Page 56 August 2 0 1 4 ARCADIA SPORTS Boys & Girls Clubs make safety number one concern By Nicholas Smith The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale are currently registering children for their annual football program. The league begins in August and Sheila Scott helps run things as the club’s sports, fitness and recreation director. “I’ve been working with the Boys & Girls Club for over 10 years,” she said. “I absolutely love what I do.” The league consists of three different divisions, ranging from the second to the eighth grade, and each has its own unique set of rules and challenges. “Our rookie division is second- through fourth-graders, and they only play flag football,” said Scott. “Our cadet league, made up of fifth- through sixth-graders, is where tackle begins. Then we have J seventh- and eighth-graders in our pro division, and the goal there is to prepare them for high school football.” The Boys & Girls program is different than other youth football leagues. As opposed to a win-at-all-cost approach, the focus is on teaching the kids the game, sportsmanship and teamwork. “Every kid gets to play in our league, which is extremely important,” said Scott. “The goal is for the kids to have fun, first and foremost. The leagues become more competitive the older the children get.” Many of the coaches are former players, and love the opportunity to prepare kids for the high school game. “We’ve had many of them turn down offers to coach on high school teams,” she said. “They really enjoy getting to teach the game to the kids.” The league has not been immune to the effects of the concussion issue that has plagued the reputation of the game in the last few years. “We used to have players on a waiting list,” Scott said. “But the concussion talk has scared parents. Last year we had 88 players, down from well over 200.” By Tina Tomb players. Why is o when you are throughout th lot of reason that fear is d factor on the Players for Diffe I think t different pla they will wh it or hit some A more seaso of the same, knock the b trouble, caus the first hole. Whatever t jitters, there tone it down. 1. Remember easy to los golfers the 90 shots and this is warmed up range and all that you at a time. 2. Realize no know, it’s e what other no one is c shoot or ho 3. Make sure a proper pr routine get to get you consistent, 30th Street & Indian School Road • 602.957.8402 Lindstrom Family Auto Wash Your Neighborhood Car Wash Visit us at LindstromAutoWash.com for the “Deal of the Month!” Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon. Expires 8/31/14. Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon. Expires 8/31/14. Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon. Expires 8/31/14. 15% OFF Any Detail Package $3 OFF “The Works” Car Wash $2 OFF Regular Car Wash Not valid with any other offers. Lindstrom Family Auto Wash Not valid with any other offers. Lindstrom Family Auto Wash Not valid with any other offers. Lindstrom Family Auto Wash PROFESSIONAL DETAIL SERVICES Engine Cleaning • Dress (top only) • Express Shampoo • Express Wax • Leather Cleaning Conditioner • Complete Interior • Exterior Over Spray Removal ARCADIA NEWS ARCADIA NEWS ARCADIA NEWS The Boys & Girls program is going to great lengths to ensure player safety for the kids. The rookie division no longer tackles, playing strictly flag football for the first time this year. All staff and coaches must be certified in the National Federation of State High School Associations concussion course, and the program is offering free baseline concussion testing to all players. Practices have been reduced to two nights a week for an hour and a half each, along with a two hour practice on Saturday, in order to decrease injury risk. “If we suspect a concussion, that’s it,” said Scott. “You can’t play until you take and pass an exam. We are extremely serious about this and the safety of the kids comes first.” Practices start on Aug. 30 and are open to children from 7 to 13 years of age. The fee is $150 plus a $25 membership fee. Pads and helmets come with registration. “We’re excited for the season to start,” said Scott. “It’s a great way for kids to learn both values and football.”

Page 57 August 2 0 1 4 ARCADIA SPORTS By Tina Tombs Many golfers share a common fear. Those first-tee jitters get the best of us, from the most skilled professionals in the world, to beginner players. Why is one shot such a big deal when you are going to hit several more throughout the day? I think there are a lot of reasons, but it’s often explained that fear is due to the unknown, a big factor on the first tee. Players Fear the First Tee for Different Reasons I think the fear is different for different players. Beginners often fear they will whiff the ball, pop it up, top it or hit some sort of embarrassing shot. A more seasoned player often fears a bit of the same, but more so that they may knock the ball out of bounds or into trouble, causing them a high number on the first hole. Whatever the reason for your first-tee jitters, there are steps you can take to tone it down. 1. Remember it’s only one shot. It’s easy to lose perspective, but for many golfers they are going to hit at least 90 shots and this is only one. If you’ve warmed up properly on the driving range and putting green, you’ve done all that you can do. It’s now one shot at a time. 2. Realize nobody cares, but you. I know, it’s easy to get caught up in what others think, but in the long run no one is concerned with what you shoot or how you play. 3. Make sure to obtain and maintain a proper pre-shot routine. Your routine gets you in a rhythm. It helps to get you in a mental zone. If it’s consistent, chances are your swing Keeping your nerves in check at first shot and results are going to be consistent, cutting down on missed hits. Focusing on your routine and your target gets your focus off of yourself and your nerves. 4. Take a deep breath. Deep breathing from your diaphragm (stomach area) will help to slow your heart rate and calm your nerves. When we get excited we tend to breathe faster and take short breaths from our chest, only continuing to keep you amped. Start the deep breaths while others are teeing off, before you step up to the first tee. Then go through your routine and take a long deep breath right before you bring the club back to swing. Tina Tombs is the Director of Instruction at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and an LPGA Tour Professional. You can contact her at Tina@tinatombsgolf.com. FREE $50 Don & Charlie’s gift card with first appointment! Pat Moran Pat@PatMoranGroup.com 602-571-1035 Kirk Lipson Kirk@PatMoranGroup.com 480-322-8953 Don & Charlie’s gift card with first appointment! www.patmorangroup.com Pat Moran Kirk Lipson Does Your Life Insurance Offer Living Benefits Protection? That’s protection for you if you should suffer from a Heart Attack, Cancer, Stroke, or Alzheimer’s. If your life insurance policy doesn’t offer Living Benefit protecti on, or you are unsure, call us today for answers. Scottsdale & Phoenix 480-970-8232 • www.SpanishTime.com • Ages 2-12, Monday - Saturday • Half, Full and Extended Day Option (7am-6pm) • Flexible Schedules - 1 day/week up to 5 days/week Enroll for 2014-2015 Toddler / Preschool / Elementary Comprehensive Remodeling & Handyman Services 480.699.5835 www.valleyviewsp.com Improve Your Living Space... LICENSED CONTRACTOR • FAMILY OWNED • CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED  QUALITY  INTEGRITY  SERVICE  Visit your tablet’s app store and search “Arcadia News” to download your free app today! Find us on the go!