PICK-ME-UP N~EDED
lONE OF THE GIRLS I'm coaching on my 14-and-under basketball team has
extremely low self-esteem and confidence that is a result of her parents being too hard on her. She doesn't !:lave much athletic ability and she's my least talented player, so I'm really struggling with what I can do to boost her confidence level and improve her self-image. Any advice?
i It's difficult trying to help a girl who
has little faith in her own a,bility.
Her pessimistic outlook is based on a variety of factors. Some parents are tough on their kids, believing this is the best way to motivate thein. Others react out (')f unrealistic expectations, often based on their owp. unfulfilled childhood dreams.
No matter the· reason, see if she has been socially conditioned to adsorb negative impressions. Remember to be
oughtful about what you say to her.
According to Dr. Martin Seligman, experimental psycholegist at the University of Fennsylvania, optimism can be learned and self-esteem enhanced by teaehirtg a person how to think and communicate differently. Here, let her know she's an accepted
-member of the team. Eru:ourageoher.
How does a child acquire poor ath letic self-esteeJ;n and how do you raise it? Three dimensions ean make a dif ference. The first relates to perma nence. Thismvolves differentiating the temporary from permanimt caus'es. A pessimistic rninaset can keep a player down. If yeu can get her to practice one specific task - over time - y(')u may see some improvement.
The second dimension relate& to per vasiveness.Her lack of confidence contributes to her negative feelings about every a$pect of her game. Locate a specific positive area to build upon. Even if her skills are lower than her teammates, find something to praise. It doesn't matter how minor, or if you're reacting to something other
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than her physical ability. Supportive comments can be a catalyst. For exam ple, tell her how well she concentrates. It's important to be honest in order to build trust m self-critical children.
The third area is how she mak~s sense of what takes place on and off the court. Sometimes it's hard to see the factors· beyond ·her control. She may only know how to blame herself, and feels inadequate without realizing these other factors. Seeing all these sit uations for what they are can reduce a demoralizing self-concept.
If you can help her gain a ·different attitude about herself and how she apprQaches the game, you will have accomplished a valuable task.
Andrea Corn, Psy.D., is a private practi tioner at Ghild and Family Psychologists (Plantation, ria.). She's a member of the
American Psychological Association, Florida Psychological Association and the National Association of Sports Pflychologists.
the esperts
r'f1WHAT DO YOU THINK of Little League's ~recent announcement that its mandating background checks for all managers, coach es and volunteers? Is this a good move? What are the strengths and weaknesses in this approach? Do you think this announce ment will impact other national youth sports organizations?
i I think this is a positive step. I com-
mend them for recognizing that back ground checks are a critical part of ensur ing our children's safety in youth sports. There are too many adults with criminal histories that make their way into these youth sports communities.
Prior to this, while Little League had rec ommended background checks, it had not made it a requirement. With the decision process being made at the local levels, its membership was not consistent in their approach. By setting a standard for all of their membership, they have put some teeth into the safety net needed in youth sports.
While this is a good first step, the mini mum standard Little League requires in most states does not go far enough. Most states call for a Sex Offender Registry check as their minimum requirement. I think criminal records must be reviewed anytime you place an adult in a position of trust and authority over children. Many sex offenders have other unrelated crimi nal histories that would exclude them from coaching.
This announcement will help set the standard in youth sports and encourage organizations that have been considering a background screening program. I believe we're on the way to requiring a compre hensive Criminal Record and Sex Offender Registry check on each adult volunteer.
Randy Rodebaugh is president and GFO of Southeastern Security Consultants, Inc., based in Marietta, Ga. SSG I provides discounted rates to NYSCA chapters interested in conducting back ground checks. For more information, visit SSG I online at www.SSGI2000.com.
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