In an effort to prepare coaches for the multifaceted challenges facing today’s athletic instructors and administrators managing high school programs, The University of Scranton will host a conference entitled “Schools Shaping the Culture of Sport” on Tuesday, March 5, and Wednesday, March 6, at the DeNaples Center on campus. The conference features Jim Thompson, executive director of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), which he founded at Stanford University in 1998. The goal of the national organization is to lead a movement to use sports develop better athletes and better people through the shaping of a more positive culture of sport.

The conference will provide useful information and tools for the many University of Scranton employees who are parents and/or coaches of young athletes as well as University of Scranton coaches, athletes, faculty and staff. A person may attend one session, a few segments, or the entire conference free of charge. New to this year’s conference is a "Sport and Spirituality" track, which includes five presentations and a panel discussion.

The conference, presented by Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District II and The University of Scranton Bochicchio Sport Character Initiative, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association, includes Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) interactive workshops and discussions for coaches, athletes and parents. The two-day event coincides with the celebration of the annual National Sportsmanship Day.

For a complete listing of the conference’s events and speakers, view the conference’s brochure, http://www.scranton.edu/news/royalnews/images/2013spring/Feb-19/BochicchioBrochure.pdf.