When John Thoms was notified that the Positive Coaching Alliance would be conducting a coaches clinic for the Rhode Island Lacrosse Association, he admits his first reaction was, "Oh great, this will be a waste of time."

Still, he kept an open mind and attended the clinic.

He says he's glad he did.

The more Thoms learned about the alliance's philosophy during that workshop, the more enthusiastic he became. By the end, he couldn't wait to apply the principles he'd learned while coaching his son's South County youth lacrosse team.

"I've never had more fun, the kids have never had more fun and the parents really appreciated the coaching approach," Thoms said. "I actually had referees on two occasions compliment me on how my parents behaved during the game. While the lacrosse team took its lumps, I had tremendous success coaching house league soccer with my daughter. I firmly believe that the PCA approach made the difference that led to our victory through a tight championship tournament."

Based at Stanford University, Positive Coaching Alliance is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to persuade coaches to shift away from a "win-at-all-costs" mentality to what the PCA refers to as the "Double-Goal Coach" methodology.

While that approach still acknowledges that one of the goals in youth sports is winning, it also stresses the value of another, more important goal, which is to teach kids larger life lessons.

A "Positive Coach," the PCA contends, should attempt to accomplish three objectives:

Redefine the word "winner," by focusing on a player's effort, rather than the outcome, and on learning, rather than comparing oneself to others.

The coach should also teach players that they should not be afraid of making mistakes, but instead view them as a natural part of the learning process as they strive to be the best players, and people, they can be.

Fill the players' "emotional tanks," by motivating through compliments, praise and positive reinforcement, not through fear, intimidation or shame. When criticism is necessary, it should not attack the player's sense of self-worth. The coach should also realize that some of the most important lessons can be taught during adverse situations.

Honor the game by upholding both the letter and the spirit of the rules, by respecting opponents and officials (even during times of disagreement), and by making a commitment to and encouraging ones teammates and by respecting oneself by living up to our own highest standard.

PCA has teamed up with prominent sports figures, including Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson as its national spokesman, and partnered with more than 400 youth sports organizations, cities and schools. The organization has conducted workshops nationwide.

When R.I. Preteen Football arranged a PCA workshop for its members last year, the Johnston Panthers Youth Football program made it mandatory for all coaches.

League vice president Christopher Tacelli said he found it to be "very informative" and that it dealt with "more than X's and O's."

"It's very easy to get caught up in the heat of the competition," he said. "We all need to be reminded sometimes that it's about the kids."

For more information about the Positive Coaching Alliance, which also offers an online Double-Goal Coach workshop for $25, log on to http://www.positivecoach.org, call (866) 725-0024 or send an e-mail inquiry to pca@positivecoach.org

cthorn@projo.com / (401) 277-7340