Ask Jack --Questions & Answers from www.naysi.com

Concussions

2011-12-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

Do you really want to reduce concussions in sports like football. Then …

1. Remove the facemasks from the football helmet. That will change immediately the way that players block and tackle.

OR

2. Get rid of the hard shell helmets. Use soft helmets made of the material similar to what is used in wrestling mats. No facemasks.

OR

3. Pad the outside of the hard shell helmets the same way that Wood Hayes pioneered for one season at OSU back in the early 1960s.

Character development

2011-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Do sports help youngsters develop character? 2/1/11

Jack sez: The people who coach youngsters in sport represents one of the areas that makes a concerted effort to help players become better people. This occurs at all levels from youth sport to the professional level. Character development has historical roots that go back to the early 1800’s when European immigrants came to the USA and brought their various forms of medical gymnastics with them.

Character development takes many different forms. It includes but is not limited to: good hygiene, doing school work, stick to it-ness, caring for others, staying out of trouble at home and with the law, being good school and community citizens, helping others and much more.

The "character coaching" that occurs depends on the interests and motivation of its coaches and teachers. Sport is not the only area in which this occurs. It happens in the Scouts, martial arts, music and art for instance, but again, it depends on the knowledge and motivation of the leaders.

Youth program examples

2009-09-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Do you know of an individual or organization that specifically recruits and trains youth athletes from poverty stricken communities? It will take mentoring, counseling, education, performance training yet I think this can be a medium for empowerment? I would love to speak to anyone with experience in this area. Thanks, JA 9/7/09

Jack sez: There are a number of inner city youth sport programs that do elements of what you are considering. Are you a 501c3. If not, you need to be or affiliate with and organization that is. You might investigate Boys & Girls Clubs and Inner City YMCAs for guidance on enrichment programs.

In the past, I was involved with one such program. Lack of corporate funding made it impossible to maintain and grow over time. It was called Rise America, based in High Point NC. Great ideals and ambitions but did not have sustainability.

You might google Ron Burton. He is a former Springfield (Ohio) High School football player who went on to college and pro success with the Boston-New England Patriots.

http://www.ronburtontrainingvillage.org/

He has since passed away but has a program that might be a model for your ideas. Of course, he received great support from corporations. Rise America did not have a big name supporter. Ron Burton was the “name” to build the program financially. His brother lives in Springfield, Ohio.

See my book BEYOND X’s AND O’s for youth leaders, parents, teachers and coaches. It can be found at the NAYSI On Line Course at no cost. Cost is $10.00 for a hard copy. I hope that this help . . . jack

Basketball backboard maintenance - acrylic

2009-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

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Ask Jack: I have a Lifetime adjustable basketball goal. The acrylic backboard comes loose from the frame. I have already had it replaced once by Lifetime but the same situation occurs with the replacement. Is there anything I can do myself to repair the backboard. I don't feel like dealing with lifetime again. Thanks, JF on 1/2/09

Jack sez: There is an acrylic spray enamel that might help protect your basketball backboard. Remove the board from the poles and spray the openings. Most likely, it would need to be sprayed on twice a year. It is available at many paint, hardware and home improvement stores.

Here is one more important piece of information. Companies have been known to void their product warranties when buyers tamper with the product. Think of cars and computers for instance. When they are modified, the warranty is made null and void. If the company is willing to replace the board for as long as you care contact them, then do not modify the board. Take the replacement warranty.

Length of sports career

2008-11-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: What is the average career span for professional athletes. KJ on 11/17/08

Jack Sez: The “playing career” of professional athletes varies with the sport. For instance, a recent news article noted that the average life of a NFL running back is 2.6 years, a bit less than the overall pro football career of 3.8 years. This kind of information is difficult to find on all sports but a generally accepted "career" figure is around five years.

Here is an interesting little research project that you can do on your own. The current roster of the 2007-2008 Champion Boston Celtics has 15 players. Just 7 players were age 21 to 24 while 7 players were age 30 to 41. What does that tell you about the longevity of pro basketball players.

The 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Philllies showed a roster of 25 players with an age range of 25 to 44. However, 18 of their players were between the ages of 28 and 33 with 14 of them age 30 or younger. They also had 6 players over the age of 33. What do these data that tell you.

The 2007 season NFL Champion New York Giants showed a roster of 51 players. All but two players were age 22 to 34. However, 29 players were age 24 to 27 while 17 players were age 28 to 34.

By doing this type of roster research, you can see the age comparisons of the various sports. To do this, make an age chart consisting of the birth year of the players. Then simply tally the age of the players. Visually, you can see how the age range varies by sport. Of the three sports above, the Celtics had the youngest players. The Phillies had the greater number of older players. By comparison of these three rosters, the number of players over the age of 33 fell off dramatically. Keep in mind now that these were three championship teams.

Now, back to your question. This type of research does not tell us much about the playing career longevity. However, it does show us that individuals with long playing careers are rare. This is particularly true in sports than involve heavy physical contact and collisions.

Recreationally, people can be active participants in many sports as long as they want to play. Many active seniors age 70 and older are regular golfers, tennis players bowlers, softballers, swimmers, runners, boaters, hikers, fishermen, and hunters. Use it or lose it.

White stripes on footballs

2008-10-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Why are there white stripes on college footballs and not on pro footballs? Pedro on 10/22/08

Jack sez: The original purpose of the white stripes on footballs was to make them easier to see, particularly at night. These stripes were applied to both college and pro footballs. However, it appears that the professional players complained about the stripes because they made the ball slippery and more difficult to catch.

Today, there are no stripes on the NFL professional football. However, there are stripes on balls used at other levels of play. There are also white stripes on many of the consumer level footballs found in department stores and discount houses.

Basketball goal post placement

2008-09-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Just wondering if you could let me know how far back does the basketball pole is installed from the excusal playing area? I know the rim is 10 feet off the ground, just not sure how far back off the court do we installed the pole. Thanks Tammy on 9/29/08

Jack sez: Ms Tammy, Officially, the front face of the backboard extends 4 feet onto the court from the inside of the base line. This means that you need some pretty stout braces to support that span. For recreational purposes, the post should be a one to two feet from the front face of the backboard.

FAQ - Homemade basketball goal

2008-09-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

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Ask Jack: Greetings Jack. I would like to make my own basketball hoop and board and install it at my backyard for my lovely kids to play basketball. Could you provide the dimensions and measurements? Would be glad if you could recommend some models with samples and drawings that I could follow. Thank you, BKMH in Japan on 9/24/08

Jack sez: The official size of the NBA basketball backboard, for instance, is 42 inches tall by 72 inches wide. The shooting guide rectangle is 18 inches wide by 24 inches wide. The white lines of the rectangle are 2 inches wide. The size of the backboard that you wish to build can be of any size, like 36 inches by 48 inches, but it should be wider than tall.

The backboard can be made of wood, metal or some acrylic material. If made of wood, be sure to give it several coats of paint or stain then another coat each year.

Basketball goals or rims come in two sizes, small and regular. The small ones are used for training and are not much larger that the standard basketball. Most stores sell the standard or regular goals. They are 18 inches in diameter.

The top of the basketball rim or goal is mounted 12 inches above the bottom of the backboard. The top side of the goal is 10 feet from the ground.

The pole on which the goal is mounted can be sunk in an 18 inch to 24 inch hole. Fill the hole with cement.

The backboard can be mounted to the pole in several ways. First, it can be mounted directly to the pole. However, this does not leave room for maneuvering under the goal. If possible, mount the backboard to 12 to 24 inch long support arms and then affix the supports to the pole. These can be square or triangular.

Visit the following links for more information

http://www.basketball-goals.com

http://www.produnkhoops.com

Caution: Commercial basketball goals and backboards are made to take a certain amount of abuse. This is likely to happen when the players are able to jump and dunk the basketball and hang on the rim. Keep this in mind as you select the materials to build your basketball backboard and rim.

Basketball goal height for 10-12 year old boys

2008-05-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: How high should a basketball hoop be for 10-12 year old boys? MB in New Zealand on 5/12/08

Father-daughter sports

2008-01-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: I am an Australian father who has coached his daughter at netball, which is predominantly a women's sport. I'd like to know if many formal father/daughter sport programs exist in the United States, and how I might learn about them. Thanks, PG in Australia on 1/15/08

Starting a new youth sport soccer program

2007-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: A group of parents and coaches are considering whether to form a soccer club for competitive (classic cup) play. Are there any guidelines regarding the financial, legal, and operational issues to be considered? What legal structure is used? What startup capital is required? How many players/teams do you need in order to break even on costs? What are the legal/insurance costs? This is all very preliminary – we’re looking for a first pass of information or even an outline or checklist of the essential issues before we go into a detailed analysis. Thanks for any info. JB on 11/6/07

Jack sez: Please go to the NAYSI Blog. There is an article there that I wrote about Starting a New Organization. It will help you get started.

Regarding your other questions, there is no magic number for cash and number of players. It is likely that you will not break even until your get your registration fees, funding and fundraisers worked out. Itemize your expenses [e.g., fields, uniforms, equipment, officials, travel, publicity, etc.]. Then itemize your income on a spreadsheet. Determine your sources of funding as well as how much you will need to charge the players or teams. Juggle these line items until the budget is balanced or it is within your abilities to operate the new program. Good luck.

Best size basketball for young girls

2007-10-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What size basketball should girls in grades 3rd - 5th use? Our league is having a difference of opinions on this one. GRD on 10/17/07

Youth sports drop outs

2007-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What percentage of children have dropped out of sports because of coaching techniques and unfair playing tactics? MGP on 10/17/07

Exemptions from physical education

2007-10-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I am doing a paper for a class and my professor wants me to understand what the rules of exemption are. So, what are the new york state rules on exemption in physical education? Blonde on 10/17/07

Get active or hang out - teens

2007-09-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

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Ask Jack: Hi, my husband and I are making our 14 year old, play football this first year of high school, and he would rather play and hangout doing nothing with his friend’s everyday and we believe this is not healthy for him, or is it not healthy to make your child do something that he really does not want to do? Thank you, April on 9/7/07

Jack sez: We are dealing with two negative situations here. Your son does not want to play football and you do not want him hanging out doing nothing. I agree that he does not need to be just hanging out. In my opinion, that is not a good approach to growing up in these days and times. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, as the old saying goes.

I would be more inclined to give him a couple of activity options rather than push him into football. Tackle football is quite physical in nature and that is not a sport that all boys like. Have a few friendly conversion with him about what he might enjoy doing after school whether it be golf, tennis, camping or even getting a part time job like lifeguarding, working on cars, taking care of lawns or running errands for neighbors.

Balance

2007-08-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: How children aged 3-12 years keep their physical component (balance). mwtsho on 8/26/07

What does Rodnisha mean?

2007-08-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What does Rodnisha mean as a name definition? Rodnisha on 8/22/07

When to begin weight lifting

2007-08-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What age is appropriate for a boy to begin weight lifting and how much weight. VS on 8/20/07

Injuries in youth tackle versus flag football

2007-08-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Do you have any statistics relating to injuries in Youth Flag vs Tackle football? I have been told that there are actually fewer injuries in Tackle due to the fact that the players wear pads. However, that is hard to believe since there is minimal physical contact in Flag and full contact in Tackle. April on 8/14/07

Basketball goal needs repairs

2007-08-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hey Jack, The basketball backstop at our house obviously suffered a lot of dunking and hanging from the rim by the previous owners and the cement in the ground is now loose, making the entire backstop lean forward. Any suggestions as to how we can make it immovable and level again? Scott on 8/13/07

Importance of physical activity

2007-06-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Why is physical important for teen today ? Octavia on 6/7/07

FAQ - Baseball pitcher control coaching points

2007-05-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hey Jack! I am a left handed pitcher and I throw pretty hard but I have a tendency to throw high? How can I help prevent that and do you really throw a changeup with the same power as a fastball just with a different grip? HW on 5/21/07

Basketball shooting at different goal heights

2007-05-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Will it wreck my shooting if I practice at home on a net that isn't the same size as the net I play on at school? Cameron on 5/21/07

FAQ - Selected softball rules

2007-05-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: List 5 softball rules? MT on 5/21/07

FAQ - Baseball split finger pitch coaching points

2007-05-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hey, I am a small, scrappy, JV baseball player that is really aggressive. I have always believed I could pitch and finally got my chance a week ago. I threw 3 innings in relief and struck out 4 with three hits allowed. I throw a slow fastball at about 67 mph. However, I throw two curveballs that are hard for hitters to differentiate. One is a hard knuckle curve with just a little 3 to 9 break, while the other is a slow bender with a huge 12 to 6 break. Anyway, I have three good pitches but I am in deep trouble if I get behind in the count and have to throw the fastball. I have huge hands and have been told that a splitter would be something I could add to my repertoire when I am behind in the count. I have an idea of how to throw it, but I need to become an expert. Can you help me? Tyler on 5/20/07

Why we have team uniforms

2007-05-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Why do you wear uniforms in sport. NH in the UK on 5/17/07

Swimmers shave their bodies

2007-05-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Why do swimmers shave their bodies? NH in the UK on 5/17/07

What does D.C mean in Washington D.C.

2007-05-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What is the significance of D.C. (District of Columbia) after Washington, D. C.? Lyn on 5/11/07

Stuttering - May 2007 announcements

2007-05-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

Stuttering is a common denominator among many well known athletes

Bob Love joins Tiger Woods, Johnny Damon, Bill Walton

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — NBA All-Star Bob Love joins an array of well-known sports figures to speak out for those who stutter: Bill Walton, Johnny Damon, Tiger Woods, Kenyon Martin and Ken Venturi.

Love leads the 2007 campaign for National Stuttering Awareness Week, May 14-20.

Love knows first-hand the experiences of someone who stutters. He has overcome considerable frustrations and setbacks since his glory years with the Chicago Bulls.

“Bob is more than a great basketball star and community leader,” said Jane Fraser, president of the 60-year-old Stuttering Foundation. “He leads this year’s Stuttering Awareness Week because of his courage in coping with his speech impediment.”

“I know how important it is to receive speech therapy at an early age,” Love said. “My grandmother Ella used to swat me in the mouth with a dishrag and say ‘Spit out those words, Robert Earl,’” he recalls.

“That approach didn’t work very well, but it underscores the public’s misunderstanding of stuttering that is still prevalent,” said Love.

Difficulty in finding a job for those who stutter is nothing new to him. In the 1970s, he made the NBA All-Star Team three times and led the Chicago Bulls in scoring seven straight years. But he still stuttered, and there were fewer media interviews or endorsements than a player of his caliber would normally receive.

“After my retirement from the NBA, reaction by potential employers to my speaking difficulty turned the usually tough post-sports career adjustment into a living nightmare,” Love relates. “I had a college degree, but personnel managers seldom call back someone who stutters on the telephone.”

By the end of 1984 — some seven years after millions had watched him play NBA basketball — Love took the only job offered to him. He would wash dishes and bus tables for Nordstrom department store.

Yet it was here that Love’s story began a slow and difficult turn for the better. First, there was the corporate manager of Nordstrom, who offered to have his company pay for speech therapy. Enter speech pathologist Susan Hamilton, who would guide Love through countless hours of therapy in which he learned to manage his moments of stuttering and speak more fluently.

“Today my message to young people who stutter and their parents is direct: Don’t wait, like I did,” Love emphasizes. “Speech therapy during childhood has the greatest chance of success.”

Bob Love joins an impressive list of famous people who have not let stuttering hold them back from rewarding lives and careers. For more information, call the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation at 800-992-9392 or visit www.stutteringhelp.org.

Football player won’t let stuttering tackle him

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Chicago Bears football player Adrian Peterson says he has struggled with stuttering his whole life.

Peterson isn’t the only sports star who has wrestled with this complex disorder. Golf superstar Tiger Woods recently told CBS’s 60 Minutes that it takes hard work and a competitive spirit to overcome childhood stuttering.

Other sports stars who have been successful despite their stuttering include NBA Hall of Famer and sports commentator Bill Walton, Denver Nuggets’ basketball star Kenyon Martin, Chicago Bulls’ legend Bob Love and U.S. Open golf champion Ken Venturi.

Peterson has struggled with stuttering since he was a child.

“It’s been like this my whole life. Since I was 5 years old, I’ve been stuttering. It’s been a major part of my life,” he told The Times of Northwest Indiana.

“Growing up, it was hard, but it’s who I am,” the Bears running back said to the Chicago Sun-Times. “My advice to [others who stutter] is don’t allow it to hold you back from achieving your goals.”

“The parallels between speech performance and sports performance are striking,” said Jane Fraser, president of the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation, “and Peterson is the latest example of how the many hours of practice and hard work to win in sports are no different from those long hours spent in therapy for stuttering.”

“Adrian Peterson is the perfect role model for all school-age children who struggle with this complex disorder,” Fraser added.

There are many prominent athletes among the three million people who stutter and the world’s most famous golfer is among them. “The words got lost, you know, somewhere between the brain and the mouth. And it was very difficult, but I fought through it. I went to a school to try and get over that, and I just would work my tail off,” Woods told 60 Minutes.

Walton dealt with stuttering just like he did basketball. “I thought about the fundamentals of the game and how to start with the basics like the ability to mechanically duplicate moves on a basketball court. And then I just applied that to speaking.”

“Countless hours of work taught me to manage moments of difficult speech,” says Chicago’s Love.

In a recent interview, Denver Nuggets’ Martin said of his stuttering: “How I got through it was just by working hard at it.”

Venturi adds, “I have had to work through the years to overcome stuttering and to speak more easily and fluently.” Venturi compares moving smoothly through speech to moving gracefully through a golf stroke.

The Foundation offers free streaming videos, books, downloadable brochures and a worldwide referral list at www.stutteringhelp.org. Help is also available by calling 800-992-9392.

The Foundation offers help for stuttering through its helpline at 800-992-9392 and online at www.stutteringhelp.org .

Dodgeball games and rules explained

2007-05-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi Jack, I'm Alessio - 12 years old and living in Italy. Can you tell me what exactly how "Dodgeball" is played? TX. Alessio on 5/8/07

Basketball goal height for young players

2007-05-01T13:50:00.001-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi Jack, quick question. I'm going to be helping with Special Olympics and have a basketball question. What's the regulation height for elementary kids...is it still 10 feet? We're talking 1st grade to 3rd (about 6-9 years. Thanks! Chuck on 5/1/07

Calf or Toe Raises are not harmful

2007-04-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: If I do calf raises for a long period of time, I am 17, will it stunt my growth? Snoopy on 4/28/07

Sand volleyball court dimensions

2007-04-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Dear Jack, We would like to build an outdoor sandlot volleyball court for the youth in our community. What should the dimensions of the court be? Thank you. BJ on 4/25/07

Forming a new youth sport organization for girls only

2007-04-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I would like to start an all girls sports organization that focuses only on girl sports. Do you have any suggestions on how to start? Laurie on 4/19/07

Cheating in relationships - your spouse and others

2007-04-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What is the percentage of cheating in a relationship - males vs. females. TH on 4/7/07

Smokeless tobacco

2007-04-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Does dipping snuff stunt your growth? Aaron on 4/5/07

Getting into college to play football

2007-04-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Dear Jack, I am a seventh grade student and we are doing an I -search paper - it is like a research paper. My topic is how do I get into a college where I can play football. I want to know things like requirements and how much it costs. My grades are not that good, but I am good football player I think. I am willing to work hard. If you can, please let me know all the things that you can think of that I might need for my paper. Thanks very much, RC on 4/2/07

Paint basketball court on game room floor

2007-04-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: We want to paint our kids game room floor which is now cement into a basketball half court. The room size is 24 x 15, any ideas? LB on 4/1/07

Start youngsters with low basketball goals

2007-03-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Jack, I plan to purchase my son a portable basketball goal for his fifth birthday. It appears that there are goals adjustable from 7-10 feet and others that go up to 6.5 feet. Which is most appropriate for a five-year old? Thanks. Chip on 3/30/07

Youth Baseball in Toledo

2007-03-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi Jack: What a cool site you have. I was on the web looking for little league baseball teams in the Toledo area. My oldest son plays Heatherdowns Little League in April and May. We are looking for a summer league for him to play in. Do you know of any summer leagues for 9 year olds? Shanley on 3/29/07

Fear of catching fly balls in baseball

2007-03-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Ask Jack: My son has just turned 7 and playing 7-8 baseball. He is struggling with catching the baseball in the air - much of which is simply related to being afraid of getting hit. What drills or tips could you give me to help him with fielding fly balls and generally conquering his fear of getting hit. CM on 3/27/07

Basic softball skills for beginners

2007-03-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Dear Jack, What are the fundamentals of softball that should be taught to 9 year old girls? Where do I start? DW on 3/26/07

Reduce my hips and buttocks

2007-03-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I am a 21 year old, tall and very thin till my hips. My hips and buttocks are very, very large and fatty. I want to loose this. Will exercise do the job? If I diet, I’m worried, I’ll loose weight in the wrong places and I’m already very thin except in those areas. Please advise. MT on 3/15/07

Basketball conditioning

2007-03-12T00:04:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: How can an 18 year old female basketballer make sure she improves/maintains all of the dimensions of health? Brooke on 3/12/07

Lip balm

2007-03-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Hello Jack I am a student at the University of West Georgia. I have an assignment that requires me to ask an expert a question. I have selected your site because I seems to address issues of middle and high school students. My question is: What is in "Carmex" lip balm that makes it appear to have an addicting effect to those that use it? KC on 3/7/08

Suitability of Dodgeball for Physical Education Classes

2007-02-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

Jack, I am currently receiving my Bachelors of Science in Health and Physical Education at the University of West Georgia. Here is my question, during my undergraduate studies is one of my classes we received a list on improper games to play in PE class. One of the games on that list is Dodgeball. In your professional opinion is Dodgeball a "good" game for a physical education class? MT on 2/23/07

Will I continue to grow

2007-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: I wanna know will I get taller because I’m 6’4” and 15 years old I’m a male or have I stopped growing. John on 2/16/07

Not-for-Profit youth sport organizations

2007-02-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: I have heard that some baseball organizations offer their teams the opportunity to either form a 501c(3) status or, become a member of their organization and get 501c(3) status. Both options are very little cost to the teams. Do you know of any such little league baseball organization? The time and cost of doing it yourself is a deterrent to getting this status. MH on 2/12/07

Interview with Jack Hutslar, founder of NAYSI

2007-02-11T23:45:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Hi, I am a freshman at Nichols College in Dudley, Mass. I am majoring in Sports Management and I’m going to minor in Marketing. I was hoping if you could help me with my sports management class, because I have to interview someone in the sports management field. For my Sports Management class, my teacher named Professor Liptrap gave us the assignment noted below. Thank you and have a great day! Thanks again. MS on 2/11/07

Coach tells son he cannot play first base

2007-02-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Jack, My son is 15 years old, 5'5" tall left and left handed. He has always played 1st base since he has been in T-ball. Now his high school coach is telling him that he cannot play 1st because he is too short and left handed. This is his second year on the high school team and he played 1st base last year. Have you ever heard of a player being to short or left handed and could not play 1st because of these reasons? My son has been picked for all-star teams and state teams in this position. I would appreciate any advice you can give me as he is really crushed over this - to him baseball is everything. Thanks, DT on 2/7/07

Searching for tennis opportunities

2007-02-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Hi jack, I am playing tennis in India. I am a quite good player, but some of the coaches are making some trouble. So it is too difficult to be a player. So I was thinking that if I can get Scholarships and to play tennis in your city, I can be a player of your country. Please reply. It’s for my future... thanks, IS in India on 2/1/07

Why continue coed physical education

2007-01-21T23:39:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Why should coed pe continue in high schools? Erin on 1/21/07

Group date suggested

2007-01-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: I really like this boy and he knows I like him but I’m not sure if he likes me. I want him to ask me out to be his girlfriend. Help me! CC on 1/20/07

Energy for living organisms

2007-01-02T23:33:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Why do living things need energy? Jairet on 1/2/07

Basketball goal height for a 12 year old

2006-12-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: What height would you set a basketball hoop at for a 12 year old who is 4' 10" in height? SD on 12/30/06

Jack sez: Most 12 year olds should be able to shoot comfortably at a 10 foot high basketball goal. If your youngster is a beginner, it might be necessary to start with an adjustable driveway goal set at 8 feet. Then as progress is seen, raise the goal to 9 feet and then to 10 feet. Adapting to the 10 foot high goal might take a day, week or month.

Judging progress can be seen in lay ups and other shots on goal from free throw line distance [15 feet] and. You are looking for shots that are taken easily without jerky and exaggerated movements. We want to see players getting the ball up to the goal using an easy motion.

Shooting drill: Here is a little progressive shooting game that your child can play. Start one step from the goal. Shoot. If made, back up two steps and shoot again. If made, back up three steps and shoot again. Miss the shot and go back to the beginning. Repeat the drill and take the first shot one step from the goal. This is a very good exercise for all kinds of shots.

First date

2006-12-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Is a first date scary or uncomfortable? Jessica on 12/24/06

Spin on a football pass

2006-12-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: What is the best way to make a football spin backwards when playing a long pass? James on 12/14/06

FAQ - Height of basketball backboard

2006-12-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: What is the proper width and height for a middle school backboard. ED on 12/3/06

Jack sez: The standard basketball goal or rim, not the backboard, is 10 feet off the ground or floor. Backboards vary considerably in shape and size. However, the important factor is to set the backboard so that the goal is 10 feet off the playing surface.

The 10 foot high goal is suitable for youngsters age 10 and over, if they have been playing organized basketball for any length of time. For younger players and those with little experience in basketball, set the goal at a height at which they can shoot comfortably without awkward and exaggerated shooting movements.

Fundraising for cheerleaders

2006-12-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Is it appropriate to ask for donations from extended family members to help raise funds for my child's cheerleading travel and competition fees. The fees are getting into the thousands of dollars and any help would go a long way to making this more manageable. If it is appropriate, are there any interesting, fun or innovative ideas to use when asking for donations other than the larger fundraising sales the entire team uses. I am looking for ideas to do on my own, outside of the teams programs. TB on 12/1/06

Are males or females faster

2006-11-29T17:04:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Which gender is faster Male or Female. Jordan on 11/29/06

Names for your children

2006-11-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: ARE PATTON, SUMMER, SKYLER, AND AUTUMN GOOD NAMES? Jordan on 11/27/06

Jack sez: The four names you suggest are quite fine. It is more common today than in the past for people to look for uncommon names. In the past, it has been common to consider family names to honor their memories such as those of a father or grandfather, aunt or uncle, or the maiden name of a mother or grandmother. The names of important friends, famous people or biblical figures are also common. On the other hand, George Foreman, the famous heavyweight boxer, named all of his boys George Foreman.

Purchase Up-to-date copy of KIDbits

2006-11-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Hello, I am doing research on youth sports and I saw that your KIDbits page has statistics on the most popular youth sports played in the US...however the information is from 1998. Do you have more recent statistics on this? If so, how can I acquire that information? Thank you in advance for your time and assistance! Monica in DC on 11/16/06

What is the North American Youth Sport Institute - NAYsi

2006-11-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: I was wondering if you could provide me with any information on who sponsors or funds the Youth Sports Institute. Thank you for your time. AT on 11/15/06

FAQ - Tetherball pole in a tire

2006-11-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: How do you put a pole in a tire and fill the tire with cement. And can you please tell me how long the pole should be and how far down should the ring be down the pole to hook the ball to it. Thank you for your help. Brenda on 11/15/06

Jack sez: A tetherball pole is best made of 2 inch pipe that is 12-13 feet long. When put in the ground, dig a 2.5 foot hole. Pour cement in the bottom of the hole as a footer and let it dry. Then place the pole on the footer and filled with hole with cement. The pole will then be 10 feet in length with an Eye Bolt affixed through the top of the pole. The length of the rope is positioned so that the ball is two feet from the ground, at rest.

Follow this plan to mount a tetherball pole in a tire. Place a tire on a piece of plywood. Mix cement in a wheelbarrow. Pour the cement into the tire and trowel it down to a peak so that water drains off the top. When the cement begins to stiffen, push a pole into the cement. Make sure it is straight. Then trowel it down again.

Are lower basketball goals OK for younger players

2006-11-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

Ask Jack: Is it appropriate for 6 - 9 year olds to play basketball with an 8 foot rim and 10-13 year olds to play with 10 foot rim? NP on 11/2/06

Will I grow taller

2006-10-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Well jack I’m 16 and I am 5'2" my doctor told me I was not going to grow anymore, I hate being this short is there any hope of me getting taller at such a late age? TB on 10/22/06

Fundraising for youth football - inner city

2006-10-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Jack: My 9 & 10 year old little league football team are 22-0 and currently defending champions, moving towards a second title. We are located in Roanoke Virginia, Tiki & and Rhonde Barber played for our Inner City club before moving to the suburbs. Me and my assistant's coaches are trying to get the team to the National Youth Football Championships at Daytona Fl. But the expense is the problem. There's another rec. club in the city that has been going for years and would take a couple of our players with them. I'm currently the A.D. for the Inner city club my duties consist of overseeing 5, football teams and 5 cheerleading squads ranging from biddy-5,6,7 yr. olds, pee-wee- 2nd yr. old & 8, Little league- 9,10 yr. old junior's- 11,& 12 yr. old seniors-13,&14 yr. old, basketball teams, girls and boys also. We are moving toward having baseball, soccer, and track I started with this club when I was 5 years old, and it means a lot to me to most it's nothing but I look forward to Lord using me to do whatever it takes to care for the children and keep them happy and give them hope and opportunity. It's a busy job. Our rec. club is a Non profit organization. It would be a blessing and a great accomplishment for our organization to travel and compete in the N.Y.F.C. JS in VA on 10/20/06

FAQ - Laying out an elementary school basketball court

2006-10-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I'm laying out a basketball court for an elementary school. In a previous FAQ you stated making the foul shot line at 15 foot from the basket which is standard distance for high school and above. Shouldn't elementary kids have a shot line closer to the basket, proportionate to the goal height? Thanks! P.S. will you verify they height of the basket for young elementary kids? Kevin on 10/20/06

Playing football with a broken wrist

2006-10-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: My son is 14 years old and has a fractured wrist from football. He has seen many players play with a soft cast, but unfortunately his doctor will not permit him play. He has done nothing but cry and bang on his cast is there something I can do to make him feel better... and is there a reason why the other kids got to play and not him? Marcy on 10/13/06

Sport specialization

2006-10-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Is specialization in one sport on the rise among young players. Thanks, NY newspaper reporter on 10/3/06

Softball arm problems for a pitcher

2006-10-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: My 16 year old daughter is a pitcher and has been playing on a rep fastpitch team for 6 years. She has now developed extreme pain when having to throw overhand . . . the doctor said it was because her biceps muscle was too overdeveloped in comparison to the back part of her arm and her shoulder, and that her rotator cuff was too weak to support the action of throwing overhand. Her coach seems to think that she has developed this problem just due to bad overhand throwing mechanics. Who's right? P.S. The muscle in her pitching arm is almost twice the size of her other arm! BL on 10/1/06

Untrained or inept players or coaches

2006-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi Jack, My name is Jamie and I'm a college student seeking a degree in fitness and wellness. I am doing a research paper that involves youth and sports. My question is, in your opinion: What is the effect/s of the untrained youth in sports or explain what the negative outcome may be. Hope you can help, Thanks, Jamie on 9/27/06

FAQ - Pad for tetherball court

2006-09-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What would be a recommended size for a cement slab for a tetherball court? PB on 9/26/06

Meaning of life

2006-09-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi Jack! I was wondering what the meaning of life is. Please respond to this! Bye! From Jack on 9/12/06

Six degrees of separation, a theory

2006-09-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What does six degrees of separation mean? Amanda on 9/19/06

FAQ - Stripes on footballs

2006-09-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Why do some footballs have a stripe on them and the pro footballs do not? Debbie on 9/9/06

Why is Australia not competitive in track

2006-09-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi, I was wondering if you could please to try answer this question which I have for an assignment: Justify why Australia has failed to produce track athletes that can consistently compete at, or near world record standard for the last forty years? Carly on 9/6/06

Volleyball court dimensions

2006-09-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi! Can you tell me the regulation size of a volleyball court for middle school girls’ volleyball. Also, How high is the net….I’m trying to practice my over hand serves before tryouts next week. I need to know how far back to stand and how high to serve. Thanks, Nicole on 9/1/06

What is mutton

2006-08-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What is mutton? and how do you make it. Taylor on 8/30/06

Stunted growth for children in sports

2006-08-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ask jack: Dear Jack: Is it true that there is a link between growth stunt and gymnastics and martial arts practice for growing children? Please respond ASAP. Thanks a lot. Best regards, CT on 8/20/06

Topic of winning and losing in youth sport on talk radio

2006-08-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I listen to a lot of talk shows on the radio. A couple of the hosts have been talking about sports for kids recently. They generally seem to be complaining about not keeping track of wins and loses. This leads them to discuss competition in life and how these kids are missing out on learning about that through sports. What is the story here. Name withheld on 8/18/06

Player anger in youth baseball

2006-08-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi Jack: Here's one for you. My son, who is 12, plays on a peewee rep baseball team (he also plays house league) and was pulled from a game (during a rep tournament) by his coach in the 6th inning for throwing the ball too hard back to his pitcher. The coach benched him for the rest of this game and informed his father that our son would be benched for the entire game following which was the Bronze Medal game and that he would be the 12th batter (moving from 1st batter position). He also informed my son that if he showed good behaviour and cheered for the team while on the bench, he may put him into the game. Agnes on 8/16/06

READ THE REST OF THIS LENGTHY QUESTION IN THE ANSWER PROVIDED BY ASK JACK

Are sit-ups harmful

2006-08-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi Jack, My daughter just told me that my 12-year old grandson did 100 sit-ups. He weighs about 90 lbs. He is medium and solid built and about 5' tall. My question: Is 100 sit-ups too much for a boy his age? I believe he is trying to compete with his friend who is a year older, heavier and taller. I do not think he has been doing this long. Please advise. I am concerned. Thank you. MR on 8/16/06

Exercise and our muscle system

2006-08-12T14:09:00.001-07:00

Ask Jack: What are the effects of exercise on the muscular system? Wendy on 8/12/06

From where does the last name Roman come

2006-08-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: From where does the last name Roman come from. Jazmine on 8/9/06

My son is big for his age

2006-08-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: HELP JACK. I found out today AFTER football practice (Pop Warner Tackle football) that the coach asked my son in front of the other team members how much he weighed. My son (who is 9 years old) responded 125 in dressed weight. The coach then told my son that he needed to loose 10 pounds in the next 4 weeks.

My son just had a physical where his doctor told us that he was fine. He is still over a 100 percentile in height and weight. The doctor has his projected height at 6.6 and that is the lower of the projection.

This kid wears a men's large in a jock strap and Medium in men's briefs. This kid wears nothing in a youth size. He wears a 16-18 in most shirts because of his Height and 32 in jeans. Even his head is large and has to have a men's size helmet.

He is 5 feet tall and 125. He wear a size 12 -1/2 in men's shoes. His birth weight was 11 pounds And 27 1/4 inches long. He is just a big kid, not fat.

The smallest man on either side of our families is 6 ft 155. My own father was All American out of Virginia Tech and his brother is a retired NFL Player, All over 6.6. Even my grandfather was 6.7.

I was shocked to learn this when my son refused to eat dinner tonight because of what his line coach Said to him. I am outraged. This is the first year my son has ever played tackle and he was. Embarrassed in front of his team mates. Giving him the feeling that something is wrong with him.

I feel the coach should have come to me with this issue or expressed them to me not my son. I want to confront this coach tomorrow before practice starts and depending on his attitude. I may pull my son from the team........Am I wrong??

I also feel all of this started because the pants they gave my son were way too small and the Head coach told me he would have his new practice pants tomorrow. I think this does not solve the fact that the same size pant was ordered for their dress game uniform, so instead of correcting their error.......the line coach told my son to loose 10 pounds in 4 weeks because that Is when the new dress game pants will be in.

See he should have asked the kid or his parents what size they wear . . . instead the guy walk around and wrote down the size he thought they would wear. Believe me, he got a lot of them wrong.

I need advise. How do I handle this? If I do it my way, I am going to hurt this guys feelings bad. Looking forward to hearing from you, Take care, MM on 8/9/06

Wear athletic supporter or hard cup when wrestling

2006-07-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I have to wrestle girls in my school. Should I wear a jockstrap and hard cup? Bill on 7/29/06

FAQ - Age to start lifting weights

2006-07-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: At what age could kids start doing weights. RH on 7/29/06

To specialize in one sport or play multiple sports

2006-07-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I have a 13 year old daughter who is interested on becoming one day either a volleyball or basketball player. Her dream is to play for the USA or in one of those important clubs of the country. She does play these sports. What would be your recommendations for her on achieving this goal? She likes both sports. Please advise. Thank you! Elizabeth on 7/24/06

How can I increase my height

2006-07-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Hi, I am a 14 year old African American male almost 15 and I’m 6"1. I want to get taller for basketball. My dad is 5"11 and my mom is 5"8. I’m going be a sophomore. I’m not sure if I had a growth spurt. If I did it was only about 2 inches in one summer. I’d like to be 6’5” - 6’6” and I know that won’t happen unless I get a growth spurt. I have tall cousins, brothers, uncles. one cousin is 6"6. Does milk really help? Could I at least be 6"3? How tall do you think I will be? Skyler on 7/24/06

Need help learning how to coach

2006-07-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I am about to start coaching in a new basketball program at our church. What can you do to help me get started? I know nothing about coaching. JW in FL on 7/24/06

Age groupings in youth basketball

2006-07-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What is the age categorization for basketball in Canada and USA, starting from 6 to 17 years old. CB on 7/23/06

Weight lifting and basketball

2006-07-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Does lifting weights mess up your shot in basketball? Bob on 6/12/06

Double elimination tournament

2006-07-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: WE ARE PUTTING ON A VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT BUT I NEED HELP GETTING A SAND VOLLEYBALL double elimination BRACKET SET UP. CAN YOU HELP? JN in MN on 7/12/06

Ceiling height for basketball

2006-07-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: I am looking for a minimum ceiling clearance height of a Junior School Basketball court. Dan on 7/12/06

Speed of light

2006-07-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: How fast is light? Jack on 7/10/06

FAQ - Hat Trick in sports like soccer and hockey

2006-07-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What does "hat trick" mean in soccer. Ron on 7/9/06

Double elimination tournament for 5 teams

2006-07-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: Could you tell me how to set up a 5 team double elimination baseball tournament? The five teams are ranked 1st through 5th from season play. JS on 7/3/06

FAQ - Force out or fielder’s choice in baseball

2006-07-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: During my baseball game today there was a runner on first base with me at bat. I hit a low liner to right field that the right fielder could not get to and the ball fell about 5 feet in front of him. The runner on first base thought that he was going to catch it and stayed close to the bag, allowing the right fielder to throw him out at second (that was the 2nd out of the inning). When the game was over our scorekeeper said that I did not get to count that as a hit because it was a fielders choice. Is that correct? TA on 7/1/06

FAQ - Dimensions of a regulation volleyball court

2006-06-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ask Jack: What is the regulation size of a volleyball court? Jenny on 6/30/06