Conscious Coaching The Soccer Man's Bible

Drawing on her life-long love of sports & her professional experience as a teacher & clinical social worker, the author clearly demonstrates the simple strategies she uses as a youth soccer coach to "maintain the dignity of the game." Ms. Donovan shares her own vulnerability to unfair, disrespectful, behavior that has been hurtful to the children she was coaching. Out of these offenses she discovers methods to develop a consciousness among coaches, parents & players that strives to keep the team experience one that is positive & respectful to all. In light of the recent violence at youth sports events this is a timely publication. The author emphasizes the responsibility parents & coaches have to teach children higher morals & values for life (sportsmanship, responsibility, discipline, respect, positive regard, honesty) through the youth soccer team "metaphor." Ms. Donovan demonstrates ways of transforming some of the negative behavior patterns of the children to nudge them to more empowering, self-respectful ways of interacting with their peers & competing with opponents. "Who are they becoming in the process of playing their sport?" she asks. This is an indispensable manual with techniques that are applicable to any situation with children--parenting, coaching, teaching & counseling.Donovan, Kathleen E. is the author of 'Conscious Coaching The Soccer Man's Bible' with ISBN 9780967927305 and ISBN 0967927307.