I am giving the Beautiful Blogger Award to:

• Jenn at Jeneric Stories for sharing the Dad’s Get Involved PSA video – Let’s Go D-A-D-S
• Lorraine at TrackMom for posting a great collection of inspirational quotes as their outdoor track season gets started in So. Cal.
• Sherry at Ladies on the Tee for making me super jealous that she has been able to get out on the golf course in 2010 already and I haven’t! I wish all this snow would melt and the temps would warm up so I could go try out my new G wedge and other goodies I got for Christmas.
• ChicRunner for her awesome LA Marathon course preview photos. While I am not training for a marathon, I have started running with a bunch of the moms from swim team while the kids practice.
• And while we are on the topic of running – I think Jess and her pink shoes need this award too.

Ladies, you are not under any obligation to pass this award on, but it is a fun way to share your favorite reads with your audience and to let another blogger know they are doing a great job. Have a fabulous weekend.

So by now, you all should know that I am one of the Kellogg’s SnackPicks.com Moms (if not, read this post). Since we are right in the middle of prime time tailgating season, the SnackPicks team is having a virtual tailgate party on Twitter on Thursday, October 1 at 9:30 pm (Eastern) and I will be the Guest Panelist!

Visit the party hostesses, at 5MinutesforMom to RSVP and get a coupon for a free box of Keebler Townhouse Crackers, then join us Thursday evening for more fun as we share our favorite tailgate tips, adventures, do a few giveaways, and cheer for the home team!

Just so you don’t get confused, I will be using my personal Twitter account (@charpolanosky) for the event (not @SportsGirlsPlay) so be sure to follow me and join the fun.

From having a pre-game plan to sporting your favorite team’s colors and gear, games for the kids and perfect snacking options, planning your tailgate party is just the start of the fun.

Be sure to check out the SnackPicks site for more healthy snacking ideas, recipes and insight from moms who are in the know!

HISTORY of NCSS

The NCSS was founded by renowned orthopedic surgeon Lawrence J. Lemak, M.D. in 2001 to promote the importance of injury prevention and safety on all levels of youth sports through education and research.

The vision of the NCSS is to standardize the level of care available to athletes on and off the playing field. By educating youth coaches in sports safety techniques and skills, they will gain the knowledge and confidence to prevent and respond to injuries and emergency situations appropriately until professional help arrives.

In 2004, the NCSS in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), launched a comprehensive sports safety course called PREPARE. The course, which is available online at http://www.sportssafety.org/prepare/course/, is targeted at volunteer coaches and parents, many of whom have no formal training and need the basics in sports safety education. PREPARE covers everything from minor blisters and ankle sprains to life-threatening head and neck injuries. In approximately two-three hours, coaches and parents learn vital skills that could help save a child’s life.  For a limited time this summer, volunteer coaches, community volunteers and parents in Alabama can take PREPARE for free with a special code.  You can get the code by calling 866-508-NCSS.

“This movement to ‘raise the standard’ is so important to keep our youth athletes healthy and safe,” says Lawrence J. Lemak, M.D., founder of the NCSS. “There is not one parent that would drop their child off at a local community pool if there were not a certified lifeguard on duty. That same standard of care should be available for every sports facility in this country. If we can prevent just one fatality or injury, it will be worth the effort.” adds Lemak.

ABOUT THE NCSS FOUNDER

Dr. Lawrence J. Lemak, world renowned orthopaedic surgeon, is a founding partner of Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center and head of Lemak Sports Medicine, one of the nation’s leading orthopaedic clinics. He has played an integral role in sports medicine and arthroscopy research as one of the founders and board members of the American Sports Medicine Institute, a research and education center.

Dr. Lemak has traveled the world giving presentations in locales that include Japan, England and parts of South America. Many professional sports organizations call upon Dr. Lemak’s expertise as he serves as Medical Director for Major League Soccer, NFL Europe, Professional Golf Association and the Ladies Professional Golf Association. He is also Team Physician for many colleges and universities including Auburn University, Samford University, Birmingham-Southern College, Alabama State University, Miles College and the University of Montevallo.

You can find more information about Dr. Lemak and the National Center for Sports Safety at http://www.sportssafety.org.

Every few weeks, we’ll “pass the torch” to a different blogger in our community who will be responsible for rounding up the best blog posts about women’s sports.

If you’re interested in accepting the torch someday, contact us and we’ll put you on the schedule. Keri will be posting Blogderby Round 4 in a few weeks. Archives of the Blogderby will be located at Women Talk Sports. Thanks, and go female athletes!

Did you know World Cup & Olympic Soccer Champion, Brandi Chastain, is also a golfer girl and only the second woman to participate at the Celebrity AT&T to date? Read the interview in Soccer Star Brandi Chastain Lives Her Golf Dream from the Pink Diva Golf Blog.

Nine-year-old snowboarding phenom Alexis “Lexis” Roland from Bloomington, Minnesota was first discovered in a YouTube video showcasing her talent when she was just six years old. Pretty Tough gives us the scoop on the Tween Snowboarder Scorches the Slopes.

March Madness has swept the nation this week and Megan at Because I Played Sports couldn’t be happier. Find out why in March Madness Online – Thank You ESPN for promoting women.

The NCAA women’s gymnastics season is coming to a close in the next few weeks. This past weekend was packed with conference action as Alabama upset powerhouse Georgia in the SEC (and Courtney Kupets won the All Around and the SEC Athlete of the Year Award), Michigan won the Big 10 and UCLA was tops in the PAC 10.

Jessie Vetter stopped 37 shots for an NCAA-record 14th shutout of the season — her second in a national championship game — and Wisconsin won its third women’s hockey title in four years on Sunday with a 5-0 victory over Mercyhurst. (SI)

Shawn Johnson survived another week on Dancing With The Stars (see the video at Live. Breathe. Love Gymnastics) and even though the women finally lost a task on Celebrity Apprentice, golf girl Natalie Gulbis was in the clear (PS – what is in her golf bag?)!

Speaking of bags… look at all the stuff Track Mom has to pack for her daughter’s track meet. Honestly I can relate! Swim meet days around this house look much the same.

Girls lacrosse looks like a lot of fun. I posted a video on girls lacrosse this week and one of my daughter’s is thinking of trying it this summer. Kate at Girls Lacrosse. Live it. Love it. is calling all moms to help her get the word out about the sport she loves.

Logic test time! According to On the Pitch, Australian sports authorities are banning oranges from games citing they are bad for athletes teeth.

Marc Bloom has written a new book, Young Runners: The Complete Guide to Healthy Running for Kids From 5 to 18, that was recently featured in Runners World magazine. The book is an excellent guide for parents and has specific chapters for female runners.

If you have anything to add, feel free to comment.

If you’re interested in accepting the Blogderby torch, contact us and we’ll put you on the schedule. Archives of the Blogderby are located at Women Talk Sports.

Also, if you’re a women’s sports blogger and would like to join the WTS community, please contact us.

On Twitter? Follow me at @SportsGirlsPlay and get all the best in women’s sports by following @WomenTalkSports.

Alicia Sacramone is a total natural, if you ask me, when it comes to being on screen -  interviewing athletes and celebrities. In this video, Alicia interviews Dwyane Wade, Jordin Sparks, hip hop star Common and Alonzo Mourning in conjunction with the NBA All Star weekend and Gatorade’s Quest for G.

Here’s my “Sports Mom” bag of tricks I always have stocked and ready to roll. I carry it to the track meets and have as an at home go to bag. You can use this starter list to help create your own based on the sport your girls are involved in.

• Instant Ice Packs – whether at practice or competition, these are handy to have – especially for sports like track and swimming where the competitions are often outdoors, large and require a lot of parent interaction.
• Traumeel-Topical Homeopathic Formula, cream, gel or oral tabs. I love them all and have used them all for myself and Lauren. If your child gets kicked, hit,  strains a muscle etc, immediately apply ice and Traumeel. I even give the tabs as directed under the tongue. It will help her get back to normal quicker.
• Rescue Remedy homeopathic remedy that comes in easy dissolve tablets or a spray. You can use in conjunction with the acute injury or emotional stress or trauma.
• Light blanket you never know when the weather will take a change at an outdoor event or you need it to stretch on.
• Topical ointments such as Sombra Natural Pain Relieving Gel is made from 100% natural ingredients (no ibuprophen worries of over use) and comes in a cream or a roll on. Another one I like is Kool N’ Fit Pain Reliever, again all natural nice scent, doesn’t stain and it’s a spray on. You can also use 5 capfuls in a nice soothing warm tub of water. (note from Char – we also like Arnica Gel as a natural pain reliever and quick healer)
• A pulsating massage shower head -Okay, you can’t carry this with you but you can use it regularly at home for those tired, stiff muscles the entire family may get from time to time.
• First Aid KitFirst Aid Kit – You can pick one up or make you own it’s always good to be prepared. The kit covers all the basics like aspirin, bandages etc
• Tennis Balls and Golf balls – not for playing but for a quick easy self massage tool. Place 2 tennis balls in a nylon pantyhose. Tie a knot at each end so balls will be secure against each other. This can be used to self massage on the neck, back, or legs. The golf ball is my favorite for tired sore feet – just roll under feet with added pressure as needed.

I love these personalized Sports Ornaments – you can find just about any sport on their site:

Gymnastics Picture Frame Personalized Christmas Ornament Gymnastics Personalized Christmas Ornament Gymnastics Personalized Christmas Ornament Gymnastics Personalized Christmas Ornament Gymnastics Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Ethnic Gymnast Personalized Christmas Ornament Girl Gymnast Personalized Christmas Ornament Tennis Ball Personalized Christmas Ornament Tennis Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Tennis Player – Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Basketball Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Basketball Player – Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Basketball Player Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Ethnic Basketball Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Ice Skater Personalized Christmas Ornament Ballet Dancer Personalized Christmas Ornament Irish Dancer Personalized Christmas Ornament Tap Dancer Personalized Christmas Ornament Jazz or Hip Hop Dancer Personalized Christmas Ornament Swimmer – Female Personalized Christmas Ornament Swimmer Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Swimmer or Diver Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Child Girl Skier Personalized Christmas Ornament Skier – Adult Female Personalized Christmas Ornament Skier on Chairlift – Female Personalized Christmas Ornament Field Hockey Personalized Christmas Ornament Field Hockey Player Personalized Christmas Ornament Runner – Female Personalized Christmas Ornament Runner Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Volleyball – Female Personalized Christmas Ornament Volleyball Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Volleyball Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Volleyball Personalized Christmas Ornament Softball – Female Personalized Christmas Ornament Softball – Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Softball Player Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Bowling Ball Personalized Christmas Ornament Bowling Personalized Christmas Ornament Girl Soccer Player Ornament – Brown Blue Soccer Player Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Red Soccer Player Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Soccer Girl in Red & White Uniform Personalized Christmas Ornament Soccer Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament Youth Soccer Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament

Here are a few more from Amazon:

SWIM Ornament

Swimmer – Female Personalized Christmas Ornament

Rhythmic Gymnast Christmas Ornament

Kickin’ It Soccer Ornament

Girls Just Wanna Play Field Hockey

Girl Volleyball Ornament

Girl Tennis Player Sports Christmas Ornament

Girl Dribbling Basketball Ornament

Girls Just Wanna Play Softball

Gymnastics Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament

Hello Kitty Ice Skating Christmas Ornament

Vintage Ice Skates Christmas Ornament

Cheerleader Shoe and Pom Pom Ornament

You can also find cute sports ornaments at:

• Ten-O Gymnastics has more than 15 gorgeous gymnastics ornaments
• Tennis Express for tennis ornaments
• Hallmark has a cute series of sports ornaments this year

Here are a few tips for keeping a journal:

Buy a spiral bound or writers notebook in a fun, funky print – or what ever suits your style. If the notebook is appealing to you, you will have more fun writing in it.

Inside the journal log the season, your goals, and an inspirational quote. My favorite one is “A goal without a plan is just a WISH”. The journal will help you develop and track your plan to reach your goal.

After practices and meets, take a few moments to jot down your thoughts about practice. Did you have a goal? How did your body feel? What did you eat beforehand? How about after? Did anything unusual happen? Did you accomplish your goal?

At the bottom of your journal entry add a positive statement or another inspirational quote for more motivation.

Keeping your journal should be fun. Add meet mementos and magazine cutouts and the journal will become even more of a keepsake as well as a training tool.

UPDATE: I have created a FREE printable training journal template that you can download and print as needed. Check it out!

Have you watched as your friends are getting attention from college coaches and wondered, am I invisible to these guys? Or, if you’ve gotten some attention, have you wondered why it’s from colleges you don’t want to attend?

Unfortunately, this is where a ton of athletes throw up their hands and say, “I guess this isn’t going to happen for me.” They give up and miss out on the chance to be a college athlete. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are plenty of college coaches out there who want you.

At this very moment, there are college coaches out there who are looking for an athlete just like you. Believe me. It’s true. I’ve been one of those college coaches. Right now, they’re sitting in some office or at the kitchen table, sifting through stacks of athletes, looking at databases, trying to find the right athletes. By introducing yourself to them, you can make their lives much easier. They want to hear from you.

The key is to find the right colleges. At CaptainU, we always tell our athletes to focus on the complete fit, not just the most prestigious name or biggest scholarship. Rather it’s about finding the place where the sports, academics, and social environment all match their needs – and show them how to find these colleges. Once you’ve found these colleges and introduced yourself, you’ll be well on your way to a great college career.