an uphill battle in convincing their young warriors to treat concussions the same way. The twelfth and final right of parents under the Parent's Concussion Bill of Rights is the right to expect that concussion safety programs be implemented or expanded at the highest levels of sport.

Concussion Bill of Rights #11: Pre-Participation Evaluations For All Youth Athletes

Because many athletes are unaware that they have suffered concussions in the past, and because the taking of a detailed concussion history may pre-identify athletes who require additional management and the opportunity for physicians to educate athletes about the significance of concussion injuries, the eleventh right of parents under the Parent's Concussion Bill of Rights is the right to expect that their child's sports progam will have athletes undergo a pre-participation evaluation (PPE) before each season which includes the taking of a detailed concussion history.

Game Officials Should Have Power To Order Sideline Evaluation of Concussion

Game officials are often in the best position to detect the subtle signs of concussions in athletes during a game but are not often given the power to order a sideline evaluation and assessment of concussion and few have received concussion education.