FALL 2017
maskmatters.org
89
a
We are emotionally committed
to achieving our mission of
transforming the culture of
youth sports.
a
We are professional in all we
do in support of our mission.
a
We recognize that effort
and enjoyment tend to go
hand-in-hand.
a
We go the extra mile for
a partner.
a
We flush our mistakes, learn
from them, and go on.
a
We continue to innovate.
a
We debate and commit rather
than smooth and avoid.
a
We fill each other’s
emotional tanks.
Source: Positive Coaching Alliance
Positive Coaching Alliance
positivecoach.org
Rich Tomey, chapter executive director
for PCA Phoenix, knows firsthand the
benefits of positive coaching. An athlete
himself, Tomey’s resume ranges from
former professional baseball player to
business development manager for the
Arizona Cardinals.
However, it was his father, legendary
University of Arizona head football coach
Dick Tomey, who taught him early on
that wins and losses are components
of competitive sports, but never at the
sacrifice of good leadership.
In fact, in a March 2017 article
in PsychologyToday.com, writer
Marika Lindholm, Ph.D.,
warns that “too often, a
win-at-all-costs mentality
devastates young athletes.
Be on the lookout for behaviors
that humiliate your child…the
best coaches inspire through positive
reinforcement and role modeling.”
Tomey concurs. “I look at my
upbringing and my dad, and when I see
the players he coached, all of them talk
about the man he helped them become.
He’s coached the same way, molding the
person,” he says.
This same philosophy can be found
in PCA’s mission in creating “Second-
Goal Parents,” who recognize the little
and big pictures in youth sports.The little
picture is focused on things like whether
their child is playing the right position,
team stats, etc.The big picture is about
ensuring that what children take away
from sports are lessons that will help them
be successful in life.
PCA is composed of an all-volunteer
National Advisory Board whose primary
role is to dispense advice for the various
workshops and online course
curriculum, books and free resources.
The board is comprised of an array
of experts in the field, including Mark
Murphy, CEO for the Green Bay Packers,
and Brenda Bredemeier with the Center
for Character and Citizenship.
PCA’S
TIPS
TO
“Better Athletes,
Better People”
Opposite page: Patrick McDrystie
giving a team meeting. Top left: Debby
Colberg. Bottom left: Mark Newton.
Below: Jamal Adams.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Courtesy of Positive Coaching Alliance
