Winning takes a back seat to the welfare of young athletes in the American Coaching Effectiveness Program.

By Dan Frase

The American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP) is a comprehensive series of courses which educate persons who coach young children. The two parts teach sports medicine and science techniques, tactics and rules of the specific sport being coached.

The Waukegan Park District promotes the ACEP philosophy — "Athletes First, Winning Second" — to its coaches. This has been accomplished by the employment of a full-time recreational professional to coordinate and run a Level 1 certification program. In addition, the district purchased materials (texts, study guides, patches, certificates and films) which help ensure a quality program.

Getting started

The American Coaching Effectiveness Program was successfully introduced to Waukegan residents through a series of promotions beginning in October, 1983. It culminated with the start of the first clinic in December of that year.

Our first promotional event was a two-hour dinner to introduce ACEP to the Greater Waukegan Baseball Association (GWBA). The GWBA's support and recommendation were essential to our efforts.

The ACEP was introduced with a movie and a short slide presentation. The park district also committed itself to providing the time and money necessary for running quality clinics and certifying coaches.

Everyone present at the dinner received a schedule of ACEP clinics and a brochure explaining the program. Coaches in attendance also received a schedule with first and second program dates.

Spreading the word

The ACEP Instruction Manual outlines a specific publicity program to be followed. After promoting ACEP directly to the GWBA, letters were sent to all coaches involved in its program. In addition, publicity releases were sent to all local newspapers and radio stations.

The greatest contributing factor to our success was that we implemented ACEP according to design. A great deal of time and research was spent on developing a program that would run efficiently with minimal effort.

The first clinic focused on baseball and was attended by 16 coaches. Coaching levels ranged from our youngest players to the local American Legion level.

Fourteen of these coaches completed the program and were certified. Presentations, which included a patch and certificate, were made at the GWBA meeting and documented with pictures. Coaches were urged to wear the patches at all games to create an awareness of the program and encourage questions.

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A second effort

The second ACEP clinic started one week after the first one ended. It was again promoted with letters, this time to all local coaches (soccer, baseball and football) and other interested individuals.

A 20-minute promotional slide presentation was developed for use at association meetings. It gave a basic outline of the clinics. Samples of the patches and certificates were also available, and the media releases were continued.

The second clinic was held on four consecutive Tuesday evenings. Sixty-five coaches representing a variety of sports (with soccer dominating) attended. Their professional backgrounds varied from local business owners to paramedics and policemen.

Current efforts

The ACEP has been accepted in Waukegan and has support from all youth sports associations. For example, the Waukegan Soccer Association (WSA) wants all of its coaches to be certified in the Level 1 program. The Waukegan Football Association (WFA) and the WGBA both plan to make ACEP an integral part of their programs.

More than 70 coaches have been certified in Level 1 programs during the four ACEP clinics. Parents are also getting involved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dan Frase is employed by the Glenview Park District as athletic supervisor. He was previously athletic supervisor for the Waukegan Park District from 1982-1984. He is a 1982 graduate of Iowa State University.

Editor's Note - This column features information about federal and State programs, services, and issues which can be of special interest to park and recreation professionals. For additional information about a particular item, readers should contact directly the agency listed. Suggested topics for future publication in the column can be sent to Illinois Parks and Recreation, 217 E. Monroe St., Suite 101, Springfield, IL 62701. Court decision preempts states' rights A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals has gutted a law which guarantees Illinois workers the right to know what toxic substances are present in their workplace. The Illinois "Workers Right to Know" law became effective Jan. 1, 1984. Under the law, employers of 20 or more workers in specified categories were required to make available to workers lists of toxic materials in their workplaces. They were also required to train workers to handle the materials, clearly label toxic materials, notify fire departments about what materials were present, design emergency plans and file with the State Department of Labor lists of the materials handled. Employers were also barred from taking retaliatory action against a worker who sought information or took action based on it. The federal court's decision preempts states' rights to impose their own standards in certain industrial categories. Officials at the State Department of Labor are studying the court's decision to determine its exact ramifications for Illinois. The department has already dismissed two enforcement cases that had been scheduled for a hearing. Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Labor, Toxic Substances Division, 100 N. First St., Fifth Fl., Springfield, IL 62706. Phone (217) 782-4102. DOC triathlon debuts Aug. 3 The Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking athletes to participate in the first annual Eagle Creek Triathlon, scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, at Eagle Creek State Park on the shore of Lake Shelbyville. The race will coincide with dedication ceremonies for the newly constructed swimming beach at Eagle Creek. Participants will leave the beach at 8 a.m. for a three-quarter-mile swim, followed by 11 miles of hiking. The triathlon concludes with a four-mile foot race. Trophies, ribbons and other prizes will be awarded to top athletes competing in the event. Athletes who want to participate must enter in advance Entry applications are available at the Eagle Creek park office, and at sporting good stores, banks and other businesses in the Lake Shelbyville area. Applications are also available by writing to Dick Garfat, Department of Conservation, Public Lands and Historic Sites, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62706. Phone (217) 785-5559. Participation in the race is limited to 250 competitors.

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 23                                                       July/August 1985