Noted educator and sociologist Jay Coakley, one of the leading national voices on the subject of sports in American society, will deliver the opening address at the 2007 US Lacrosse National Convention, presented by Harrow Sports, January 11-14, in Philadelphia.

Coakley, professor emeritus of sociology and the former director of the Center for the Study of Sport and Leisure at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, has authored over 140 published papers and chapters on the topics of sport, society and culture. His textbook Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies (McGraw-Hill) is currently in its ninth printing and used in college courses worldwide. Coakley’s expertise in the social dimensions of sports has made him a sought-after lecturer and consultant who has worked with countless academic and sport-related groups over the past 30 years on topics related to sports in society.

"We’re very excited to have one of the nation’s most eminent sports sociologists associated with this year’s event," said Joshua Christian, Managing Director of Programs and Services at US Lacrosse. "Through his expertise in the field, Jay is able to provide our members and convention attendees with a unique perspective on the societal impact of lacrosse. I’m sure his keynote address will both challenge and motivate all of us as we begin a weekend of individual and collective growth."

Coakley’s keynote address, to be delivered at the General Opening Session at 6 p.m. on Friday evening, will examine the current culture of the sport of lacrosse, including many of the factors that have shaped its past and some that may redefine its future. Working under the premise that lacrosse is at a crossroads in its development, Coakley argues that all constituents associated with the game can serve as active agents of positive change.

"We’re all culture creators," said Coakley. "The growth of lacrosse should be viewed by all who are associated with the sport as both an opportunity and a challenge. We must be participants in controlling its future. Everyone associated with lacrosse plays a part in creating and constantly recreating lacrosse culture at all levels of participation. If we are idle, we participate by default rather than by intent."

In addition to Friday night’s keynote address, Coakley will also make a second presentation on Saturday that will focus on the social development issues related to youth sports. He will discuss the team culture of sports, its inherent challenges and influences, and its role in today’s society. He argues that parents, like coaches, face a different and expanded set of expectations in today's culture versus parents (and coaches) in the last two generations. Accordingly, parental involvement in youth sports is greater than it’s ever been before and Coakley hopes to educate both parents and coaches on how to best understand this new influence.

"Parents today live in a different world and it’s important for the coaches of young athletes to understand that idea," said Coakley.

In addition to Coakley, the 2007 National Convention will feature nearly 150 speakers and clinicians over three days covering topics for coaches, officials and administrators.

Highlighting the coaches clinics are 16 live-field demonstrations in the Warrior On-Field Experience. Featured among the women’s coaching clinicians are 16 Division I head coaches, including Ricky Fried (Georgetown), Amy Patton (Dartmouth, U.S. Developmental Team) and Chris Sailer (Princeton). U.S. Elite Team head coach Sue Heether will also present. The men’s lineup includes 10 Division I head coaches, including four that led their teams to the NCAA tournament last year: Dom Starsia (Virginia), John Danowski (Duke), John Desko (Syracuse), and Brian Voelker (Penn). The full list of speakers can be accessed online.

Online registration for the convention, at www.uslacrosse.org/events/convention/, continues through December 31. The annual gathering has established itself as the world’s largest educational opportunity for US Lacrosse member coaches, officials, and administrators.