Strength and Movement Academy invites Dr. Pete Paciorek, the Head of Leadership & Character Development at the world-renowned IMG Academy and has over 25 years of experience as a youth educator. A former professional baseball player and holds a Doctor of Education in Servant Leadership & Character Development from the University of Missouri St. Louis, along with two master’s degrees in Organizational Communication and Sport Management. His work emphasizes positive youth development, wellbeing, and character-building for student-athletes, coaches, and parents.
His talk this March 1, 2025 at The Vermillion Events will tackle the in-depth analysis of his evidence-based framework that has been a game-changer for many coaches: PRIMED for Coaching for Character (PCC). This framework aligns beautifully with Character.org’s 11 Principles Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character. Developed from over 40 years of research by experts like Berkowitz & Bier, PCC focuses on what really works in character education and holistic youth development.
What is PRIMED?
This is an acronym for the six principles of PCC for coaches, educators, and parents to apply and its goal to create an environment where athletes can experience joy, balance, happiness, and zest in their sports journey. The PRIMED framework equips coaches with the tools needed to reverse the negative trends and make sports enjoyable again.
Prioritization of Character Development and Purpose: Coaches are encouraged to prioritize character development over wins and losses, focusing on long-term growth rather than just championships. PCC urges coaches to actively build character before and after practices and competitions, reflecting on their efforts.
Relationships of Trust: Coaches must build trust and relationships with their players, as kids won’t care about what you know until they know you care. This principle extends to parents and all stakeholders involved in the development of the team.
Intrinsic Motivation: Coaches are encouraged to reflect on whether they are fostering intrinsic motivation and a love for the game, or simply focusing on wins and accolades. The challenge lies in balancing individual recognition with promoting team values and life skills.
Modeling High Character: Coaches and team leaders must model strong moral character, ensuring their words, actions, and overall presence align as role models for their players.
Empowerment of Athletes: Empowerment is a challenge for many coaches, as we are accustomed to exercising strict control rather than encouraging athletes to take on leadership roles. It’s now a vital opportunity for coaches focused on character development through PCC.
Developmental Pedagogy Long-term: Coaches can easily lose sight of their true purpose in pursuit of championships and personal gain. This principle serves as a reminder to stay focused on positively impacting players’ character above all else.
The Importance of Youth Character Development
In today’s competitive sports environment, the focus often shifts to winning at all costs. However, what is really crucial is to prioritize long-term character development and well-being of young athletes. Unfortunately, a recent study showed a 6% decline in sports participation among youth aged 8-17—not because they’ve lost interest, but due to pressures from bad coaching, overzealous parents, and unrealistic expectations. This is heartbreaking, especially when we know the joys and health benefits that sports can offer.
Learn More About the PRIMED Approach!
Join Dr. Pete Paciorek’s talk with Strength and Movement Academy on March 1, 2025 at The Vermillion Events to ensure our young athletes not only participate in sports but thrive in them! By focusing on character development through the PRIMED approach, you can help them build a love for sports that lasts a lifetime.
Register Here: bit.ly/SMACoachingForLife
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