Do sports build character? An anthropologist and a sociologist explore the underpinnings of school sports and examine the evidence to support the prevailing assumption that sport is an ennobling experience. They find that participation has little effect on positive character development. Far from building model citizens, their research shows that competitive team sports may foster selfish motives and antisocial behavior. Rather than learning self-sacrifice and dedication, athletes often pick up the message that "winning isn''t everything - it''s the only thing."

A devotional for the athlete and family. Legendary coaches Jim Crews and Jody Wright, along with coach Mitch Cupples and author Kris Holzmeyer bring inspiration to athletes and their families as they go through the ups and downs of any season. 22 "huddles" can be used as team or individual devotions before and after practice or at the start of any day. This booklet is meant not only for athletes but for all competitive individuals who are looking for inspiration as they manage tough situations and periods in life.

Life is full of ups, downs, highs and lows. It is also replete with game changing moves that can shift a situation in your favor and impact your journey. Sometimes that impact is realized immediately, and at other times the awareness comes later. Either way, game changing moves are powerful. Throughout this book, you will learn life lessons from the locker room and beyond. Chad Parks will share valuable wisdom he has acquired through sports. He provides valuable principles that will inspire and give you confidence for the road ahead so you can experience your own positive game changing moves.

Discover how to achieve success together with this hands-on guide to the lessons found in The Locker Room In The Locker Room Playbook: A Practical Guide to Heal Hurt, Overcome Adversity, and Build Unity, bestselling author Damon West and player development coach Stephen Mackey teach you how to apply the principles and concepts found in The Locker Room. You’ll find lists of core lessons, chapter summaries, detailed lesson breakdowns, discussion questions, exercises, and key takeaways in every chapter. You’ll also discover: Insightful commentary on key concepts, including respect, loyalty, character, teamwork, prejudice, integrity, and mental health Crucial blueprints for helping athletes, professionals, and students learn how to navigate all aspects of their lives How to rely on your teammates, coaches, colleagues, leaders, and partners to achieve success together Filled with must-have team building and coaching resources, this book proves that there’s always a path teams can take that allows them to work together. The Locker Room Playbook is your roadmap to finding that path and staying on it as you and your team work together to overcome adversity.

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller Explore the power of communication to heal hurt, overcome adversity, and build a unified team In The Locker Room, bestselling author Damon West and player development coach Stephen Mackey team up to explore difficult conversations about eliminating both discrimination and the cancel culture, as well as overcoming adversity. The book tells the story of four characters: two high school football coaches and two players, each of whom must deal with the fallout of an offensive comment that severely disrupts the unity and cohesion of their locker room and threatens to destroy their team. In The Locker Room, you’ll find: A guide to building an inclusive culture The blueprint for using servant leadership and a willingness to listen to break down barriers Encouragement to have the difficult conversations that lie at the heart of modern life Strategies for navigating your personal and professional life in a way that gracefully deals with the realities of prejudice, discrimination, and cancel culture Techniques for giving all people an equal voice and an equal chance at success through learning with humility and teaching with grace An indispensable exploration of some of the most critical and most difficult issues faced by professionals, coaches, athletes, and students today, The Locker Room is a must-read resource that belongs in the libraries of anyone who seeks a life or culture that can not only overcome adversity, but can also use it to reach their goals and improve their communities.