AAF Advanced Level
Track & Field Coaching Clinic
Saturday, January 29, 2005

Photo by Dave Casper
Dr. Gary Green of UCLA delivers the keynote address at the AAF's
Advanced Level Track & Field Clinic, discussing the growing problem with steroids.

By Rich Gonzalez - Editor, DyeStatCal
         A sensational turnout of 300-plus coaches were treated to another excellent day of instruction at the most recent installment of the AAF-sponsored Coaching Education program, hosted on January 29th at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut. The free seven-hour clinic predominantly attracted coaches from the high school ranks, although a small collection of collegiate and youth coaches attended as well.
         Dr. Gray Green of UCLA provided the keynote address for the clinic, informing coaches of the present educational challenges that the high school athletics scene faces in light of the recent spate of steroid-use offenses by high-profile athletes on the global scene. Dr. Green, a specialist on the topic of steroids, presented a well-received discussion on the problematic issue, with scores of coaches praising the insight they gleaned from  his clinic-opening address to the group. Of the 22 winter-time coaching clinics we are aware of that are scheduled this winter within California, this is the only session known to us that even addresses the sensitive steroids issue in coaching education.

Photo by Dave Casper
Just over 300 coaches turned out for a great day of instruction,
with literally thousand of young athletes to benefit in the long run!

         Clinic attendees also benefitted from a series of hands-on and field demonstration instructionals regarding biomechanics and physiology principles, with former world-class athletes and National Team coaches among those clinicians being featured. Additionally, the AAF Clinic showcased presentations on such key areas as injury prevention techniques for young athletes as well as an invaluable lecture on some of the nuances of the Hy-Tek timing software/procedures required to organize well-run competitions for their participating athletes.
          The AAF will be presenting its third and final Track & Field Clinic of the winter on Saturday, February 12 at Westview HS in San Diego. The initial clinic of the 2004-2005 winter session took place on January 15, with well over 200 coaches in attendance.
          The Amateur Athletic Foundation is a legacy of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, with surplus funds generated from that Olympiad being used to further the educational and social development of young athletes through their involvement in sports.For more information on either the AAF's Coaching Education Program or the Amateur Athletic Foundation, please visit their website at aafla.org

Wish to view pictures of some of the clinicians from January 29?

Click here to view Dave Casper's photos from the event!