Coach: An assortment of perfect gifts for athletes in nearly all sports

Happy Holidays to one and all - especially all.

In this week's column we really get into the holiday spirit and combine our love of sports with the spirit of giving.

Here is a special holiday gift - or gifts - for just about every sport:

For the gymnasts: More lenient judges, and at least .2 more added to your score for that "degree of difficulty rating." And may all your dismounts be merry.

For hockey players (not so much the goalies): A slightly bigger rink to better show off all your skating moves, and definitely smaller goalie pads. Maybe then you would have more than a minuscule region of net to aim for when shooting the puck.

For swimmers: No ripples or waves when you swim. Nothing like the pristine smoothness of untouched water to increase your speed and timing. Oh, and maybe a set of Speedos, "the longer version," as a stocking stuffer.

For divers: Happy landings. Literally. And judges in good moods willing to fully appreciate the incredible twists and turns you do in mid air.

For soccer players: The elimination of incidental touch calls in the box allowing free penalty kicks. Also, never ending a game in a shootout; and finally a big hammer and chisel to use to completely obliterate the off-sides call. (don't get me started on that one or the happy holidays won't be quite so happy).

For volleyball players: Longer games and shorter warm ups. I have seen some game where warmups take over half an hour and the match itself is over in twenty minutes. One other note: The only good thing coming out of COVID is it stopped the relentless switching of benches volleyball teams did after every game. Thank goodness. I say stop the virus but keep this rule intact.

For track and field athletes: A scoreboard so we know which team is winning in a meet; and a nice gigantic size automatic warm air blower right smack in the middle of the infield to keep those spring athletes, who are dressed only in shorts and singlets, at least somewhat less than frigid while waiting for their events during the months of March and April.

For water polo players: An underwater referee. Oh goodness, would he or she be busy, but then again maybe what goes on under the surface should stay under the surface. A Stocking stuffer? How about a whistle that blows underwater, or maybe even better yet, a high-tech vibration device that would indicate to the athletes a stoppage of action (hopefully doing so without electrocuting everybody in the pool!).

For cheerleaders: More fans; warmer days for outside games; and a rules and strategy sheet to familiarize them with the nuances of the sport they are cheering for.

For pom squads: Nothing. Sorry gang but you're killing it as you are. Great music, great routines, precision timing, nothing to add. Wait ... maybe a trip to Florida for a competition?

For tennis players: How about a referee to yell at when you're having a tough match; definitely wind-free days; and even more definitely, a new modern scoring system (we still going with 15, 30, 40, love?)

For golfers: How about one mulligan per round; caddies with high-tech ball finding devices for the directionally challenged like myself; and maybe golf carts with built in cable TV and free Wi-Fi (for when you are behind a really slow group)

For football players: A return to the old-school huddle; a funeral for the death of questionable pass interference calls; and a really strong-footed girls soccer player to kick field goals.

For baseball players: A fall season instead of spring? Maybe one wooden bat game just for the Old Timers; and a big gust of outwardly blowing wind right when you loft that high fly ball to left field.

For wrestlers: A new miracle ointment to treat mat burn; one new counter move to offset an opponents latest offensive technique; and how about an occasional tag team match just to keep things interesting? Now that would be fun!

For field hockey players: Allow use of the backhand; take the whistle away from the referee (too many stoppages!); and have Nike design a sleeker, more modern easy movement goalie wear.

For lacrosse players: Easiest one of all! Let the goalies wear leg pads! Stocking stuffer? An easy to follow rules and strategy guide sheet for parents and fans still trying to figure out the game.

For badminton players: Respect; That's pretty much it. Simply a strong reminder to folks that this is real sport and not backyard recreation.

For basketball players: One time out only in the last two minutes; eliminate the offensive charging call unless the defensive player is actually trying to defend (not just standing there waiting for contact); And fewer "set plays" called by coaches. Let the kids create on their own!

There you have it. In the true spirit of the holiday season, something for everyone. At least, I hope. I am sure we left out some sports, but if we did, there are always New Years Resolutions.

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan. To contact him with comments or story ideas, email jcsportsandtees@aol.com.