I first wrote about the Matheny Manifesto in May of 2021. Mike Matheny’s book came out in 2015. His messages continue to be relevant and timely. Enjoy one of my most-read blog posts while I take a personal timeout.

Another high school coach has lost his job. Perhaps for good reasons. Or perhaps because a group of parents are unhappy their children are not getting enough playing time, so they presented other reasons the school board should fire the coach. It’s hard to see your child unhappy on the bench, but how much playing time they get depends on several factors.

Watching the Ted Lasso series, I have so enjoyed how he has, without any great fanfare or hard-nosed tactics, created a team culture that allows his players to not only have fun playing the game they love, but feel like winners regardless of the final score. I’ve read several recaps of a recent episode, and not one of them mentions the line on replay in my mind…

I often wonder how high school sports will operate 20 years from now. Will club sports continue to rise in importance, eroding high school teams? Or will we reinvent offerings so more kids can participate? Prioritizing club sports poses a risk to team, school, and community pride. Playing for two teams at the same time causes issues for both teams, and surely must cause some internal conflict for the kid. What could youth sports look like in the future?

Research has shown that injury prevention programs can reduce the rate of noncontact ACL injuries by 62%, but while coaches want or know they should incorporate injury prevention in their practices, only 20% do. Meanwhile, the number of injuries keeps growing…

Take a timeout to learn more about the illness 1 in 5 adults experience each year

Participation is high, but are most parents of young kids really on board with our youth sports culture?

The number of youth sports injuries continues to soar. But what can be done? More than you might think.

While youth sports took on a life of their own in the United States, Norway established ground rules. It appears they’re winning—in every way.

Age-appropriate activities should be part of any organized youth sports playbook

Growing expectations of the job and competition from club sports makes finding high school coaches a challenge for athletic directors.

If shaking hands and saying “good game” to the opponent have lost their meaning, maybe it’s time to remember that the best competitions and the best rivalries start with respect.

We all know the goal of sport is to win. But that doesn’t mean all is lost when we lose a game. What really matters is the reasons for playing in the first place and the benefits gained that last a lifetime.

When kids quit youth sports before they get to high school, they miss out on some of the lessons that can serve them well as adults.

It’s not the first time a game has gotten out of control, and it won’t be the last. But what if your child is on the court the next time it happens?

There is much to be gained from playing sports, regardless of the scoreboard or season’s record—if your child plays for a transformational coach.

Some parents successfully coach their children, but it can be complicated and challenging for both the child and parent.

Mental health is as important as physical health for athletes. For all of us.

Labeling kids early as athletes or non-athletes is just one coaching practice that needs to be benched.

There are many reasons kids are dropping out of sports. But girls leaving basketball because it is boring? That points to a much bigger problem.