Teach and practice tools of self-control

In regards to your editorial headlined "Change sports culture to avert violence," in Massachusetts there is legislation filed by the House chair of the Education Committee, Rep. Patricia Haddad, and co-signed by 14 other legislators, that will develop a curriculum to teach self-control to kids on sports teams.

What better way to combat violence, drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders than using the vast infrastructure of sport to train people from an early age in the techniques of sport and cognitive-behavioral psychology, where people can get in the habit of training the mind in a way that improves performance, but, more importantly, behavior off the field of play?

Sport happens to be a great medium for social change. When you say, "Coaches must demand sportsmanship not only of their athletes, but of themselves," it is easier said then done. They need some structure.

What your state athletic association can do (Illinois High School Association) is to offer all coaches a way to teach sportsmanship that can be practiced every day, not on occasion - by learning to control our thoughts, feelings and behavior. A curriculum would be effective in giving coaches and kids the skills they need to cope with adversity, anger and frustration - but only if they practice it every day.

That would be a long-term plan to mitigate our societal ills. About 60 percent of all youngsters are involved in sport. Let's capture a definitive message from sport and then use it to our advantage.

Mitch Lyons, president

GetPsychedSports.org, Inc.

Newton, Mass.