ND prof takes reins of coaching accreditation council
By LIZ ZANONI
News Writer
Notre Dame professor F. Clark Power, who has conducted research for 25 years in the areas of moral development and democratic education, will now oversee sport organizations as they become accredited coaching education programs by the newly established National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE).
"There have been concerns about coaches because they are constantly working with kids; they have the opportunity to do both harm and good," said Power, an elected board member of the NCACE.
As the number of kids participating in adult-organized sport programs increase, Power is aware of the effect coaches have on the development of a child's psychological, moral and social being. Unlike teachers, who must be certified to instruct in a classroom, most coaches have few established standards to follow while directing kids on the field.
Although there are no specific or mandatory requirements established by NCACE, a program trying to become accredited must present its organization's plan and meet standards agreed upon by a national council of coaches.
A NCACE "seal of approval," according to Power, will give credibility and support to training programs committed to assisting kids through sports.
"There is a temptation to do anything you can do to win. But to win in the right way, a program creates ways to help children develop," said Power.
Power brings his experience and expertise as associate director of the Center for Sport, Character and Culture at Notre Dame to the NCACE board position. The center, whose mission is to "create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice," encourages sports as an important key in character development.
"The center is trying to promote coaching for the whole person throughout the country," said Power, who sees NCACE as another way to contribute to the center's broader effort. The center, which was created last year, encourages athletes to excel in all areas of life and fosters service learning and community outreach.
"Notre Dame has an image of being committed to the athletes and their moral character," said Power.
A Notre Dame faculty member since 1982, Power views Notre Dame's involvement with NCACE as a great opportunity for the University to join with sports psychologists, social scientists and other specialists to exercise leadership in preparing coaches through training and education.
Power, who is chair of the Program of Liberal Studies and concurrent professor of psychology, is also a faculty fellow of the Institute for Educational Initiatives, which strives through its programs to improve the education of disadvantaged youths.
The Villanova University graduate earned his master's degree in systematic theology from Washington Theological Union and his doctoral degree in human development from Harvard University.
d his doctoral degree in human development from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.
All News Stories for Thursday, August 31, 2000
