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Last Episode, December 20, 2009. Stay Tuned for Dr. Casey's Next Project!
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Soccer Done Right with Guest Julie Foudy

The State of the Union for…. Soccer
The Dr. Casey Show
November 29, 2008

I presented another Bad Call of the Week to the entire squad making a mess out of youth sports in Pennsylvania. Evidently, a mother is very passionate about carrying a weapon to her 5-year-old’s soccer game. The parents on the team had the coach ask for her to stay away from the kids. The league refused to set a rule about it. The Sherriff is getting sued for revoking her permit…..

Enough Already! I understand that the 2nd Amendment is a delicate issue that must be preserved for individual freedoms, but when did youth soccer completely lose its focus. It’s about the children and their development, exercise, and fun!

My Intervention Tips:

1. Leagues have a responsibility to ensure the safety and comfort of all players, regardless of where the event is held (public facilities make setting rules against carrying weapons a dicey issue).
2. Speak with a mediator before you get the local authorities and or legal system involved.
3. Put parents through a pre-season lesson about how to keep sports positive and fun with a focus on the children’s needs.
4. Follow the league and team rules through with uniformity…. No Favoritism.
5. If you cannot get this under control, the sporting experience you are trying to preserve for your child will be gone entirely. Then what was it all for?

I also spoke with US Women’s Soccer Legend, Julie Foudy. Did you know that Julie played multiple sports before settling in on Soccer exclusively as a teen? Julie reinforced for me that a love of sports develops best when it is introduced naturally and with positive encouragement from parents. Let the coaches do the coaching! Also, her camps are just as much about life development as they are skills development. There were so many positive messages and eye opening comments, you should really listen to the in the Podcast.

Julie Foudy’s Answers to Dr. Casey’s Get Off the Bench and on the Couch!

1. What is your Pregame Ritual? Be spontaneous and mix it up!
2. Favorite Sport to Watch as a Fan? Basketball and Football
3. Words of Advice for Sports Parents: "Chill OUT!"
4. Favorite Pre Game Meal? Cinnamon Twist Donuts
5. Best Words of Advice a Parent or Coach Ever Gave: Pressure is an Privilege – From Billie Jean King

Until we speak again, this is Dr. Casey, and make all your performances their most excellent.