Coaches' Clinic

The picture added to my blog is one of my favorites. I had to carry this little girl (10 years old) off the field after an injury. This was during the the Dixie Youth Girls 9-10 World Series in 2003. We won only one game in the series which was one more than anyone ever expected us to win. It was fun to be there.

I am coaching again this season in baseball. I will be coaching my sons team (possibly for the last time because of age) in the 13-14 Dixie Boys League. I hope to make it a fun year. No pressure. No yelling at umpires. No unruly parents. (Am I dreaming or what?)

Last night we had our annual coaches' clinic. They require coaches who are in Dixie softball and baseball to attend. You can imagine a bunch of "not-it-all" coaches being taught techniques of coaching. It reminded me a lot of being in a class full of students who "had" to be there, but really didn't think it was necessary. Lots of eyes rolling when instruction was given. Snickers when the instructor tried to say something funny. Just like a group of kids.

That may be one of the problems with youth sports. Coaches that think we know everything. I hope that we can humble ourselves and help the kids understand that the game is just that--a game. I hope to use this experience to help kids understand the Spirit of Jesus more through how I handle myself. Pray that I can do that.