Join Us for the NHSACA National Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota!

As the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA), it is our pleasure to invite you to our annual National Conference, set to take place this summer in the vibrant city of Bismarck, North Dakota. This year's conference promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, featuring a range of sessions and events tailored to support and advance high school athletic coaching.

Conference Details:

Dates:

• June 22 & June 23: Leadership Conference
• June 24 to June 27: Sport Specific Sessions and General Sessions

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota

Registration: $125.00
Register Here

Leadership Conference (June 22-23):
Our Leadership Conference kicks off the event with a focus on critical areas impacting coaches and athletes today. On Saturday, June 22, sessions will cover essential topics such as supporting athletes with mental health issues, mental wellness for coaches, coaching ethics, and leadership strategies. The following day, Sunday, June 23, attendees will have the opportunity to update their CPR/AED certification for a nominal fee of $15.00, learn about concussion management, taping techniques, and discuss the importance of multi-sport athletes.

For those seeking to enhance their professional development, one graduate credit is available through North Dakota State University for $100.00 per credit. Detailed syllabi are available on the NHSACA Website.

Sport Specific and General Sessions (June 24-27):
From June 24 to June 27, the conference will feature sport-specific sessions alongside general sessions that cater to a wide array of coaching interests. This portion of the conference allows participants to dive deeper into the nuances of their respective sports while also benefiting from broader discussions applicable to all coaches.

Participants can earn one or two graduate credits by attending two or four full days of sessions, respectively. Each credit costs $100.00, and the syllabus is available on the NHSACA website.

Special Events:

• Monday, June 24: Join us for a Universal Social, featuring a taco bar, Corn Hole Tournament, and Silent Auction. This is a perfect opportunity for networking and relaxation, open to all registered coaches and athletic directors.
• Tuesday, June 25: The prestigious NHSACA Hall of Fame Banquet will honor the legacy and contributions of our distinguished members.
• Wednesday, June 26: Celebrate excellence at the NHSACA National Coach of the Year Banquet, where we recognize the outstanding achievements of our nation's top coaches.

Throughout the conference, you'll have the chance to learn from college coaches and NHSACA National Coach of the Year finalists, gaining insights from some of the best in the field.

Final Registration:
Final registration will take place at the convention, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in this transformative event.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bismarck for a week of learning, growth, and camaraderie. This is more than just a conference; it's a celebration of the dedication and passion that drive high school athletics. Together, let's continue to inspire and lead the next generation of athletes.

For more information and to access the full convention schedule, please visit the Convention Schedule. See you in Bismarck!

Be the Parent Who Is Part of Their Good Athletic Memories

Author: Bruce Brown/Rob Miller, Proactive Coaching LLC

Release Your Child to the Whole Experience as Soon as Possible 

We learned this from our athletes who have gone the furthest in athletics.  One of the things they attributed to their success was that they had parents who “released” them to the team, the sport and the coach.  As soon as you know that your child is physically and emotionally safe, one of the best gifts you can give them is to let the activity become theirs by taking small shifts of responsibility.  Releasing is trusting their athletic destiny to them instead of trying to control it.  All the successes and all of the struggles that come with sport participation are theirs.  Be there to support and encourage but by taking a step back, it allows athletes to take more responsibility and accountability for their experience.  Developing healthy and positive relationships with other adults outside your family helps their growth and confidence.  Be thankful for those adults outside our families who walk along side of our kids with us.  

Model Behaviors We Expect Them to Exemplify  

“Young people need models, not critics.”  John Wooden.

Consistently demonstrate the behaviors you want your child to learn from this experience.   Respect others.  Win and lose with equal grace.  Be a model of poise and confidence.  When parents blame or complain about officials or coaches, they are probably raising an excuse maker.  Although it may help you to vent, remember it is never good for the athlete when parents are critical of coaches or officials.   Whether you agree or disagree, learn to accept the judgment of the officials and coaches.  Accept the results of each game.  Do not make excuses.   

Be Aware of Your Words, Reactions and Body Language 

The last thing any young athlete needs during a game is worrying about their parents being upset or stressed about their performance.   Anything we do that would make them feel like their value to us is somehow tied to athletic performance or outcomes of games (good or bad) has long term negative effects on most kids.  Winning or performing well does not mean we are better parents or that they are guaranteed a more successful life.  There is a fine line between involvement and interference and between encouragement and pressure.  The athlete can feel it. 

Stop Hovering and Wanting Everything to Go Perfectly

There is only one guarantee in any sport season… it will not be perfect.   Let go of perfection and trying to save them from every problem.  Difficulties are either opportunities for them to persevere and grow or opportunities for us to “rescue them”.   Athletics provides a place where we can “cut the cord”.  Don’t try to smooth out all the bumps in the road.  Let them grow by giving them a chance to figure things out.  By solving everything for them, the message you send is that you don’t think they can handle difficult situations.  Give them the tools and then let them become a problem solver.  There is not a better place than athletics to learn to take healthy risks and to fail.  Let them take the natural risks involved in sport without worrying.  Teach them that failure is part of the experience and it doesn’t mean they are a failure.  Encourage healthy risk taking and then let them live with the results.  

Over scheduling and over managing can create more stress and anxiety, hurt performance and take the fun out of the game.  Avoid the natural tendency to critique the game.  Demonstrate respect by giving the athlete time and space after competition.  The less you give advice, the more likely they are to ask for it.  

Four Roles – Choose One

In every athletic competition there are only four roles – players, coaches, spectators and officials.  Before you get to the game, it is better for the athlete if everyone chooses just one of those roles.  Trying to get the team to perform well is the responsibility of the coaches and the players.  It is the job of the official to make the judgment calls.  The parent can contribute by being an encourager and confidence builder.  It is not your responsibility to try to win or influence the outcome of the game from the bleachers. 

For support materials, go to our website - www.proactivecoaching.info 

For additional application ideas email bruce@proactivecoaching.info

To bring a Proactive Coaching speaker to your school or community email rob@proactivecoaching.info 

Whey Good and NHSACA Partner Up

Whey Good Protein Bars: Fueling Schools Across the NationAt WheyGood, our mission is to empower lives through premium protein solutions, fostering health, wellness, and sustainable growth for our consumers and communities. We believe in fueling champions!

We're excited to announce our partnership with the NHSACA, aiming to enhance the performance and well-being of young athletes across the country. Our bars are crafted with the finest ingredients, offering a perfect blend of taste and nutrition that helps sustain energy, build muscle, and support recovery.

Every game, every practice, every win - we’re there too! Whey Good Frozen Protein Bars is the official protein partner of the University of Central Arkansas, UAPB, Harding University, University of Alabama at Huntsville and more than 20 High Schools across Arkansas, Mississippi Alabama and Tennessee. These partnerships enable us to provide students and athletes with the nutrition they need to be champions both in the classroom and on the field.

Through our collaboration with the NHSACA, we look forward to reaching even more schools and student-athletes, fueling champions nationwide. Join us in our journey to fuel the future of sports and education with Whey Good, The Original Protein Shake on a Stick.

Our protein bars are loaded with 15 grams of protein and complete with all nine BCAAs vital for muscle growth, decreased muscle soreness and fatigue, and preventing muscle wasting. Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a healthy, guilt-free treat, we’ve got you covered. All six flavors are crafted to provide the perfect balance of taste and nutrition, with only 90 calories, helping you stay energized and recover faster after those challenging games.

The Warrior Within D.J. Vanas

Internationally-acclaimed speaker and bestselling author D.J. Vanas is a powerhouse speaker for Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of tribal nations, and over 7000 audiences nationwide. He has also spoken at the White House.

We all want to be brave… we all want to deliver when it matters.  Internationally-acclaimed speaker and bestselling author D.J. Vanas’s much-anticipated, The Warrior Within, is a transformational guide to getting yourself right in order to accomplish the work you were meant to do. Drawing inspiration from Native American philosophy and tradition, The Warrior Within outlines a new model for tapping into your well of inner personal power in the face of overwhelming chaos. For those of us who are committed to serving others, burnout is not a question of if, but when. This book is a call to own your power and fulfill your duty—both to those you serve and to yourself.

A true warrior is not the toughest or bravest person in the room. A true warrior is committed to self-mastery, knows how to navigate change and disruption, transforms setbacks into opportunities for achievement, refuses to quit, and most importantly, always fights for something bigger than the self. The world needs warriors now more than ever. Are you ready to answer the call?

Unleashing the Warrior Spirit: Insights from D.J. Vanas on Leadership and Resilience

Bound for Greatness Podcast presents an inspiring episode featuring D.J. Vanas, an internationally acclaimed speaker and bestselling author renowned for his captivating talks on leadership and personal development. With insights drawn from Native American wisdom and his own remarkable journey, D.J. shares practical strategies for embracing the warrior spirit to lead with courage and resilience. Join us as we dive into the power of tribal principles, overcoming adversity, and unlocking potential in this enlightening conversation with D.J. Vanas.

FSU COACH's Clinic | June 15th

This is a one-day clinic for coaches and athletic directors from 9 am-4 pm on June 15^th. The cost is $25 and includes lunch. For more information and to register, please clcik on the button below to learn more:

The Journey: How Parents Can Positively Influence Their Child's Athletic Experience

In the latest episode of the Bound for Greatness podcast, hosted by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA), Scott Garvis sits down with Rob Miller from Proactive Coaching. Miller, along with Bruce Brown, penned the impactful article "Be the Parent Who is Part of Their Child's Good Athletic Memories," emphasizing the importance of supportive parental involvement in youth sports. Their conversation is a treasure trove of insights for parents looking to positively shape their children's athletic experiences.

The Drive Home: Turning a Negative into a Positive

Miller recalls an adage from his youth: "The worst thing about sports is the drive home." This resonates with many former athletes who dreaded post-game critiques. However, Miller reassures parents that it's not about being a bad parent but about tweaking their approach. He highlights the importance of releasing control and letting children own their athletic experiences.

"It's about them, not about us," Miller asserts. Young athletes need to feel the experience is theirs, not a compliance to their parents' or coaches' wishes. This mindset shift, Miller explains, can significantly enhance a child's growth and enjoyment in sports.

The Financial Investment: Shifting the Focus

Today's youth sports landscape is markedly different from decades past, where local parks and recreation leagues dominated. Now, parents often invest thousands of dollars in travel teams and specialized training. This financial commitment can inadvertently shift the focus towards tangible returns like scholarships and awards. Miller advocates for a mindset change: view the investment in terms of personal growth and life lessons rather than immediate accolades.

"The return on investment should be about what my son or daughter learns from this that makes them a better person in the future," Miller advises. Encouraging ownership, as legendary coach Pat Summitt suggested, is crucial. When athletes own their experiences, they grow and develop.

Modeling Behavior: Be the Face They Need to See

A key point Miller stresses is the importance of parents modeling the right behavior. Citing Tony Dungy's advice to coaches, Miller extends it to parents: "Be the face your athlete needs to see." Children should not be looking to their parents for validation or instruction during games. Instead, parents should remain composed and supportive, demonstrating how to handle pressure gracefully.

"If you can't handle the pressure, how can they?" Miller asks. He points out the detrimental effects of parents berating officials or coaches, which teaches children it's acceptable to disrespect authority. This negative behavior can permeate other areas of their lives, undermining respect for authority figures like teachers and police officers.

Managing Reactions: The Grandma Rule

To help parents manage their reactions, Miller introduces the "Grandma Rule": if you wouldn't say it in front of your grandma, don't say it at the game. This rule helps parents remain self-aware and avoid becoming a distraction. Parents making a spectacle of themselves in the stands can negatively impact their child's focus and enjoyment of the sport.

Moreover, Miller emphasizes the importance of encouraging and celebrating the process, not just the outcome. Praising effort, grit, and resilience helps children understand the value of hard work and perseverance, regardless of the immediate results.

The Role of Roles: Spectator, Not Coach or Referee

One of the most challenging aspects for parents is to choose and stick to one role: spectator. Trying to coach from the stands or criticize officials only confuses and distracts the young athletes. Miller highlights the importance of supporting the entire team, not just one's own child. This fosters a positive team environment and teaches children to be team players.

"Support everybody on the team, even the kid who took your child's spot," Miller advises. Rooting for the team as a whole helps children feel part of something bigger and teaches them valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship.

Celebrating the Effort: Focus on the Process

Miller underscores the significance of celebrating the effort, not just the achievements. He recounts an interaction with a Division 1 softball team where a coach's simple acknowledgment of a player's effort significantly boosted the player's confidence and morale. This story illustrates how powerful and positive reinforcement can be.

As Garvis and Miller conclude their conversation, they reflect on the balance between involvement and pressure. Parents must navigate this delicate balance, ensuring their support encourages rather than overwhelms their children.

The insights shared by Rob Miller in this episode of Bound for Greatness offer invaluable guidance for parents. By focusing on the journey, modeling positive behavior, and celebrating effort over outcome, parents can help create positive athletic experiences that will benefit their children both on and off the field. Remember, it's not about perfecting every play or winning every game; it's about helping young athletes grow, learn, and enjoy the journey.

Welcome to your High School Sports Headquarters.

Bound is the all-in-one software partner that brings communities together around the high school activities program.

We know you host events, not just games.

Bound's event-based scheduling is a game-changer.

• One click to schedule lower level competitions
• School, conference, and tournament level scheduling
• Transportation, worker, and facility management
• Updates in real time on the public app and web
• Scheduling changes reflected on all participants' schedules
• Electronic game contracts, officials, and more