"There isn't any other youth institution that equals sports as a setting in which to develop character. There just isn't. Sports are the perfect setting because character is tested all the time."

- John Gardner, Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner and Founding Member of Positive Coaching Alliance's National Advisory Board

Sports provide the ideal 'virtual classroom' for teaching life lessons, when children have Responsible Sport Parents and Responsible Coaches. A 2001 research study entitled "The Development of Psychological Talent in U.S. Olympic Champions," found that Olympic Champions reported having parents and coaches who "provided considerable encouragement and support and reciprocal trust and respect."

Education through sport can develop children of high character, who lead, persevere, overcome adversity and function as productive team members. A Responsible Sport Parent fills two key roles: 

• Ensuring your youth athlete's safety

• Helping your youth athlete apply life lessons from sports on and off the field

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