Jerry Carino of the Courier News (Bridgewater NJ) recently interviewed me concerning the latest batch of out-of-control parents in the news (see link below). I was pleasantly surprised when I read the published article that Jerry actually had a plan. He suggested a “Parent Pledge” to be read and signed by each parent before his or her child can participate in an organized youth sport. This idea, in and of itself, is not unique. It has already been implemented in many athletic programs across the country. But, what is unique to Jerry’s plan is the mode of distribution. Instead of adding a new and separate item (subject to being lost before reaching the parent’s hands) to the already abundant collection sent home by both youth organizations and schools, Jerry recommends incorporating this new, educational tool into the permission slip; an existing document that has long been established; a document that parents are already conditioned to sign and return. Jerry suggested that the NJSIAA should consider the idea of a pledge; they also need to consider this simple, yet effective means of distribution. http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060923/SPORTS03/609230351/1002/NEWS06