Articles
Build Faith
Most days I take the same on-ramp at the same highway intersection. On this particular day, I was greeted by a giant orange sign that warned me of a “Flagman Ahead.”
Appreciative Inquiry
Research across industries suggests that negativity often leads to negative outcomes, and costs money in the long term. In an effort to improve operational efficiencies, perhaps traditional problem-solving approaches may not be the best method.
Part Of The Team
One of my most vivid memories of being a volunteer coach came on the last day of coaching my daughter’s 5- and 6-year-old soccer team years ago. I had never played soccer, but the team needed coaches, and I was really interested in applying some of the things I had learned in working almost 10 years for an organization dedicated to improving the volunteer youth-sports coaching experience.
Lighten Up
While wandering through a gift shop recently, I came upon a shelf full of mugs and miniature trophies. Each was emblazoned with a bold line that read, “World’s Greatest Dad.”
Streamline Instructor Training
Among the many responsibilities of parks and recreation administrators is recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training instructors who will manage recreation programs. These tasks can be overwhelming.
Banish Black-And-White Stripes?
Since the inception of organized youth sports, there has been a need for officials to oversee the games on fields and courts. And today, there is a serious problem—nobody wants to do it anymore!
A Glass Half Full
Carolyn tied off the blue recycling bag after rinsing out the bottles and placed it in the bin the city had provided. Its “Environmental Conscience Day” had been advertised in the local papers for months and was meant to encourage conscientious consumer attitudes going forward.
The Hard Truths Of Youth Sports
Human nature makes it difficult to acknowledge deficiencies or inadequacies about what we like or love when it conflicts with what we want to believe. Such is the case with me and youth sports.
Growing Pains
In a recent meeting with a city whose personnel were only in the beginning stages of developing a recreation program, I was asked what I thought the biggest challenge would be for new staff members. As I’m sure is the case with most professionals post-conversation, I realized on the drive home that I had a better response to that question than the one I gave.
Savor Setbacks
One of my most memorable youth-sports coaching experiences was the first season I coached my son in T-ball. Having played baseball my entire life, I couldn’t wait to coach the sport I loved so much.
When Forty Winks Are Not Enough
Sleep-related problems affect 50- to 70-million Americans of all ages and socioeconomic classes, according to a 2022 study completed by www.sleephealth.org. Evidently, the most common disorders include insomnia, sleep-apnea, restless-legs syndrome, and narcolepsy.
Turn The Page
Now, in my second year of retirement, my children tell me I am assembling a sizable list of “get-off-my-lawn”-type platitudes. Until they are pointed out, I am pretty unaware of how they sound, but once they’re repeated, I understand the looks my children give each other as I pontificate.
A Father’s Pledge
My father, Ronald Henry Ciancutti—son of Henry Ronald Ciancutti and future father of me, Ronald Drew Ciancutti—stared at the ceiling in the gymnasium as the light grew brighter in the early morning hours.
Magic Chairlifts
The humble chair lift is magical. It’s a special place where strangers become friends, problems are solved, laughter is born and, in some cases—lifelong love affairs begin. No topic is forbidden on a chairlift and life’s problems just seem to fade away—at least for five to nine minutes, or however long it takes to get to the top.
One Wonderful Life
I was pounding tomato stakes along the side of the house where the sun shines most of the day. With a five-pound sledge in one hand and a bundle of twine in the other, I rounded the front of the house.
The Lens Of A Lifetime
Now and then I mention some little illustrations to my 16 grandchildren. The habit developed while raising my five kids, coming from my romantic “poet’s” heart (for which I am often accused).
More Than Words On Paper
This past fall, the National Alliance for Youth Sports had the opportunity to present an educational session at several industry conferences. The title of the session was “Compliance in Youth Sports—Setting Standards and Enforcing Requirements.” For those unable to attend, here’s a snapshot.
The Basics Of Belt-Tightening
A friend of mine does small- to medium-sized construction jobs—he installs driveway fences/gates, room dividers, drywalls and tapes a kitchen ceiling, etc. Most of his business comes by word of mouth. People see his work and ask who did the job.
Time To Update
The biggest challenge for an organization that offers online education or training almost certainly is making sure the information and curriculum are up-to-date. Even for a subject that may seem simple, like youth sports, the amount of change can be overwhelming.
From Student To Teacher
A sad part of being 60+ is seeing mentors pass on, and even some peers. I am acutely sensitive to old movies and programs, and often hear characters say things like, “Dad, you’re in your 60s now.