July 3rd, 2012 
The Celtic’s Doc Rivers, The Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine, Harvard’s Basketball Coach Tommy Ameker, Boston University’s Hockey Coach Jerry York, and of course, Charlie Sheen may all have #winning on their minds but on Tuesday June 26th at the 1st annual Sports Leadership Breakfast at Fenway Park, (sans Charlie Sheen) these Boston sports coaches only had words of wisdom to share.
PCA Founder Jim Thompson
Dunkin’ Donuts sponsored the “Coffee With The Coaches” benefit that was hosted by the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA).The nation wide nonprofit is dedicated to providing youths and high school athletes with a positive, career-building athletic experience. Jim Thompson founded the PCA as a way of turning sports and coaching into an “endless possibility for teachable moments.”
A straight shooting Doc River’s added to Thompson’s sentiments about positive parenting by saying, “Don’t talk to the coaches about your kid being a good athlete… Kids need to learn how to fight for it, and to keep working at it.”
BU Hockey Coach Jerry York, Celtics Coach Doc Rivers, Harvard Basketball Coach Tommy Ameker, Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine, Found of PCA Jim Thompson
Even though the topic of coaching and positive parenting was serious, the atmosphere was lighthearted. Event moderators Michael Holley and Glenn Ordway of “The Big Show” on WEEI 93.7 FM playfully led the coaches through a series of questions and panel discussions about positive reinforcement, showing indifference to referees, making tough calls, and much more.
The PCA also honoured Nedham football coach David Duffy and O’Bryant’s girl’s basketball and volleyball coach, GertrudeFisher. The two coaches each accepted a check for $1,000 on behalf of their athletic departments.
Needham High School Football Coach Dave Duffy accepting Double Goal Coaching Award
So parents, before you criticize your children on the sports field remember these wise words from BU Coach Jerry York, “ You help coach by showing kids that when they gave their best, they’re being successful.”
