This is a tangential comment, but is the placement of High School athletes into college athletic programs at all incentivized? Just curious if that is a driver for the year round calendar HS has evolved into.

 

Incentived...no. At least not that I'm aware of. Getting kids to college programs looks good and helps attract kids to your program.

Let the kids play as much as they want during the dead period. Let the coaches hang out on a beach drinking Margaritas!

Let the kids play as much as they want during the dead period. Let the coaches hang out on a beach drinking Margaritas!

 

Nobody is saying they can't, just not at school owned facilities.

You're ignoring the punishment part of my stance. You and I both know that when kids didn't show up to summer workouts they would be penalized. They shouldn't be. That's my point.

 

They aren't punished at Boyle County or Mercer County.

Yes they are. I used to see those families annually.

 

AAU tournaments aren't vacations.

I'm not sure this is true. I don't think the coach can coach/be involved during the dead period.

 

 

Confirmed. No coaching of any sort during dead period.

Families are forced to have vacations? Since when. Again why the need to have vacations?

 

Let me help you read this: No one said families were force to have vacations, that the vacations they choose to take they are "forced to schedule during dead period"...hope that helps clarify for you

Anyone who has been on BGP actively the last 5 years knows UKMF doesn't have kids yet. That's a well known theme amongst the regulars. :lol2: :lol2:

 

...maybe I knew, hmmmm...sometimes just need to see people say things "out loud"...helps for clarity sake..... :wave:

An interesting topic of conversation that generated discussion on social media this week focused on the KHSAA and Diocesan Dead Period. I have never fully read the specific bi-law outlining the reasons for the Dead Period, but here is a summary:

 

"The Dead Period was developed following a nearly year long task force review in the middle-1990s to address a growing issue where year-round athletics was eroding family opportunities for a break from participation, and outside entities were beginning to sponsor a growing amount of school based summer competition. In addition, over the years, many sometimes overzealous coaches required their players to play scores of games throughout the summer, in addition to a year-round workout regimen. While this may seem to be in the best interest of developing sports talent, such is not the purpose of high school athletics. High school sports are to supplement classroom learning and allow for in-season competitive opportunities, not a year round Olympic or professional development period. Families were complaining that they could not plan vacations or family outings because of coach’s requirements and athletes were complaining of burn out. In addition, schools were increasingly concerned with liability issues related to the summer. In a survey conducted by the KHSAA, 80% of superintendents, principals and athletic directors who returned the survey indicated they supported a “dead period” in the summer. Initial responses were overwhelmingly in support of a four (4) week dead period. The primary intent of the regulation is to eliminate, for an approximately two (2) week period, the leverage a coach has over his/her high school athletes."

 

The Diocese has added a third week to the Dead Period for all parochial/private high schools.

 

The point that was addressed through social media banter (and I admit I do agree) is if the pupose of the Dead Period was to prevent burnout, allow young athletes down time for their bodies to rest/rejuvenate energy, plus provide valuable family time over the summer with no school sports commitments, why then do coaches not seem to appreciate or understand the implications and long-term effects of overuse and year-round commitment with no time for recovery!

 

More and more schools seem to have their seniors organize and run "optionals" during the three weeks in which high school athletes are supposed to have time to physically and mentally recover, with the full knowledge and support of coaches. Ironically, the Dead Period is suppossed to be a time in which coaches have no leverage over their athletes, yet most players consider these "optionals" mandatory as it is stated one should attend unless they have prior commitments.

 

Why do coaches (and for that matter Athletic Directors since they are ultimately responsible for their sports programs) continue to ignore the warning of sports-medicine experts who are in support of overuse prevention programs in youth sports. Coaches push these Dead Period "optionals" as a method of injury prevention. However, sports-medicine doctors and physical therapists are pushing a shut down period for athletes as a method of injury prevention!

 

Until all coaches honestly support the Dead Period and openly discourage player run "optionals" during this time, high school athletes will never really benefit from the true intentions of the Dead Period.

 

Come July 15th, summer is over for all fall athletes - so why are coaches insistent on dominating an athlete's time year-round? As the KHSAA bi-law states, athletics is supplemental to the classroom, and academics should take precedent. We as parents want time with our children/athletes as much as you coaches want them on your court/field! Remember coaches, they were our children and part of a family before they were your athletes and part of the team!

 

 

 

Wow, where should I start? First off, have you talked to the coaches and AD at your school? You titled this tread "coaches, please, support the Dead Period". I'm going to guess you are directing at your coach. I can check your profile and see that you have 20 something post about the same school and one sport. Not cool to throw your AD and Coach under the bus.

 

My daughter will be a Senior at a pretty big school. From what I hear there will be 60 girls trying out for spots on 3 team. Her coach has held "optionals" since February (and you are complaining about 2 weeks). My daughter is help leading conditioning sessions the next two weeks for her soccer team. Her first two years, she did not attend the dead period workouts (I do not feel it hurt my daughter's playing time or did her coach even know who attended). But she did her Junior year and had a blast. It was great working out with her fellow teammates. Looking back she will tell you she wish that she would have attended her 1st two years. The preseason sessions were a good way for the underclassman to workout with the older girls and hopefully lose any butterflies they might have and not be so nervous doing the tryouts that start July 15.

 

I am a PT and also played college soccer at a D2 school. I see a ton of injuries in the beginning of the season as kids come into 2 a days unprepared. You really think that the two weeks before 2 a days should be a time to rest? No, ask any professional and they will tell you that these young athletes need to be conditioned and in shape day one before they start the very grueling 3-4 hours of practice they have for 2 weeks. "Coaches push these Dead Period "optionals" as a method of injury prevention", and I as a PT agree with these coaches 100%. And what better way to prepare then with their fellow teammates??

 

For several years I have said I would like to run the Flying Pig. Months before, I start to train, but I would slack off or make excuses not to train and I was never ready for it. Last November I joined a group with the goal to run this 2015's FP. We trained 3 times a week. I went to every training session, you know why? Because it is more fun and helpful to have others pushing me to work out. I had others depending on me. I couldn't make the excuses not to get up at 5am because they were going to be at the gym waiting for me. We all had the same goal and because of this group I ran my 1st marathon. It is the same way for they high school kids. The Seniors hold these session to help the younger kids (and I'm sure the younger kids help the Seniors). They are all there for the same goal, to be ready to play come July 15.

 

I can't tell you how proud I am of my Senior daughter, her coach did not tell her to do what she is doing, not one. You have no idea the extra time she has put in to plan these sessions. Why is she doing it? To help make her team a little more prepared for 2 a days. She is also bonding with her fellow athletes which in turn will help make a successful Senior year regardless of their record.

 

Today we have so many kids who are over weight or out of shape, I can't believe any PT would criticize a coach wanting an athlete to be in the best condition before they start practice. If you or your kids do not want to attend then don't but don't ruin it for the rest of the kids that want to be there.

Wow, where should I start? First off, have you talked to the coaches and AD at your school? You titled this tread "coaches, please, support the Dead Period". I'm going to guess you are directing at your coach. I can check your profile and see that you have 20 something post about the same school and one sport. Not cool to throw your AD and Coach under the bus.

 

My daughter will be a Senior at a pretty big school. From what I hear there will be 60 girls trying out for spots on 3 team. Her coach has held "optionals" since February (and you are complaining about 2 weeks). My daughter is help leading conditioning sessions the next two weeks for her soccer team. Her first two years, she did not attend the dead period workouts (I do not feel it hurt my daughter's playing time or did her coach even know who attended). But she did her Junior year and had a blast. It was great working out with her fellow teammates. Looking back she will tell you she wish that she would have attended her 1st two years. The preseason sessions were a good way for the underclassman to workout with the older girls and hopefully lose any butterflies they might have and not be so nervous doing the tryouts that start July 15.

 

I am a PT and also played college soccer at a D2 school. I see a ton of injuries in the beginning of the season as kids come into 2 a days unprepared. You really think that the two weeks before 2 a days should be a time to rest? No, ask any professional and they will tell you that these young athletes need to be conditioned and in shape day one before they start the very grueling 3-4 hours of practice they have for 2 weeks. "Coaches push these Dead Period "optionals" as a method of injury prevention", and I as a PT agree with these coaches 100%. And what better way to prepare then with their fellow teammates??

 

For several years I have said I would like to run the Flying Pig. Months before, I start to train, but I would slack off or make excuses not to train and I was never ready for it. Last November I joined a group with the goal to run this 2015's FP. We trained 3 times a week. I went to every training session, you know why? Because it is more fun and helpful to have others pushing me to work out. I had others depending on me. I couldn't make the excuses not to get up at 5am because they were going to be at the gym waiting for me. We all had the same goal and because of this group I ran my 1st marathon. It is the same way for they high school kids. The Seniors hold these session to help the younger kids (and I'm sure the younger kids help the Seniors). They are all there for the same goal, to be ready to play come July 15.

 

I can't tell you how proud I am of my Senior daughter, her coach did not tell her to do what she is doing, not one. You have no idea the extra time she has put in to plan these sessions. Why is she doing it? To help make her team a little more prepared for 2 a days. She is also bonding with her fellow athletes which in turn will help make a successful Senior year regardless of their record.

 

Today we have so many kids who are over weight or out of shape, I can't believe any PT would criticize a coach wanting an athlete to be in the best condition before they start practice. If you or your kids do not want to attend then don't but don't ruin it for the rest of the kids that want to be there.

 

Wow, I thought this thread had reached its peak and come to an end.

 

First of all, please get your facts straight before accusing me of something in a public forum!

I have only commented on one sport because since joining BGP, that has been the ONLY sport in season.

 

Secondly, my post was NOT aimed or targeted at any specific school, coach or athletic director. As this was my first general topic discussion, I will be more careful should I post again in selecting a title for zealouts and investigators, such as yourself, who try to find hidden meanings!

 

Anyone who has read through the 5 pages of this post will see why the Dead Period is such a hot topic...every coach, player, parent, AD, etc., all have a different opinion and take on its purpose. I am friends with several coaches, and am involved with athletics at many levels. I was amazed with the difference of opinions that exist for June optionals and Dead Period.

 

When my year-round, multi-sport athletes are being told by the BEST sports medicine docs and PTs, that they need a few weeks to let their bodies rest, I am inclined to listen and respect their expert opinions. They see and treat the constant injuries that non-stop athletes encounter. My children are dedicated athletes and know they must show up conditioned and in shape July 15th, but prefer to approach conditioning in a manner that allows for injury prevention and physical rejuvenation (away from the field and court).

 

Besides the need I see for mental and physical rejuvenation which a Dead Period provides, I am a rule follower, and to me if the Diocese and KHSAA have a mandate for a Dead Period, player run optionals are just a way to circumvent the system and guidelines. We are so protective of the health and well-being our athletes during school run practices and competitions, yet, we are encouraging our seniors, mostly 17years of age, to run conditioning offsite with no trainer or adult supervision in case of emergency ---- and no, I do not consider seniors as adult representation in the face of a medical emergency. I just hope it does not take a tragedy to draw awareness to concerns around player run optionals. Upperclassmen and incoming players have plenty of time to interact during the month of June, when most sports hold some type of team camp or optionals.

 

So, contrary to your stated assumptions, I was not calling anyone out. Yes, I do have an opinion regarding the benefit of the Dead Period, which according to this post I share with many others. In hindsight, my title should have been worded differently. I was trying to draw attention to player run optionals in an attempt to generate thoughts from BGP posters.

 

I thank you for your valued opinion, as everyone is entitled to one, and I appreciate your insight into this apparently heated topic!

I find it fairly amusing that arguably the top Girls soccer team over the last 10 years in the state (and certainly in the Top 3) always started a full week after the Dead period ended. No optional workouts, no nothing. Just chose to start a week after when they could.

I find it fairly amusing that arguably the top Girls soccer team over the last 10 years in the state (and certainly in the Top 3) always started a full week after the Dead period ended. No optional workouts, no nothing. Just chose to start a week after when they could.

 

Thank you very much for addressing this point with such an excellent response! I too am aware of an extremely successful girls soccer program in the NKY area that does nothing until after July 15th. Seems their down time has not negatively impacted performance. So, there are cases for argument where shutting down by an entire team for player rejuvenation still produces optimal results, in contrast to those who argue that player injuries increase and conditioning is negatively affected when players utilize down time, or a Dead Period.

Wow, I thought this thread had reached its peak and come to an end.

 

First of all, please get your facts straight before accusing me of something in a public forum!

I have only commented on one sport because since joining BGP, that has been the ONLY sport in season.

 

Secondly, my post was NOT aimed or targeted at any specific school, coach or athletic director. As this was my first general topic discussion, I will be more careful should I post again in selecting a title for zealouts and investigators, such as yourself, who try to find hidden meanings!

 

Anyone who has read through the 5 pages of this post will see why the Dead Period is such a hot topic...every coach, player, parent, AD, etc., all have a different opinion and take on its purpose. I am friends with several coaches, and am involved with athletics at many levels. I was amazed with the difference of opinions that exist for June optionals and Dead Period.

 

When my year-round, multi-sport athletes are being told by the BEST sports medicine docs and PTs, that they need a few weeks to let their bodies rest, I am inclined to listen and respect their expert opinions. They see and treat the constant injuries that non-stop athletes encounter. My children are dedicated athletes and know they must show up conditioned and in shape July 15th, but prefer to approach conditioning in a manner that allows for injury prevention and physical rejuvenation (away from the field and court).

 

Besides the need I see for mental and physical rejuvenation which a Dead Period provides, I am a rule follower, and to me if the Diocese and KHSAA have a mandate for a Dead Period, player run optionals are just a way to circumvent the system and guidelines. We are so protective of the health and well-being our athletes during school run practices and competitions, yet, we are encouraging our seniors, mostly 17years of age, to run conditioning offsite with no trainer or adult supervision in case of emergency ---- and no, I do not consider seniors as adult representation in the face of a medical emergency. I just hope it does not take a tragedy to draw awareness to concerns around player run optionals. Upperclassmen and incoming players have plenty of time to interact during the month of June, when most sports hold some type of team camp or optionals.

 

So, contrary to your stated assumptions, I was not calling anyone out. Yes, I do have an opinion regarding the benefit of the Dead Period, which according to this post I share with many others. In hindsight, my title should have been worded differently. I was trying to draw attention to player run optionals in an attempt to generate thoughts from BGP posters.

 

I thank you for your valued opinion, as everyone is entitled to one, and I appreciate your insight into this apparently heated topic!

 

So you are shooting down the Seniors who are trying to help the underclassmen by drawing what attention to them by holding workout sessions?

 

I read all 5 pages, and this is the first that you have mentioned your kids play multi-sports. Well, if they play all year round, yes, they need a break. My coleuages daughter played both soccer and volleyball a few years ago at your school. Her parents are doctors and let her do it, but it was way to physically and mental for her so she only did it one year. From what I understand, your school has a hard time filling teams and which lead to many middle schoolers playing at the varsity level. But my daughter only plays soccer.

 

I guess I was a fool for dropping my 15 year old off without any adults around to watch over her back when she was working out with her teammates. But then again, she had a cell phone and knows how to call 911 if she needed to.

 

Let me ask you, does softball have a dead period where you are only left 2 weeks to practice before the first game? Bluegrass games are 10 days from July 15th. That weekend the girls will play 3-4 games. Find me a doctor that says it is okay to take 2 weeks off and come into the games physically fit under this situation.

If we are talking about the same school, you can find about 24 girls from this school playing a pick-up games around NKY before their school has tryouts.

Here is my take:

 

There is nothing wrong with a mandatory Dead period (or an extended one for NKY Catholic) schools. It establishes a time families (both player and Coaches) can take whatever kind of vacation they see fit. It makes it easier than the school having to address missing players on certain dates once practice starts. It does not put any school at a disadvantage. It does not put any players at a disadvantage.