NOCAD Leadership,

As you know, NOCAD and The Jason Foundation are working together to spread
awareness of the terrible tragedy of youth suicide.  They have provided us
with an article that can be utilized in your various publications and
communication (magazines, newsletters, email blasts, etc..).  If you would
like something shorter or need additional information, feel free to reach
out to Brett directly at
brettmarciel@jasonfoundation.com<mailto:brettmarciel@jasonfoundation.com>.
 He will be able to provide you whatever it is that you may need.  If this
is something that you are unable to use, I urge you to read it for the
content.  It may contain information that you can use in another avenue.

 

 

Athletes Are Not Immune to Suicidal Thoughts
By Brett Marciel
Director of Public Relations, The Jason Foundation, Inc.

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for middle school, high school, and college aged youth in our nation. We average losing more than 130 young people (10 – 24) to suicide each week. The good news is that suicide is preventable.
While it has been noted that student-athletes are less prone to suicidal thoughts and actions, they are by no means immune to the trials and tribulations that all young people experience. The social stigma associated with mental illness, suicide, and seeking help is lessening, but there is still work to be done. There is a culture prevalent across the country where seeking help for emotional or mental distress is looked down upon.
It is imperative that we recognize when a young person may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Encouraging help seeking behavior and knowing where to go for professional assistance is of utmost importance. Suicide rates are the highest that they have been in more than 40 years, but we can make a difference. The relationships young people have with their peers, parents, and coaches are vital to their mental well-being. Having a strong support structure can deter suicide attempts in youth.
This was one of the core reasons why the National Organization of Coaches Association Directors (NOCAD) and The Jason Foundation began an affiliation in 2016. Through our collaboration, we have the potential to make a profound impact on the national public health issue of youth suicide. As a coach, you are in a unique position to have a lasting impact on the student-athletes in which you come into contact with on a regular basis.
Many times, young people today play sports year-round with little to no off-season. This instills a feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves. The effects of belonging to a team can strengthen the support system around a young person. Having this feeling of inclusiveness has been seen as a protective factor when it comes to suicidal thoughts. Alternatively, the loss of this perceived identity can have a major, negative impact on a person. We need to be acutely aware of when a young person may lose this feeling of belonging.
This loss may be a result of injury, not being able to play, poor performance, a loss of playing time or starting position, or a myriad of other factors. These situations can lead a young person to lose their identity as part of a team and could be detrimental to their mental stability. Coaches should be aware of what resources are available for student-athletes. Guidance and counseling centers/services are great places to start if you suspect a young person may be experiencing a difficult time.
The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide prevention and awareness. Our mission is to provide programs and resources for students, educators, and parents to help recognize and assist young people who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. The Jason Foundation has never charged any school, district, teacher, or coach for the use of any of our programs or materials.
Through the affiliation between NOCAD and The Jason Foundation, you have access to a wealth of information that can be utilized in your professional and personal life. Visit our website, www.jasonfoundation.com, to learn more about our affiliation with NOCAD, the programs available through this affiliation, and how you can become involved in suicide prevention.

New Membership policy for school year 2019-2020.

All memberships are now $65 per coach.

Membership begins August 1, 2019-ends July 31, 2020.

GACA / MaxPreps Coach of the Week

Welcome to our new listings of relevant camps and clinics that GACA Members may like to attend. If you have a camp or clinic you would like to promote, contact Asst Exec Director Craig Davis for particulars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are having a camp(s) this year, it is very IMPORTANT to read this notification:

Participant Accident Insurance Notice