How Does A High School Athletic Program Become Great?

I have often wondered what makes excellence in high school athletics? I grew up in an high school that demanded excellence in all of their sports programs, boys and girls. But, it was not always that way. Actually, when I attended this high school, our school was very average in sports. But, during my senior year, something magical happened. It just seemed like all of our sports teams started to get better and better. We won the state championship that year in both boys basketball and football. The next year, the school won state in football, track, cross country and girls tennis. After that, my high school has never looked back. What happened? How did we go from being average to being great? What was the tipping point? Was it just a great class of kids? Was it the coaching staff? What happened?
Well, before I Get There, Excellence In High School Athletics Is Earned…
By comparison, many years later, I know of a high school that is just the opposite. Academics in the school are great. I really believe the teachers, administrators and coaching staff are terrific. And… so are the kids. But, on the athletic field or court, they just don’t have it. They finish at the bottom of the pack every year in every sport. Why? How can one school set records for the number of state championships, while another school sets records for the number of losing seasons?
I have had the fortune of being involved with both types of athletic programs. You would think that being involved with a winning program is much easier. I would beg to differ. Being involved with a winning program is much tougher than being involved with a losing program. It’s tougher on the administrator, the coach staff, the parents, and especially the players.
Excellence In High School Athletics – Here’s Why It’s Tougher…
Being involved in a winning athletic program demands excellence. Everyone in a winning program knows that winning requires a total commitment to excellence. Winners don’t take shortcuts. Winners come in early and stay late. Winners work-out in the off-season. The community demands winning. The school demands winning. The parents, the school administrators, the coaches… they all demand winning. In order to win… everyone must do their job. It’s just not performance on the field. That is actually the end result of each person’s everyday effort to reach the same goal… to win.
But, how does a high school get to that position? How to you go from bad to average to great. I believe it starts with the school administrators. The administrators of the school must develop this attitude. This attitude must then be demanded of the entire coaching staff. Being average is no longer an option. If the coach is not willing to demand excellence, to put in a 110% effort toward the development of their sports program… they are out. The coaches need to develop their current high school players. And… they need to …

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7 Tips to Professional Sports Betting

Professional sports betting refers to bettors who consistently make money from betting on various sporting events. Some bettors make sports betting their life’s vocation, while others hold down day jobs and bet on the side. The proliferation of the Internet means that you can bet any time from any place. Like any other form of speculation say, stocks or foreign exchange, professional sports betting involves a high level of discipline and money management in order to be successful. Unlike stocks or other financial markets, however, there can only be two outcomes to sports betting. Either you win or you lose. The trick is to win about 55% of your bets. At this win rate, if you place 2000 bets, you will have 1100 winners and 900 losers. Assuming that each bet is the same size (2% of your capital), this will fetch you a return of 400% before expenses. That’s a pretty good number. However, it takes a lot of discipline to achieve this kind of result because for many of us, we let our emotions interfere with our judgment. Here are some tips for successful betting:
1. Manage your money. It is estimated that up to 99% of people who bet on sports lose money. Good money management is at the very heart of successful sports betting.
2. Establish the size of your investment. This should be limited to the amount of money that you were prepared to lose.
3. Limit the size of each bet. Generally speaking, you should invest no more than 1% to 5% of your capital on each bet. Let us say you invest 2% and have 10 straight losers. 80% of your capital will still be intact. Remember that the more you lose, the more you have to earn on your remaining capital just to stay even. To give you an example, if you lose 50% of your capital, you have to earn 100% on the remaining capital just to get back to your starting point.
4. Increase or decrease the size of your bets after carefully sizing up the situation. As a rule of thumb, you can consider increasing bets when your starting capital goes up to 150% or more. Conversely, if your starting capital drops to 75% or 80%, you should positively reduce the size of your bets.
5. You don’t win a prize for trying to make money quickly. Concentrate on a slow and steady accumulation of profit. In financial speculation, this technique is called “scalping”. Reckless betting is a certain recipe for disaster, especially the technique called the Martingale strategy where you double the size of each bet that follows a losing bet.
6. Do your homework. Place your bets on some kind of factual basis instead of uneducated guess work. Over a period of time, a system will evolve that you can use on a continuous basis.
7. Do not let success or failure go to your head. Once you have established a successful system by trial and error, …

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Sports Memorabilia Watch – Rare Masters Badges

There are few items in the golf world that gets a lot of money when sold at auction. Most items are general and can bring in a little bit of money, but there is one sub-section of items that pulls in thousands of dollars, and that’s because it’s extremely rare to get a good quality one. One of the greatest prizes that a person collecting golf memorabilia can get is none other than rare Masters badges. Badges and tickets from the event can yield thousands of dollars if they are found in good, or near mint condition.
For those unfamiliar with the rich history of the game and aren’t sure why this badge is important, it’s important to understand that the badge is only available at The Masters. The Masters is one of the biggest tournaments in professional golf that is still played today. The tournament features the greatest players in golf, and it is well known for being played at the same course year after year. The course is also an exclusive one, and not just anyone can get inside and play a few rounds. You have to be invited, and until recently it was ultra selective. So selective that it has been known that only a handful of members are allowed each year, and in the past, only a certain class of member was allowed in.
Aside from the rich history and tradition that is held at Augusta National, it should be noted that to have a 1934 Masters badge is extremely rare. The start of many auctions that feature these items is around $5,000 and bidding wars are common when golf enthusiasts see one of these rare pieces on display for sale at auction.
In our modern times there are only a handful of items that can match the 1934 ticket because it’s so rare. The 1934 ticket is like a holy grail amongst collectors and some have seen the price at auction go upwards of $30,000 for a good condition quality ticket! Because the year and condition requires special handling, not many collectors have this in their homes or offices, making the value jump a few notches.
Consider anything from the year 1934. Whether you are looking at cars, baseball cards, antiques, sound recordings, anything from the year 1934 that is in good if not near mint condition will bring you recognition and if you’re selling, lots of money. It’s just a fact that most people don’t’ really consider when they are looking at a piece of golfing and American history. If you’re interested in getting your hands on one of these precious badges, you’ll have to look for them at auction because most sellers aren’t willing to just price them out for retail, there’s just too much at stake.
When it comes to professional golf memorabilia, lots of things come to mind. Things like booklets, hats, shirts, golf club sets, balls, signed items, and more are thought of as important to a collector, but when …

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Online Games – What Makes Them Best For You and Your Kid?

Online games are a new trend in the gaming world which has opened new avenues for the kids of all ages. Although some parents are not in favor of letting their children play online as the media has done some exaggerated reporting about exposure to the cyber world. However, if you would check out the online games on your own you would know the facts and unveil their endless benefits. They are actually full of several advantages for you and your child and for this reason they have emerged as the best mode of entertainment in the present times.
Here are some of the most amazing benefits of online games.
1. Firstly, most online games are free of cost which means you will be able to save a lot of which you used to spend on getting new game cds or other toys for your child. There is no need to buy costly gaming consoles or other expensive toys on special occasions as the free online games is the best present you can give your kid which costs you NOTHING.
2. As the online games are available in endless choices, you will be able to entertain your kid just the way he or she desires. Since different children enjoy different things these games provide you with enough options to find the kind of activity which your child enjoys the most. For example, if you little one loves Barbie dolls, you can allow her to play online Barbie games. Likewise, little boys who love sports can play lots of sports games online.
3. They are also very safe for the mental development of the children as they are designed keeping in view the vulnerability and psyche of the young minds. It is rather a misconception that these games may not be safe for kids as they are certainly the healthiest mode of entertainment which you can supervise on your own.
4. Last but not the least, the online games are very useful for kids as they serve as a great learning tools. Many of these games help to improve the IQ and the analytical skills of your children. It means that other than having fun you constantly improve the mental capabilities of your child by allowing them to play these games. Puzzle games, card games, strategy games, coloring games and other games educate your kid in multiple ways thus ensuring the best and most positive kind of entertainment for young ones.…

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What Is Sports Handicapping?

Sports are a very important aspect in world events. Everyday there are countless activities that are being done in countries throughout the world. Sports handicapping is the practice where sports enthusiasts get to predict the outcomes of games. It is a very prosperous business as it brings about persons who have common interests and who share a deep passion for their respective games. This practice involves lots of financial undertakings. It also involves acquiring information, looking at the pros and cons and then using that new information to predict the outcomes. It is very interesting and it is an activity that continues to grow in many areas of sports.
History of sports handicapping
Sporting activities are as old as the human race. It is an intricate part in every culture of the world. The history of sports handicapping dates back to very early days when bets used to be placed on the different competitors. It is said that the Olympics were formed out of a culture of sports handicapping. Since those days many different sports have become a part of this popular trend. It has grown in many different parts of the world with some countries having a preference for certain sports.
Types of sports
One of the oldest sports to attract betting and gambling was horse racing. Known as the sports of kings participants are accustomed to place huge wagers on the horses and jockeys. Nowadays almost every type of sports is a part of sports handicapping. Even in small town and villages, cockfighting and dog racing form an important part of their leisurely activities. International tournaments and championships attract a lot of handicapping. The soccer world cup that is held every four years, for example, see many people from around the world making use of this opportunities. The same happens for other international events such as the Olympics events, annual golf tournaments and cricket competitions. Football, basketball and baseball are also part of the handicapping tradition. The truth is that whatever type of sporting activity is in existence one can always find some type of sport handicapping to go along with it.
Types of sport handicapping
Basically there are three types of sports handicapping namely situational handicapping, technical handicapping and fundamental handicapping. In situational handicapping the history and circumstances surrounding the teams are highlighted. A team that has been playing well and winning the most or all of their games would have the situational advantage over a team that has always been at the bottom of the game. The team that is always winning will also have the motivation and desire to keep ahead of their competitors. For technical handicapping the trend or pattern of the teams are looked at such as the teams that wins most at home and/or as visitors. In fundamental handicapping the statistics surrounding each team are analyzed and bets are places accordingly. If Team X has always been winning and they are down to play Team Y who has been having less wins …

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A Short History Of The Mascot

A mascot is a good luck charm, a symbol representing an individual, organization or team. The word comes from the French word for charm. These charms are seen every day at schools and organizations all over the world.
Originally, the charm aspect of the mascot was what defined it. The soldiers in World War I carried mascots, such as buttons, figures, coins and other objects that they believed would keep them safe or give them better luck in combat. Some say that the mascots of early man can be seen in cave drawings of humans donning animal heads or other garb that would depict an animal that was being hunted at the time.
The mascot evolved over time from charms that were to bring good luck to the animals and other representatives used by schools and universities that we see today. This practice started in the 1800s and were usually live animals. The cost of keeping up with live animals became too much and the costumes started showing up.
Mascots also help to advertise and sell products such as breakfast cereals and drink products. Marketing companies have been utilizing them to draw interest in merchandise for many years. Local companies that use them for advertising are often used as goodwill ambassadors at events in their region. It was easier for a person in a costume to whip up the energy of fans at a sports game. The person inside the costume would almost certainly have to have an entertaining personality and the willingness to jump around and act silly.
They are often required to learn and perform certain dances that crowds are used to seeing at games. These artists do not want to let the fans down. Their specific getting flash loans purpose is to bring entertainment and life to the people in the stands. They also bring another source of income for teams,   schools and universities in the form of merchandising. Games and local retail stores are the best places to make money off of the products representing the team. Stuffed animals, keychains, hats and t-shirts among other products are often offered featuring the mascot of local and nationwide teams and schools.
These entertainers hold power over crowds of all ages. They can repel or attract attention. Any good team wants to make sure they have an entertainer that can draw the crowd in and get them to cheer for them. Teams often have interchangeable mascots and nicknames but the two do not have to be related, such as the Cleveland Browns who use four different breeds of dogs to represent their team, namely TD, Chomps, Trapper and CD.
Some of the most famous custom mascots of all time are Tony the Tiger, the Kool-aid Man and the Dig em frog. These are all examples of representatives that help to sell products. There are many cartoons and commercials based on these mascots that people can remember going back to the beginning of television.
Some famous sports team mascots are …

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Attract Customers to Your Business With Sports Themed Stress Balls

When good energy surrounds a business, people notice. People wonder what the secret is that makes a business so successful. Great products and excellent service come to mind. But a major part of a business’s success is down to how they promote themselves. Promotional stress balls do this in a fun way.
These stress balls infuse positive energy into a business unlike anything else. It is easy to take our business’s a bit too seriously. Promotional stress toys can add a fun edge.
Sports themed stress relievers make any business appear more down to earth. I am convinced there are few better ways to spread the word about your business than with stress toys. The sports themed versions are some of my personal favourites.
There are many sorts of businesses that can benefit from sports themed stress relievers.
Perhaps a physical therapist wants to expand his practice to athletes. Maybe a restaurant manager wants to attract more school sports clubs. Whatever the case, sports stress toys can be a way to directly market to a specific audience niche, whether they be athletes or simply lovers of sport.
This reminds me of one of my customers who is a sporting goods distributor. His goal was to expand his business nationally and into Europe. Over the years he has handed out literally thousands of sports stress relievers at exhibitions. He says people know he will be handing out the popular stress products and go directly to his stand. The campaign has been a huge success as those same people have also become his paying customers.
Sports agents can also benefit from distributing sports stress balls, in order to form good relationships with clients.
The truth is any business can benefit from using these fun promotional items. But the next question you may ask is, how does a simple stress ball convince customers to buy my product?
Psychologically, marketing a business with physical promo products is actually better than online marketing. People can not physically touch an online website, graphic, or blog. Even though these are important parts of marketing, promo products have an edge unparalleled to any other form of marketing.
People live by their senses. When a customer can actually touch a promo stress toy, it somehow communicates a sort of brand trust that good quality promotion products have helped promote for decades.
In addition, a customer will feel that a company which gives out stress balls for free truly works for the “good of the customer.”
There is just something that psychologically makes a customer feel valued when a company can spend money to give out free products to customers. There is some sort of subtle incentive communicated through that act, to make a customer buy future products through a company.
Promotional stress balls can also travel everywhere around the world with a person. They also make excellent desktop gifts.
Infusing excitement into your business isn’t difficult when you use sports themed stress balls!…

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Football – Live Scores On Your Computer

Nowadays, people have access to information from anywhere they want. New technology makes is possible for everybody to track football live scores and football results. No matter where you are or what country’s football team you need to follow, it is feasible using the internet services.
Football is the most popular sport on the planet with 3-4 billion fans worldwide. Football scores are hard to check out sometimes. It can be very difficult keep yourself up-to-date on all the scores going on around the world. How ever, there are a few easy solutions to keep track of football scores without getting lost in translation. You can look at scores from the Internet, mobile services, TV, or the radio stations. As many cell phones have a web browsing facility, you can check the football live scores from your gadget as well.
I usually follow the scores on the Internet. There are many web-sites in the internet where you can find the football live details. You can easily get online and look for good websites offering this service. Websites help you know the details of every moment of a football match. It is possible to follow results of many football leagues at one time. You can come to know about all the important aspects such as player list, card details, substitution. Some web sites even have an on-line chat where football fans discuss the present match and talk to each other. In my opinion, the internet is the best solution to follow live scores of many football leagues previously.
So, if you need a fast and clean live score service, Rapidscore. net is a place to football scores and to see match results.…

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7 Skills Needed to Work As a Coach

In order to be a successful coach, there are many skills that one needs to acquire. After researching different job descriptions, I feel that I would meet the requirements needed in order to be a good coach. The seven following skills are what I found to be most important in the field of coaching.
1.) Organization Skills- Coaches need to be prepared at every level with game and practice preparations. They also have to know what they have for equipment and who their prospective athletes are.
2.) Certification Skills- Now a days, many high schools and colleges expect coaches to be certified in the field. It is also beneficial to be a certified teacher or at least working in the school system. It is important to get the certification before applying for most coaching positions.
3.) Motivation Skills- Every coach needs to have a high level of motivation. Each coach needs to show their love for the game and be willing to do whatever they can to make sure their team is successful and enjoying the sport that they play.
4.) Communication Skills- Being able to effectively explain different aspects of the game is very important. One must be able to communicate to all different age groups when wanting to be a coach.
5.) Leadership Skills- As a coach, it is important to portray leadership skills both physically and mentally that your players will want to follow and learn from. It is very important that these leadership skills are positive and portray good sportsmanship.
6.) Problem Solving Skills- Many times as a coach, it is very likely that problems will arise that one needs to fix quickly and effectively. These skills could be used during games, practices and with building team chemistry.
7.) Experience- Coaches are often required to have past coaching and playing experience to ensure that they have knowledge and understanding of the game.
These seven skills are very important to a coach’s success and should always be strived for. Without these skills, it would be very difficult to have a successful and enjoyable career. It is also important to have these skills to ensure the enjoyment and success of the team and players.…

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Having an Action Camera Can Help You Become Even Better at Any Sport

In this day and time, technology has brought us endless possibilities. Having a video camera to record your action packed moments, comes useful in so many ways. When you use a camera to record while in a performance, you are guaranteed to see your faults and highlights. Being able to track your speed, measure your distance, record in High Definition, or even use a GPS are just some of the advantages action camera offer on the market today. Finally, having a action camera that provides enough memory, video quality, and durability is a important factor when choosing a camera to best suit your needs. Having a quality action camera will give you the ability to focus on your sport and not the camera while in action.
Having a sports camera to record all your adrenaline pumping moments is rewarding. You will be able to review your performance or act as if you were reliving the moments. Being able to share your film footage with friends and family is always a rewarding feeling. Many sports enthusiast use a sports camera to critique their performances.
Many of the camera on the market today offer great features such as track mapping, GPS, High Definition, wireless recording, and weatherproof options. Having a action camera that records in High Definition is awesome for getting all those wide angle shots and the full range of scenery. If you are a motor sports enthusiast having a on board camera that has track mapping and a GPS, is great to track your every stop and turn.
Choosing a action camera that has good quality video is important to most users. When purchasing a wireless camera or a single cable camera you should choose a camera that has a resolution of 500 to 1200 fps (Frames Per Second). The higher the resolution the clearer and vivid your video quality will be. Most sports action camera on the market today use SD cards to record the memory onto. These SD cards are user friendly and can record anywhere from 3 to 6 hours on one card, depending on the mega bite size. You can simply insert the SD card into the serial port in your computer and download your videos instantly. Most wireless camera and helmet camera on the market today are weatherproof, waterproof, shock proof, and can even be submerged under water up to 100 feet. The durability of the housings and cables are sure to withstand most environments and conditions, excluding fire or a hard fall on the pavement.
All in all, having an action camera for recording all your adrenaline pumping moments and events will be a definite investment you will not regret. Deciding on which camera with which features to adapt to your sports or filming will be important to insure you get the best footage for your dollar. Whether your skiing or wake boarding, most of the cameras available are durable to withstand most conditions and climates. Having a action sports camera will improve most …

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