VIDEO: At-Risk Youth Trauma Stats

BCAT News: ROULIER NOMINATED FOR YOUNG LEADER AWARD

Story begins at 1:30 mark.

Burlington Union - Local Woman Nominated for Award

Local Women (Rebekah Roulier) Nominated for Award - Burlington Union 9513 by Rebekah Roulier

Video: Chalk Talk Group Sports Therapy Program for At Risk Youth

Muhammad Ali Athletes and Social Change Forum

Group photo at end of Ali Athletes and Social Change Forum! #aliathletesforum @alicenter 

Jennifer Bruening, Sab Singh, Susan Rayl, Rene John-Sandy, Darlene A Kluka, Vitalis Lanshima, Rebekah Conway Roulier, Jason A. Rice,Matt Huml, Ashleigh Huffman, Tobias Blake, Mary Hums, Mike Geddes, Vicky Grygar, Anita Moorman, Josh Pate, Kristy McCray, Addison Denmark Staples and Abbi Hill.

To view the program click here:  http://www.scribd.com/doc/133313545/Muhammad-Ali-Athletes-and-Social-Change-Forum-Program

Normalcy

AAHPERD EDA Convention Debrief

Fresh off a presentation at AAHPERD’s EDA 2013 Convention, I’m thankful for the opportunity to speak, share experiences, and interact with such dedicated physical education professionals. Those in attendance were a mix of physical education teachers, university students, and adapted physical education teachers. When posing the big question, “are these trauma-sensitive best practices useful for mainstream youth?” the answer was a resounding “yes!”

The Sandy Hook tragedy was heavy on the minds of those present as they view themselves as mentors to their students in addition to physical education teachers. Audience members voiced that they seek out as much mental health training as possible but don’t feel well prepared to manage the majority of situations, especially the unknown.    

Behavioral and emotional difficulties with students, despite their best efforts, were at the forefront of discussions. Providing teachers, and future teachers, with concrete skills and curriculum to help them feel safe, confident, and effective in these situations is empowering.  

2:45-4:00 gs 6/7 Adapted The Use of a Therapeutic Curriculum in Physical Education

This session includes training on the use of a therapeutic sports curriculum. Learn how to embed the teaching of life skills and emotional skills within Physical Education classes. Expand knowledge of adapted sports, games and activities for differently abled youth.
Rebekah Conway Roulier, Doc Wayne Athletic League, Inc., MA

Presider: Sheldon Sucre, Adelphi University, NY

Muhammad Ali Center Athletes and Social Change Forum

On March 29th, I'll have the pleasure of presenting for Doc Wayne (www.docwayne.org) A Bio-Psycho-Social Assessment of an Adjunctive Intervention for Youth in Residential Treatment at the Muhammad Ali Center Athletes and Social Change Forum. The Forum will be held at the Muhammad Ali Center (http://alicenter.org) in Louisville, Kentucky on March 29th and 30th. 

The Forum seeks to "advance education, advocacy and research on the role and contribution of athletes toward and within social change, human rights and development. What does it mean for athletes to engage in social change, philanthropy and work within the community? The Forum aims to examine and provide diverse perspectives in the intersection of athletes and social change and represents a partnership between the Muhammad Ali Center, the University of Louisville and Brown University."

"The Muhammad Ali Center Athletes and Social Change Forum is an amazing opportunity to convene practitioners, scholars, athletes and activists working at the intersection of social change, human rights and development. The vision and values of the Muhammad Ali Center represent a perfect home and platform for this engaged community." 

- Eli Wolff, Brown University

"The Muhammad Ali Center Athletes and Social Change Forum will help us see sport through a different lens. The outcomes on the field of play are not nearly as meaningful as the impact people in sport can have on communities in need. There could be no better place than the birthplace of Muhammad Ali to host this forum on using sport to promote social change." 

- Mary Hums, University of Louisville

This Forum will focus on the following considerations:

1. The roles and responsibilities athletes have beyond the playing field.

2. The ways athletes can serve as educators and advocates to address social problems within and outside of sports.

3. How the global sporting community encourages or discourages athletes working in the realm of social change.

4. The roles educational institutions play in providing grounding for athletes to make the connections between athletics, academics and the community.

I'm honored to be presenting with such great company. Please see the schedule below and consider attending. 

Schedule: 

Thursday March 28

7 PM - 9 PM Informal reception 

Friday March 29

9 AM - 9:45 AM: Welcome & Introductions

10 AM- 10:45 AM

Room A

Ms. Kasia Muoto, We Play to Win, Today’s Athletes – On the Continuum Towards Meaningful Social Change

Mr. Mike Geddes, streetfootballworld, Engaging Athletes to Utilize Soccer for Social Change

Room B

Ms. Soolmaz Abooali, George Mason University, The Power of Sport and Educational Institutions 

Mr. Matt Huml and Mr. Per Svensson, University of Louisville, Exploring the Role of Educational Institutions in Student-Athlete Community Engagement

11 AM - 11:45 AM

Room A

Dr. Jennifer Bruening, UConn, Dr. Brianna Clark, Temple, & Dr. John Borland, Springfield College, Female Student-Athletes Reflect on Mentors, Mentoring and Community Involvement

Dr. Ashleigh Huffman, Dr. Sarah Hillyer & Mr. Hal Wilson, University of Tennessee, From Apathy to Advocacy: Student-athletes & Social Change

Room B

Mr. Sidney Kushner, CCChampion/Brown University, CCChampions: Power that Athletes Have on the Lives of Children in Need

Ms. Abbi Hill, Brock University, An Examination of Athletes in Sport for Development Stakeholder Relationships 

11:45 AM - 1 PM Lunch 

1 PM - 1:45 PM 

Room A

Ms. Micki King & Mr. Gary Hall, World Fit, World Fit Walk 

Ms. Jill Royster GlideSlope, GlideSlope-Citi Every Step of the Way Program

Room B

Ms. Chelsea Hartigan, Brown University, Luta Pela Paz: The Power of Boxing for Community and Social Change 

Mr. Rene Jon-Sandy Hip Hop Loves & Ms. Vanessa Chakour, Sacred Warrior, Lord of the Rings

2 PM - 2:45 PM

Room A

Dr. Darlene Kluka Barry University, Athletes as Leaders: How can they Contribute to Social Change Glocally?

Dr. Emese Ivan, St. John's University, Hungarian Sport Community in Transition : Is there a Role for Athletes in Social Change? 

Room B

Ms. Vicky Grygar, Brock University, Reclaiming the Rights of Youth: Lived Experiences of Canadian Hockey League 

Ms. Rebekah Roulier, Doc Wayne, A Bio-Psycho-Social Assessment of an Adjunctive Intervention for Youth in Residential Treatment

3 PM - 3:45 PM Open Forum 

4 PM - 5 PM Tour

Saturday March 30 

9 AM - 9:45 AM Athlete Speaker/ Panel 

10 AM - 10:45 AM 

Room A

Dr. Ted Peetz & Ms. Kelley Cash, Belmont University, Creating a LEGACY: Promoting a Socially Conscious Athlete 

Mr. Marcus Amos, University of Tennessee, How an Athletes Plight affects Voice with Social Problems

Room B

Dr. Emmett Gill, SAHP, Sovereignty, Activism, and the Student-Athletes Human Rights Project 

Dr. Susan Rayl, SUNY-Cortland, Student-Athletes as Agents of Social Change 

11 AM - 11:45 AM

Room A

Dr. Josh Pate, James Madison, & Dr. Rob Hardin, University of Tennessee, Paralympic Athletes use of Twitter to Promote Social Change 

Mr. Sab Singh, SUNY-Farmingdale State, How New Media Gives Athletes the Forum to Engage and Persuade

Room B

Ms. Natasha Everheart, USC, Celebrity Athletes as Ambassadors for the Global Good: Public Diplomacy and the NBA & Mr. Jonathan Jensen, Ms. Kristy McCray 

Dr. Brian Turner, Ohio State University, Factors Influencing the Propensity of Athletes to Contribute to Social Change

11:45 AM - 1 PM Lunch 

1 PM - 1:45 PM

Room A

Mr. Michael James Brown, Other Awareness Project, Athletes: Instruments of Change 

Mr. Duke Biber, Mr. Jay Stewart & Ms. Lauren Easton, Georgia Southern, Growth Mindset: Educating Athletes on a Method for Healthy Behavior Change in Society 

Room B

Dr. Mary Hums, University of Louisville, & Mr. Eli Wolff, Brown University, Athletes for Human Rights: A Case for the Scholar-Athlete-Activist 

Dr. Bryon Martin, Chicago State University, Academics, Athletics & the Diverse Community

2 PM - 2:45 PM Open Forum 

3 PM - 3:30 PM Closing

New Sport Psych Article: Feedback in Athletic Coaching

Sport Psychology Today (www.sportpsychologytoday.com) has posted my article Feedback in Athletic Coaching: Is Educating Coaches the Missing Link? 

Take a look at Part 1 and stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow.

http://www.sportpsychologytoday.com/sport-psychology-for-coaches/feedback-in-athletic-coaching-part-1/

Feeling Thankful.

Team Building Training for Coaches

Doc Wayne coaches participate in team building in preparation for the upcoming soccer season! 

"Build Your Team" 

Doc Wayne and African Basketball (ABO) Do the Good for Nigerian Youth

After having the opportunity to meet Eyo at our DtG training session in New Jersey a few weeks ago I can't think of a better person to carry out the train the trainer model in Nigeria. I look forward to supporting both Eyo and his ABO coaches. The power of sport as well as the unique ability the do the good curriculum has to reach children across the globe amazes me every time I witness it.  

do the good, 

RR

www.docwayne.org 

DOC WAYNE AND AFRICAN BASKETBALL (ABO) DO THE GOOD FOR NIGERIAN YOUTH

The Doc Wayne Athletic League and African Basketball Organization Begin Collaboration To Provide A Positive Path For Youth In Nigeria

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON, MA, June 8, 2012:  The Doc Wayne Athletic League (Doc Wayne) and African Basketball (ABO) announced today that they will begin their partnership this summer to integrate Doc Wayne’s do the good sports-based therapeutic curriculum into ABO’s work with youth in Nigeria.  The do the good curriculum, which connects with youth on a sport level as well as teaches pro-social behaviors and life skills, will complement ABO’s existing initiatives to work with underprivileged youth in Nigeria.

Doc Wayne Executive Director David Cohen said, “This is an exciting opportunity for us as we have positively connected with youth here in the U.S.  Why not do the same with youth beyond our borders?  This is a natural partnership as our missions align well for the common good of connecting with youth through sport.”  

African Basketball (ABO) President and Founder Eyo Effiong said, “After observing how David Cohen and his team at Doc Wayne utilizes the do the good skills based program in the development of the social skills of at-risk youth here in the U.S., I realized that the youth at our summer leadership programs in Nigeria, and other African communities would benefit immensely if we introduced these life-skills tools.  We are very excited about this unique opportunity to partner with Doc Wayne.”

National coaches and mentors that the youth can look to for support are key and Doc Wayne has already begun the process of training coaches on the curriculum.  Initially the programs will look to work with 90 Nigerian boys and girls in Lagos to measure academics, violence reduction and pro-social behaviors.

For updates on this and other initiatives at Doc Wayne and the ABO, follow us on Twitter at:  @DocWayneDtG and @AfricanBBall.

About Doc Wayne (www.docwayne.org)

Doc Wayne is a Boston, MA (USA) based 501(c)(3) non-profit with the mission of offering youth an innovative group therapy experience delivered through the medium of team sports stressing positive youth development.  Through Doc Wayne’s sports-based therapeutic curriculum, do the good (DtG), youth learn to perceive the world as less threatening and their ability to interact with their environment becomes more empowered and they gain greater self-esteem.

About African Basketball (www.africanbasketball.org)

African Basketball (ABO) is a 501(c)(3) US based non-profit organization dedicated to the development of Africa through sports. ABO organizes co-ed basketball programs, integrated with life skills, HIV/AIDS Awareness, and leadership education for participants, coaches, and administrators.  

MEDIA CONTACTS:

David Cohen                                                               Eyo Effiong

Doc Wayne, Executive Director                                 ABO, Executive Director

dcohen@docwayne.org                                             effionge@africanbasketball.org

617-458-0315                                                              864-569-6024

###

Favorite Photos This Week

Here are a few of my favorite photos capturing Week 7 of Doc Wayne Girls and Boys Flag Football.

do the good, 

RR

www.docwayne.org 

Doc Wayne Video

Stay tuned for the new Doc Wayne program video (to be released soon)! It will be posted on our youtube page DocWayneDtG. In the meantime, please check out our posted videos!

What does it mean to be an "All-Star?"

What does it mean to be an “All-Star?” The professional sports leagues seem to define “All-Star” as a player who is either among the elite players statistically, the fans or coaches’ favorites, or someone who boosts the television ratings. Nowhere in this definition is any consideration for life circumstances, tremendous off court or field development, or perhaps a player’s impact upon others.

In youth sport it’s especially important to be intentional. All-Stars should represent what your program or league values.

On Tuesday, 16 do the good (DtG) Girls All-Stars will proudly play representing the Doc Wayne program and all that we value. They have been selected very carefully by their coaches. These 16 girls were not selected based on their statistics, television ratings, or by the hundreds of Doc Wayne fans at each game ;-).  Instead they were selected based on their DtG skills, accomplishments overcoming many obstacles in life and most of all because they are the epitome of “All-Star!” in our DtG dictionary.

do the good,

RR
www.docwayne.org 

Honored to Take Part in Celebr8-U (Article by EJewishPhilanthropy)

ejewishphilanthrophy.com has followed up with an article on Moving Tradition's Celebr8-U Conference. Please see the link below for the piece wrapping up a great afternoon.

http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/moving-traditions-holds-first-celebr8-u-conference/

It was an honor to take part in an event celebrating adolescent females’ strengths and diversity. Every teen should be granted the opportunity to build her identity in such a supportive, developmentally appropriate and engaging environment!

For former WNBA star and current Simmons Women's Basketball Head Coach Kristen Rasmussen, Doc Wayne volunteer Maren Madore, and myself the workshop we presented on values, ethics, and balancing one's life on and off the fields and courts was a representation of the lives we've lived the past 15-20+ years. To have the opportunity to share and learn about the young womens' experiences participating in our workshop was a mutually fulfilling experience for participants and facilitators.

While discussing all life activities to be juggled in the game oriented workshop, it became clear that the impact social media has upon young female athletes lives is significant. While attempting to be athletes, students, musicians, friends, daughters, sisters, healthy eaters, and excellent at "hanging out" some teens voiced that they were feeling under pressure keeping up with the speed of Facebook and Twitter. They spoke about the assumption that good friends responded quickly and engaged in these activities often. Within the group there were some teens that were avid users of social media and enjoyed every moment. However, it was surprising to hear how needing to respond, RT, post or update weighed on the minds of teens during times you would generally think of as dedicated to practices, games, homework, meals or sleep.

As a sport psychology consultant, my take away from Celebr8-U was a strong reminder that coaches, parents and sport psychologist should take the time to engage their teens or adolescent clients in conversation to learn about their experience. Your experience, no matter how similar, can never be assumed to be your child's, your player's, or your client's. This is often difficult when you have played the same sport perhaps even on the same field and lived to tell about the same pressured situation.

Being an adolescent female is difficult. It's a rough road at times. It can also be a magnificent journey. As one conference participant put it  "All of us are different, yet, we had a common goal; to demonstrate that girls are more then someone just “sitting pretty” but equal intellectuals." Ask these adolescent intellectuals what they're thinking about. You may be surprised and learn a great deal.

do the good.

RR

www.docwayne.org

Concerns of Adolescent Teen Girls

The Girls on The Field sport psychology workshop was created to address the concerns of adolescent teenage girls. While having conversations with teens playing middle school and high school competitive athletics the following struggles came up:

·         Time conflicts (sports vs. academics)

·         Your needs vs. the team’s needs  (position, playing time and number of teams competing for)

·         Competition with teammates (positions, playing time and varsity spots)

·         Difficult social situations (unsportsmanlike competitors and/or teammates)

·         Dealing with your mistakes

·         Cliques

Teen girls requested ethical and moral guidance via an active workshop. Thus Girls on the Field was born. 


For more information on individual or team sport psychology workshops and/or counseling please contact Rebekah Conway Roulier, Ed.M at rebekahconwayroulier@gmail.com or rroulier@docwayne.org. 

"Girls on the Field" Sport Psychology Session Photos

Maren Madore, Kristen Rasmussen and Rebekah Conway Roulier (TEAM DOC WAYNE)

Rebekah Conway Roulier Facilitating

Catch! (Rebekah Conway Roulier with Middle School Participant)

Great Goals

Goal setting can be very powerful in changing behavior. Not only does goal setting help people achieve what they are aiming for, but it also increases their self-confidence, motivation, and decreases anxiety. 

Effective goal setting requires hard work. Setting specific, measurable, adjustable, realistic, and timely goals is a step in the right direction. Below are a few additional helpful hints to create GREAT GOALS! Systematically providing feedback and following up with athletes can make all the difference.  

Coaches, when beginning goal setting as a team for the season don't forget the power of modeling. Take part in the goal setting process. 

Great goals are:   

1. Positively Phrased

2. Specific and Measurable

3. Manageable and Achievable

4. Written down

5. Performance goals, not outcome goals

6. Something the athlete actually wants to work towards! 

7. Simple

Using these tips, create a structure within your team to make goal setting part of your team culture (a ritual, fun, and enforced by participants). 

RR

Game Day Mental Preparation

An excellent topic came up at Friday's Do the Good (DtG) Training. The question was asked, "What do I do as a coach, when a physical warm-up is not an option?." Many youth coaches are familiar with the feelings of sheer relief and proud accomplishment experienced from just arriving at the field. Feeling victorious upon arrival you unload the vehicle, check your players' gear, and somewhat organize your team soon to hear the referee blow his or her whistle signaling the start of the game.  Ideally, each game and practice should begin with a very structured, player-led and dynamic warm-up. 


What is Plan B if a warm-up is not feasible that particular day or if your program or school's schedule is such that you arrive at the field minutes before each game? Teach your kids to mentally prepare!


Below are a few mental skills that players can be taught prior to games in lieu of a physical warm-up. It is not recommended that players be taught these skills on the day of the game. These skills can also be combined with a physical warm-up!

• Imagery
• Positive Cue Words
• Deep Breathing Exercises
• Watching Prior Successful Performances

For assistance learning and/or utilizing these skills please contact Becky at rroulier@docwayne.org.  

DtG 2012 MetroWest Flag Football Training Schedule Released

Doc Wayne's 2012 MetroWest DtG Flag Football Training Schedule Released Today:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1hSCbEr_ibZ5RwM9jUBkUTC6nf_aVULMXqnxdRjwry2VVbKbjohRx3k6kSzTH/edit?pli=1#