High school students view their coaches and teachers as more than just the person running their practices or teaching their classes these days, and this is a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. These students are embarking on some of the most impactful and formative years of their life, and they look to teachers and coaches for leadership, guidance, and advice. The school organization, booster club, and parent teacher association also put their trust in us as educators, so it is up to us to do all we can to help these kids continue to learn and grow.

You'd probably do cartwheels, handstands, or back-flips if you knew it would help raise money for your team, right? Maybe you'd walk a tightrope, walk on coals or even lie on a bed of nails if you knew would generate funds and provide financial support for your school or team. However, these feats are better left with cheerleaders, circus performers, and mystics. So, how do we raise money for our athletes?

Education funding has been a very hot topic over the past several years, both in the social realm and the political realm. Legislation being passed in several states, especially during the economic decline in 2007 and 2008, and shifted government funding from school to social welfare programs. Some states have seen a decline in funding altogether. Unfortunately, the first areas where budgets are cut are in the areas that are necessary for our children’s development: athletics.

Issues in sports that have been in the news are beginning to shine a spotlight on athletic programs in schools and communities around the country. Many of these programs have begun a comprehensive examination of their policies both on and off the field to determine where areas of risk and liability may be in question. These risks may be in areas of safety, conduct toward others or actions performed during play.

Certain warning signs appear in a student taking steroids and parents and coaches need to be aware of these warning signs. If the student is speaking words that the parent does not know the meaning such as juice, sauce, slop, vitamins, product, and roids they may be talking about or taking steroids. If a parent notices any of the following in their child they need to speak with the child, the doctor and the child's coach.

High school coaches do not have an easy job. Whatever the sport, there are many variables that contribute to a successful athletic endeavor, and coaches have to juggle all of them. Most coaches bring a strategy into each game so the team’s actions are efficient and focused. However, a single misstep can blow that plan to bits in an instant, requiring a complete reevaluation and immediate action.