Posts Tagged ‘Sportsmanship’
Friday, February 26th, 2010
An idea that we have found very helpful is to suggest that you use your Education Benefits that your employer gives you toward your ISPA credentialing fees. This has been a great idea for many because of the simple math involved. Many companies set aside a small figure in their benefits package for Education, let’s say $200.00. Have you tried to sign up for a graduate course for $200.00? A conference fee? Buy books? Videotapes? But, ISPA credentialing starts at $195.00. Voila!
A presentation you attend is temporary, the investment in your career credentials is longstanding. Think about it.
Dr. Mayer, President
Tags: Coaching Credentials, Dr. John Mayer, International Sports Professionals Association, ISPA, President-ISPA, Sports Careers, Sports Credentials, sports jobs, Sportsmanship, the International Sports Professionals Association
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
With the news of Chicago Bear Gaines Adams’ passing this week, there has been a wide array of speculation as to what caused him to go into cardiac arrest. Yesterday, however, some of those rumors generated were put to rest by an autopsy report which discovered Adams had an enlarged heart. As ESPN reported earlier today, an enlarged heart is not abnormal for athletes, nor is it the sure reason why Adams went into cardiac arrest. However, it has raised other issues in regard to medical exams on professional athletes. An enlarged heart is not a condition that directly causes a person to go into cardiac arrest, but it can be a sign or symptom of other very serious heart/health conditions.
This raises some interesting questions: If the NFL is so concerned about player health and insists on extensive annual medical examinations, how was Adams’ condition not found sooner? If it was found sooner, could it have saved his life? Did the NFL somehow miss performing an EKG on Adams upon entering the NFL (standard procedure)? If so, are they at fault to some extent in this situation for not finding this condition sooner? Should athlete examinations undergo a reform to make sure such conditions are not overlooked in the future?
Gaines Adams’ full autopsy and toxicology report will be made available within the next couple of months. Until then, we can only continue to speculate as outsiders.
Our hearts go out to Gaines Adams and his loved ones in this time of sorrow. He was a gifted athlete whose potential had not yet peaked, and a dedicated family-man that will truly be missed.
- Andrew Teunis, Director of Business Development – ISPA
Tags: Chicago Bear death, Chicago Bears, Dr. John Mayer, Dr. Mayer, Gaines Adams, Gaines Adams death, International Sports Professionals Association, International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA, ISPA, John Mayer, Motivation, NFL, NFL testing, President-ISPA, Sports, Sports Credentials, sports jobs, Sportsmanship, the International Sports Professionals Association
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 15th, 2010
~Carpe Deim~
We have all heard that phrase extolling us to grab the opportunity to realize our destiny. Well, I’ve been energized. I have just returned from the national sales conference of a large international business that I was invited to attend. Of course in the meetings the topic of the poor economy hung over the crowd like a black cloud. BUT, what was inspiring in this industry which is hit particularly hard by the downturn was that this company not only remained strong but it has taken the opportunity to plan and grow for the future during this down time. It is using the global gloom to prosper. I say, ‘Here, Here!’
I think the inspiration of this company is a particularly poignant lessen for professionals who serve sports. I see so many of my colleagues hiding under rocks during this bad economy when they should be thriving. How unsportsmanlike. Do athletes cower in the face of tough opposition? Do they stop working out because, it’s not the right time? NO, they prepare themselves in down times to face the toughest competition because that will make them better at their sport.
I say take these lessens from both the athletes we serve AND from companies like the one I just witnessed and ‘Seize the Day.’ Now is the time to groom yourself to be outstanding in the field. Being a credentialed professional through ISPA marks that you have that courage to face the stiffest competition. Seize your day today. Apply for your credentials and realize your destiny.
Only the Strong Survive!
Dr. John Mayer, President
Tags: careers in sports, Dr. John Mayer, Dr. Mayer, International Sports Professionals Association, International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA, ISPA, jobs in sports, John Mayer, Motivation, President-ISPA, Sports, Sports Careers, Sports Credentials, sports jobs, Sportsmanship, the International Sports Professionals Association
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Coaches have been receiving quite a bit of publicity lately regarding their own actions on and off the job. For example: Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach and the accusations that he locked player Adam James in an electrical closet for three hours because of his inability to play due to a concussion; University of South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt and the accusations that he grabbed player Joel Miller by the throat and hit him in the face during halftime of a game; Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino’s alleged sexual relations with Karen Sypher in a Kentucky restaurant and later funding her abortion; San Gabriel High School girl’s basketball coach Jannie Han, whom suited up for a JV exhibition game. What kind of examples are these coaches setting for the athletes and prospective players that look up to them as role models and leaders? The message they are sending is “it’s OK as long as I don’t get caught”. No wonder young professional athletes today get into as much legal trouble as they do. Their role models throughout their athletic careers (whether they be direct or indirect) have imposed this attitude of being “untouchable” and that they can do whatever they want…as long as they don’t get caught – a dangerous attitude indeed.
These are exactly the kind of attitudes and actions that ISPA looks to eliminate in the world of sports today. We are looking to dignified, ethical coaches across the globe to step up and establish a new ethical standard for coaches today. Speaking as a coach myself, I feel a reform is in order and long, long overdue.
Andrew A. Teunis – Director of Business Development, ISPA
Tags: Coaches, coaching, Dr. John Mayer, Family Fit, International Sports Professionals Association, International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA, ISPA, Jannie Han, Jim Leavitt, John Mayer, Mike Leach, Rick Pitino, Sports Credentials, Sports Ethics, Sportsmanship, the International Sports Professionals Association
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
Great read in the NY Times today about concussions in sports. Check out the article here: Lawmakers Grill Doctor for His Views on Concussions. This is an issue that deserves serious attention. Sports Professionals must educate athletes on the dangers of concussions and how to safely engage in their respective sport. Lets all work together to bring more visibility to this important issue.
Justin Mayer-Executive Director, ISPA
Tags: brain injury, concussions, Dr. John Mayer, Family Fit, Family Lifestyle, International Sports Professionals Association, ISPA, jobs in sports, Sports, Sports and Media, Sports Careers, Sports Credentials, Sportsmanship
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS PROFESSIONALS ~ ISPA
The Largest Accreditation Body Credentialing Sports Professionals in all Fields
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. John E. Mayer, President 312-917-1240
JMayer2@aol.com
……………………………………
Chicago, IL—Dec. 18, 2009—The International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA) announced today that it has named Lance Armstrong as its Athlete of the Decade. Although Armstrong would have been named regardless of Tiger Woods recent problems Woods recent problems pushed him out of consideration.
“It was a fairly close race prior to the revelations that arose about Mr. Woods, but Mr. Armstrong was still our organization’s pick. When the stories broke about Tiger Woods’ infidelity and now the suspicion of his use of performance enhancing drugs that didn’t even make it close. Lance Armstrong is our pick for athlete of the decade.” Said Justin Mayer, Executive Director of ISPA.
“Our international organization’s mission is to assist in the safe and healthy participation in sports at all levels by credentialing those professionals who service sports and athletes. To accomplish this, our professionals uphold the highest standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Tiger Woods’ behavior took him out of the running for Athlete of the Decade.” Added Dr. John Mayer, President of ISPA.
The International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA) is the world’s largest credentialing service for professionals in sports. The ISPA sets standards for its membership by providing professional services to the sports world spanning children’s sports to professional athletes. The ISPA includes a wide variety of professional occupations from coaches, sport psychologists, physicians, accountants, agents, physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, sport physiologists, trainers, and more. ISPA designates that member professionals adhere to a strict code of ethics and have met the highest standards in their fields to provide professional services to athletes and to sports. ISPA maintains a National Register of sports professionals; professionals listed in the register are the top professionals serving all domestic sports at all levels. www.TheSportsProfessionals.com
###
Tags: Dr. John Mayer, Dr. Mayer, Family Fit, International Sports Professionals Association, International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA, ISPA, John Mayer, Lance Armstrong, President-ISPA, Sports, Sportsmanship, the International Sports Professionals Association, Tiger Woods
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, December 28th, 2009
It was brought to my attention that when judging an athlete we should only focus on their athletic performance and leave out their personal life (which goes a long way in judging character). Which leads me to think, is it possible to judge an athlete solely on their athletic prowess? Is it fair to judge an athlete not only on their athletic performances but also on their character?
Certainly we know a lot more about the personal life of Barry Bonds then Babe Ruth; we can thank modern media for this fact! Every day we are bombarded with the latest sports scandals. These scandals are seared into our memories like the alphabet. Associating a scandal with an athlete has become second nature. When it comes time to judge an athlete for greatness in their respective sport is it possible to remove ourselves from including their character into the equation? Do we want our greatest athletes to not only be great at their sport but also decent human beings? I know I would like to be able to tell my children that the athletes I followed were not only great at their sport but also great individuals. Maybe I am asking too much. However, it is nice to have a dream particularly as the New Year is so close.
Justin Mayer- Executive Director-ISPA
Tags: Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Dr. John Mayer, International Sports Professionals Association, International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA, ISPA, New Year, New Years, Sports, Sports and Media, Sports Careers, Sports Credentials, sports jobs, Sportsmanship, Tiger Woods
Posted in Sports | No Comments »
Friday, December 18th, 2009
News Release
Tiger Woods stripped of decade award
……………………………………
Chicago, IL—Dec. 18, 2009—The International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA) announced today that it has named Lance Armstrong as its Athlete of the Decade. Although Armstrong would have been named regardless of Tiger Woods recent problems Woods recent problems pushed him out of consideration.
“It was a fairly close race prior to the revelations that arose about Mr. Woods, but Mr. Armstrong was still our organization’s pick. When the stories broke about Tiger Woods’ infidelity and now the suspicion of his use of performance enhancing drugs that didn’t even make it close. Lance Armstrong is our pick for athlete of the decade.” Said Justin Mayer, Executive Director of ISPA.
“Our international organization’s mission is to assist in the safe and healthy participation in sports at all levels by credentialing those professionals who service sports and athletes. To accomplish this, our professionals uphold the highest standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Tiger Woods’ behavior took him out of the running for Athlete of the Decade.” Added Dr. John Mayer, President of ISPA.
The International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA) is the world’s largest credentialing service for professionals in sports. The ISPA sets standards for its membership by providing professional services to the sports world spanning children’s sports to professional athletes. The ISPA includes a wide variety of professional occupations from coaches, sport psychologists, physicians, accountants, agents, physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, sport physiologists, trainers, and more. ISPA designates that member professionals adhere to a strict code of ethics and have met the highest standards in their fields to provide professional services to athletes and to sports. ISPA maintains a National Register of sports professionals; professionals listed in the register are the top professionals serving all domestic sports at all levels. www.TheSportsProfessionals.com
###
Tags: careers in sports, Dr. John Mayer, Dr. Mayer, Family Fit, Family Lifestyle, International Sports Professionals Association, International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA, ISPA, John Mayer, Lance Armstrong, President-ISPA, Sports, Sports and Media, Sports Careers, Sports Credentials, Sportsmanship, the International Sports Professionals Association, Tiger Woods, TV Sports
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
ISPA likes Charles Barkley! In fact I have always liked Charles Barkley. I met him once casually when he was still playing. I was in a hotel and Charles ambled down to a lounge area next to a sports themed bar in the hotel lobby. There were no seats in or near the bar, so he waddled over and sat where I was sitting. I have used words like amble and waddle because he had just played that night and he walked as if he had a hundred pound lead weight on his back. He introduced himself politely (Remember he was at the height of being tagged as the original bad boy of the NBA.) and stated he just wanted to get one beer and relax. Well, he was soon spotted by the sports bar knuckleheads who immediately began taunting him and even throwing crushed up bar napkins and straws in our direction. Throughout this entire ordeal Charles didn’t even flinch and he conducted a pleasant conversation. He was gentle, polite and intellectual. I was as impressed with him as a man, not just an athlete, as anyone I have met in my career.
I just read some comments Charles Barkley made on the Tiger Woods situation and they echo what I mentioned yesterday in this blog space. He said, “I think any celebrity who pays these ‘crises management’ people to speak for them is an idiot. Say your thing, say you screwed up, my bad, move on.” Vintage Charles Barkley. Common sense, practical, candid and smart.
Charles will be on a new special this Sunday on the HLN channel called, “With all due Respect.” He will co-host with CNN host Robin Meade. I’m going to tune in just to support this man who appears to mirror the same values and voice of ISPA and a man I am very impressed with.
Dr. John E. Mayer, President-ISPA
Tags: Basketball, Dr. John Mayer, Dr. Mayer, Family Fit, Family Lifestyle, International Sports Professionals Association, International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA, ISPA, jobs in sports, John Mayer, President-ISPA, Sports and Media, Sports Careers, Sports Credentials, sports jobs, Sportsmanship, the International Sports Professionals Association, Tiger Woods, TV Sports
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Tiger Woods was seemingly an athlete that you could look up to, an athlete that you could let your kids hang a poster of in their rooms. Now of course this too has changed like so many other things in modern sports. Raising the question are athletes heroes? Is it still okay to view athletes as heroes? Has it ever been okay to view athletes as heroes?
Of course back in the days of Babe Ruth athletes private lives remained private and their indiscretions never saw the light of day. Now, in a society where information is distributed in seconds and nothing is private, the lives of athletes is front-page news. There seems to be more interest in some athletes lives then the actual sports they play. How then can anyone view athletes as heroes? How can a parent allow his or her child to proudly hang a poster of someone who is an adulterer or gambles excessively? Perhaps, we need to be careful not view the individual as a hero but view their athletic prowess as heroic. Parents can point out to their children how teams work together and the dedication required to become a great athlete and how this can translate into every facet of life from school to sports. Let’s keep the focus on the field and view the performances as heroes and not the individuals.
Justin Mayer, Executive Director-ISPA
Tags: Dr. John Mayer, Dr. Mayer, Family Fit, Family Lifestyle, Hero, Heroes, International Sports Professionals Association, ISPA, jobs in sports, Sports, Sports and Media, Sports Careers, sports jobs, Sportsmanship, Tiger Woods, TV Sports
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
