Brooke de Lench's blog

When Bob Cantu Says No Collision Sports Before Age 14, Parents Need to Listen

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 13:23. | comments

The blockbuster announcement came across my desk two days ago, but it took me a while to process its full significance. In fact, it may take me a while longer to fully appreciate all of its implications for youth sports.

Dr. Bob Cantu, MomsTeam's first concussion expert from 2000-2008, and someone I have known and respected for more than a decade, is recommending that kids under the age of 14 not participate in collision sports as currently played. Youth football players stretching

The blockbuster announcement came across my desk two days ago, but it took me a while to process its full significance. In fact, it may take me a while longer to fully appreciate all of its implications for youth sports. Dr. Bob Cantu, MomsTeam's first concussion expert, and someone I have known and respected for more than a decade, is recommending that kids under the age of 14 not participate in collision sports as currently played.

Brooke de Lench

Talking Concussions with Gay Culverhouse

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Tue, 08/30/2011 - 14:56. | comments

There has been a flurry of books in recent years about concussions in sports, an issue MomsTeam and I began covering in depth back in 2001, way before the crisis grabbed the attention of the media, politicians and the sports establishment. So, when I received a review copy of Throwaway Players: The Concussion Crisis from Pee Wee Football to the NFL by Gay Culverhouse, I was a bit skeptical that it could add anything new to the discussion.

I couldn't have been more wrong! I loved this book!

Throwaway Players: The Concussion Crisis from Pee Wee Football to the NFL by Gay Culverhouse offers an oftentimes painfully honest, up-close-and-personal glimpse into a world of concussions.

Brooke de Lench

Webinar on August 17: Effective Management Practices for a Winning Organization

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Tue, 08/09/2011 - 19:11. | comments

youth sports administration

The best-run youth sports organizations understand that a successful season is not measured by how many games are won, but by bringing out the best in athletes and their families, bringing players back season after season, and attracting new players.

If you find yourself in a leadership role as a board member, administrator, coach or team-mom, you may be wondering how you can help make this happen. Soccer ball with parents in background

The best-run youth sports organizations understand that a successful season is not measured by how many games are won, but by bringing out the best in athletes and their families, bringing players back season after season, and attracting new players. Join MomsTeam Founder and Publisher, Brooke de Lench, on August 17th for a free webinar from the Active Network.

Brooke de Lench

Our New Site Is Live!

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Thu, 08/04/2011 - 14:48. | comments

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the newly designed MomsTeam website. As we get ready to celebrate our eleventh anniversary later this month we wanted to let you know about some important features of our new design.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our redesigned MomsTeam website . As we get ready to celebrate our eleventh birthday later this month we wanted to let you know about some important features of our new design.

Brooke de Lench

My Son’s Coach Is Making Him Wear Pads In 100 Degree Heat — What Can I Do?

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Thu, 07/28/2011 - 14:36. | comments

I have really been feeling the heat lately, both literally and figuratively.

It began when I travelled to the steambath that was Williamsburg, Virginia last weekend to give two talks to over 1,000 parents of some of the most elite high school football players in the nation attending a four-day training camp, and the heat didn't let up when I returned to my office this week.

I have really been feeling the heat lately, both literally and figuratively. t began when I travelled to the steambath that was Williamsburg,
Virginia to give two talks to over 1,000 parents of some of
the most elite high school football players in the nation attending a
four-day training camp, and the heat didn't let up when I returned to my
office.

Brooke de Lench

Heads Up New Jersey! Second Annual Sports Concussion Summit on Sunday, July 17 in Plainsboro

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 19:54. | comments

Heads up to physicians and health care providers in the Garden State: here's a chance to learn about sport concussions from some of top experts in the field as, this coming Sunday, July 17, 2011, the Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey will hold its second annual sports concussion summit in Plainsboro.

Brooke de Lench

Win Copy of Sports Illustrated Kids' 3D Sports Blast Book

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Sun, 07/10/2011 - 20:08. | comments

We rarely have so much fun with a new book as we have been having with the Sports Illustrated Kids' 3D Sports Blast. Everyone who comes into our office grabs the book and puts on the 3D glasses that come with the book and pour over the pages. Each walks away with a truly unique sports experience. Sports Illustrated 3D Sports Blast cover

We love this book and have two new copies to give away. Just follow the rules at the end of this blog to learn how to enter.

Sports Illustrated puts it best:

Brooke de Lench

Casting Call for The Revolution: Weight Loss Edition

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Thu, 06/30/2011 - 15:36. | comments

Two weeks ago, my friend, Jacques, a Swiss endocrinoligst with a specialty in diabetes, came to Boston to visit for the week and to attend the Endocrine Society annual meeting. For two weeks each year, Jacques runs a successful sports camp for diabetic athletes in St Moritz, where they learn how to monitor their glucose levels and are taught ways to become motivated and more active and fit.

Brooke de Lench

The Decorah Eagles: Lessons for Youth Sports?

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:05. | comments

Since April I have had a front row seat watching the Decorah Eagles, one of best teams in the nation, at work.

Who are they? A baseball team? A lacrosse team?

No. These Eagles are actually, well, a family of American bald eagles from Decorah, Iowa - members of the bird family Accipitridae and a proud symbol of America - whose teamwork between the eagle parents (coaches) and the players (eaglets, now fledglings) set an example from which every youth sports stakeholder- parents, coaches, fans and especially young athletes - can learn valuable lessons.

Brooke de Lench

Bruins' Stanley Cup and Father's Day: Remembering My Dad

Submitted by Brooke de Lench on Thu, 06/16/2011 - 16:08. | comments

My dad has been gone for close to twenty years now, yet this Father's Day week he is closer to my heart than he has been in many years.

If he were still alive, II am sure we would have been sharing in the excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs over the past few weeks, culminating in the Bruins' victory over the Vancouver Canucks last night in Game 7.

It was an excitement we shared 39 years ago when the Bruins last won the Cup. Since he was born in 1925, he was alive for all of the other Cup victories by the B's in 1929, 1939, 1941, 1970 and 1972.