Rowman & Littlefield Publishers The Other Classroom: The Essential Importance of High School Athletics

High school sports programs are not simply one-dimensional after-school recreational diversions from the rigors of academic life. In The Other Classroom: The Essential Importance of High School Athletics, Michael J. Coffino showcases how high school athletics have a positive influence on the student athletes beyond just the sports experience itself. He argues that the lessons learned, tools acquired, and values instilled have an enduring impact that prepare young athletes for the many challenges they will face in life. Coffino reveals how a well-considered, value-based athletic program effectively works alongside the standard educational curriculum to teach athletes a wide range of beneficial behaviors-including self-advocacy, goal-setting, leadership, conflict resolution, and more. Drawing on extensive research, illuminating anecdotes, heartfelt commentary from original interviews, and Coffino's personal coaching experience, The Other Classroom issues a passionate challenge to school administrators, coaches, athletic directors, parents, and local communities to bring greater focus on how their high school programs consider the long-term well-being of student athletes. It urges schools to emphasize the importance of preparing student athletes to flourish as adults in whatever they pursue once their formal education is complete. Review Michael Coffino reminds us of both the tremendous opportunity and great responsibility all who work in high school athletics have to our students. He provides concrete examples of ways to enhance the experience for all in achieving the desired outcomes. It is a must read.--Bob Gardner, Executive Director, National Federation of State High School Associations A wonderful read for anyone who has ever played, cheered, watched or coached high school sports. Essential reading for parents of kids who are involved in, or will one day play, high school sports. When the trophies, plaques and banners are all collecting dust, Coffino's teachings and observations will be in the heart and mind of every former high school athlete turned college graduate, professional, parent and mentor. Excellent book.--Rich Cellini, Professor, Sport Management Program, University of San Francisco Coach Coffino does an excellent job demonstrating that the high school arena is a vital extension of the classroom. His various illustrations and narrative pose challenges to every coach and athletic director to run impactful athletic programs and help our athletes become the next leaders in our society.--Timothy Johnston, Certified Athletic Administrator and Director of Athletics, East Grand Rapids High School If you ever doubted the significant impact of high school athletics on the lives of our youth, read The Other Classroom. Michael Coffino does a magnificent job showing how high school athletics teach the principles, values and skills we hold dear as a nation, yet so often shun in academic offerings, including empathy, citizenship, leadership, teamwork and willingness to take calculated risk, critical traits for anyone entering the job market and having a productive life. It is essential reading for athletic directors, coaches, school administrators, parents and employers.--Erin Lewellen, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Emery High School, Emeryville, California Michael Coffino is spot on in his description of the specific qualities and characteristics a good coach can draw out of the high school athlete. Every high school athletic director and administrator needs to read The Other Classroom to, one, be reminded of the importance of prep sports and, two, to fully understand the range of qualifications a potential high school coach must have to properly guide his/her players to their full potential. The importance of high school athletics to a developing and maturing adolescent can never be undervalued.--Tony Dorado, Nike's National Manager of High School Basketball Michael Coffino makes a clear case