Coach – Page 5 – PARADIGM Sports

When will sports teams shake hands again?

Posted May 20, 2020January 27, 2022 Glen MulcahyPosted in Athlete, Coach, Organization Executive, Parents

In the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking about the challenges that student-athletes are having as their spring seasons were put on hold and plans for this coming fall are in limbo due to the novel coronavirus pandemic canceling commencement ceremonies.

Two of which are my niece and nephew and I reflected back on my graduation ceremony from high school with over 600 of us wearing our gowns and gaps and the parties that took place in May and June as we ramped up for our official graduation ceremony.

The one thing that I keep being reminded of is one of the turning points that made me whom I am today, when one of my greatest teachers reminded me of the importance of never giving up in my last year of high school.

In my last year of high school, I played community football in the fall where I team went to the provincial championships (equivalent to state) only to lose in the last game which was a major disappointment but like many of my teammates we all aspired to go on and play collegiately or Junior and during that fall I also worked approximately 30 hours a week as a pizza driver and was in the honours program in my school.

After one of many crazy weekends where I played a game on the Sunday early afternoon then headed to the restaurant for my evening shift and got home around 11AM I woke up at 7 AM the following morning and went to my French 12 honours class and soon after I sat down my French Teacher, Mrs. Statz announced to the class we would be having a surprise quiz to help us prepare the provincial exam we would be taking in the spring.

To which I said … F>>> That, I am not taking a quiz in my groggy state

To which Mrs. Statz said “Mr. Mulcahy, get your ass out of my class”

I groggily picked up my textbook and binder and headed out of the class and heard the door slam behind me and as I turned to head to my locker I was shocked to see her standing in the hallway and she started to go up one side of me then down the other reminding me that I had so much potential and what I had done was not only disrespectful to her, my classmates but I was letting myself down.

It was reminiscent of that talks I had with many of coaches over the years that helped steer me in the right direction, having lost my father at 8 years old, then throwing (literally) my step-father out of our house for abusing my mother at 16 my teen years were full of anger and resentment and I had no aspirations other than getting my dogwood.

After all, I had a job, a car, a place to live and the idea of going to college or university was not even a inkling in my mind, moreso playing football, rugby that was an outlet for my anger issues but at the moment when Mrs. Statz asked reminded me of my potential to do so much more I said silently to myself that she was right … so the first thing I did was apologize to her, then went back in the class and did the same to my classmates and then set the wheels in motion what I would be doing after high school.

My grades were not quite good enough to go to University (as I worked, partied, and played sports) but was able to get into a junior college where I could still play Junior Football and Rugby in the Spring for the collegiate team so my path to higher education began.

I share all of this with you as I can relate all too well to the difficulties that my niece, nephew and all other student-athletes are having right now as they have been distanced from their teammates and classmates, they have had to improvise, adapt and overcome to complete their diplomas but unlike me and hundreds in my school will not be permitted to walk across the stage “live” to receive their diplomas, shake hands with their teachers in acknowledgment of their accomplishments nor having the opportunity to compete for what may be their last spring teams in Rugby, baseball, lacrosse or various other spring sports.

In lieu, their schools are working on creative ways to create a “virtual” graduation, where they still can put on a gown and cap, perhaps go to the stages they would have and being recorded walking across it, with representatives from the school and community than sharing via Zoom their “virtual handshake”

However these commencement ceremonies take place this May/June timeframe I believe there will be many “virtual commencement” speeches shared which cannot be done live, but below is one from Prince EA that I believe should be as regardless of the fact no ceremonies can take place this year, there is no reason why all the high school seniors should not celebrate in their own way and ensure that they do in fact “Live their dreams”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, The US Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has shared during the COVID19 quarantine period in April “we’ll never shake hands again” which had my head spinning when I came across the quote.

“WE’LL NEVER SHAKE HANDS AGAIN”

The reason?

Having played and coached sports my entire life, one of the core things that we do after games is do just that, shake hands after a competition in the spirit of sportsmanship and respect towards our opponents.

I did so for decades as I have all others involved in sports.

Can you imagine the Stanley Cup Playoffs and when teams are eliminated in a series not shaking hands after a game as one team moves on and the others head to the links?

The NBA, MLS, MLB, or any other sports when their playoff runs end not shaking hands in the spirit of competition, respect for their opponents for providing the opportunity to do just that, compete?

Any other sports competition at the professional, collegiate, high school, or community level not shaking hands after games, long playoff runs in the spirit of sportsmanship?

It all starts early on at the grassroots level where we as coaches remind our players the importance of respect, of themselves, their teammates, the officials, the opposing team and coaches, and shaking hands with respect.

Is that never going to happen in the New Post COVID19 Era of sports?

I hope not, I hope that when we do get thru this troubling time as entering into Phase I, II, III and beyond where large formal gatherings are permitted that the handshake is part of our tradition just as others like singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game in the 7^th inning, singing anthems before games, raising retired jersey numbers to the rafters of great players, community celebrations to celebrate championships and so on have been for decades.

I also can say as a longtime coach, that one of the biggest rewards I have received as a coach over the years is when my players come to me at the end of a practice, a game, or season and extend their hand and say THANKS COACH.

I still remember to this day when a 6-year-old player did so on my hockey team and when he extended his tiny hand to do so made me realize just what coaching is all about, it is not about making a living, it is about making a difference developing youth into adults.

Until we can, in fact, practice the tradition of shaking hands again in the spirit of respect, sportsmanship, winning with humility and losing with dignity … stay the course … stay safe as we transition to phase II and I am crossing my fingers that Dr. Fauci was incorrect and we will be shaking hands sooner than later.

What will the “New” Normal Be?

Posted May 12, 2020January 27, 2022 Glen MulcahyPosted in Athlete, Coach, Organization Executive, Parents

With the state of uncertainty that has evolved the last couple of months as countries locked down to flatten the curve and now many looking at easing up physical distancing to shift to phase II of the COVID19 era, I for one can say I am crossing my fingers that we do so in a manner that will ensure that we all continue to stay safe.

In the last few weeks, I have had conversations with various sports leaders, coaches, parents, players as well as various small business owners who are looking forward to returning but the big question we all keep asking ourselves is what will that in fact be?

If the recent outbreak that happened in South Korea where a man who was positive for COVID19 has any indication of a worst-case scenario leading to infecting 40 others while going to night clubs is potentially going to happen, I continue to caution everyone to adhere to all of the recommendations from health authorities to ensure that EVERYONE is safe when we start returning back to sporting activities.

I also must confess, I came across an article that shared the anecdote it is going to be like the Wild West when we do so, as so many people have been cooped up at home for many weeks that ANY opportunity will one people will be chasing.

This is what I do know .. as I have shared with students who we have sponsored for years, Haste Makes Waste.

In lieu of diving into the pool, we need to all tip our toes to test the waters so to speak before entering phase II, IV and beyond.

Here are just a few of the examples who have returned to play and safety measures they have implemented;

#1 – Mother’s Day St. Louis Tournament for 54 Youth Baseball teams May 8-10^th, 2020

COVID19 Safety Measures per the Tournament Coordinator Rob Worstenholm

Players and Coaches to adhere to physical distancing by only having 3 people in the dugout
Umpire standing 6’ behind the pitcher
High-Fives, Fist Pumps, Hand-Shaking Banned (in lieu tipping their hats)
Balls were cleaned every half-inning
Dugouts cleaned after every game
Spectators had to sit in the outfield (bring their own chairs)

This was against recommendations of Missouri Health Official, Lynelle Phillips who shared “To hold a huge baseball tournament, even the most optimistic of us have to cringe at that” and Morstenholm said 50% of parents were for hosting the tournament vs. other thought it was too risky to do so. Only time will tell if any COVID cases came out of the 1000+ players, parents, coaches, officials that participated. If none, then it sets the bar for others to follow, if any, it could push youth sports back for quite sometime to ensure we flatten the curve.

Burnaby Winter Club Renting Ice for small groups – May 5th

Within minutes of announcing they would be re-opening over a hundred parents reached out to BWC’s registrar but shared that the ice rentals that had traditionally been for spring hockey teams, games and potentially tournaments would be different than Pre Covid era

This means no team practices, only private lessons for skills development with 4 players on the ice and a skills instructor

Other safety measures to include;

Players must arrive at the rink in full gear (even when they were in full operation I know first hand this may be more beneficial due to the smaller size of the dressing rooms vs. newer facilities) as dressing rooms would be closed
Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to ice time (no warming up in the parking lot permitted)
One way traffic flow both entering and out of the building

#3 – MLS (Soccer) / European Premiere (Football) Teams commence practicing in anticipation of playing games

Safety measures include;

Adhering to Physical Distancing (minimum 6′ / 2 metres)
All Players, coaches and support staff are wearing masks
Regular Handwashing for 20 seconds
All equipment and practice areas will be sanitized on a regular basis
Players are also taking pay cuts in anticipation of shortened seasons
League games will be played in empty stadiums live-streamed by sports media
MLS league games will be on a neutral site, Disney World, where all players/coaches will be isolated in hotels

Other professional sports are also ramping up in anticipation of seasons continuing (NHL/NBA) or starting up (MLB)

NBA teams have been given the green light to practice but continuing to adhere to safety measures
Hosting games in a neutral site where all players/coaches would be quarantined in hotels and playing games in empty arena’s
MLB continues to look at a shortened season when they are able to Play Ball based on what the required safety measures will be
NFL – already hosted their virtual draft and anticipating starting league play as normal after labor day (albeit may be empty stadiums)

All of which so they can at least start providing live games on TV, one their top revenue generators but by no means will that offset loss in merchandise, concession, and ticket revenue

What then is going to happen with other community youth sports organizations either trying to salvage some semblance of a spring season or those with traditional fall sports programming (Ice Hockey, Field Lacrosse, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Soccer in certain provinces as well as others)

Each one I have talked they all say the same thing, they are waiting for direction from health authorities and their governing bodies to advise what the next phase will be.

All, including yours truly, are anxious to return back to play, but until a vaccine is developed and the majority of the population has been exposed to, tested positive and recovered from the novel coronavirus we are still going to be in this for the long term.

Just as I have been saying when it comes to athletic development, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, before we take the deep plunge to return to play I truly hope that we slowly tip our toe in the water and ease back into it. The other upside to the Global Sports Time Out is it has given us all time to reflect what truly is important and many kids have had the opportunity to sample various other athletic skills they may not have had based on crazy organized sports schedules they had. The other big positive, they have experienced what “free play” is again, no coaches or officials telling them what to do, they just played for the sake of playing.

The last thing we need is to regress backward like South Korea is doing now as a result of easing up their physical distancing requirements way too early.

Nothing would please me more when we do see teams competing For The of The Game again but until we do, let’s do everything, and then some that medical practitioners advise to do to ensure that not only participants but all other stakeholders stay safe.

The importance of staying connected

Posted April 25, 2020January 27, 2022 Glen MulcahyPosted in Athlete, Coach, Organization Executive, Parents

For years we have been advocating the importance for coaches to connect with their players (AKA – Athlete Centred or Transformational Coaching) and I can’t emphasize the importance now for coaches to do so.

Although all sports continue to practice “wait and see” approach across the globe in adherence of physical distancing mandates by health and government authorities, those at all levels of youth sports should take this time to ensure they stay connected with their players, and their players stay connected with their teammates.

As I referenced in prior posts, I have been against the term social distancing from the get go, although we can not play games, go to practices or other team activities, we can and must stay socially connected.

I have talked to several coaches the last couple of weeks who were anxious to start up their spring seasons in baseball, softball, lacrosse and when I asked them if they were still having team meetings or providing their players things they could do at home I was stunned when all said no … we are crossing our fingers we will be able to play in May, June etc.

To which I said …

What are you waiting for?

Your players need you more than ever now, as do your players need to stay connected with their teammates.

Yes, this is an unprecedented time in the history of the globe where no sports are being played I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for you to be that transformational coach your players are looking for.

Some tips to do so:

# 1 – Set up regular Team Meetings via Zoom via free account – you can do so for free for 40 minutes at a time to stay in touch with your players. Ask open-ended questions like “how are you all feeling, how are you doing” to permit them to share vs. yes, no answers

Some of the more introverted players on your team will probably be the last to contribute but the more they know you and their teammates have their back, the more they will open up.

#2 – Setup one on one’s video chats via other platforms like Skype (remember the good old days), WhatsApp to ask them to share with you directly and so you, in turn, can remind them the importance of regular routine, focusing on school and other activities like art, band

#3 – Ask them the following so can create player profiles to have a deeper connection with your athletes when you are able to return back to play

What do you miss the most?
Why do you play?
What don’t you like?
What are the characteristics you want from your teammates?
What are your personal goals?
What do we want to accomplish as a team?

This is an exercise I have done with all of my teams over the years so that we could create our core team values as headed into the season and it also helped us get thru the storming period much faster

#4 – In addition to checking in on your players, I encourage you in your weekly virtual meetings to discuss the core values identified and focus on one per week

The first ones I would recommend that you touch on are;

Respect – What is it and who should they respect?

Sportsmanship – What are examples of good and poor sportsmanship?

What does winning with humility and losing with dignity mean?

Selflessness – Gratitude – Leadership – Communication – Work Ethic – Honesty – Integrity

Mindfulness – Praise – Thoughtfulness – Fearlessness – Awareness – Sacrifice – Trust

And numerous others that you wish to instill as part of your core values as a team, but also teach valuable life lessons and character of your players to develop them into adults

# 5 – Talk about nutrition – why it is important for them to eat healthy not just when they are in season, but year-round and especially now. Reinforce the importance for them to come to have their own full water bottle for all team activities when they do return

#6 – Reinforce the importance regular schedule, doing their virtual school work, homework, reading and getting 60 minutes of activity a day, going to sleep and waking up at regular times (vs. binge-watching Netflix, playing until all hours and sleeping until noon)

#7 – Share examples of drills they can do on their own at home via youtube or other platforms to continue working on their skills

#8 – Reinforce the importance of staying connected with their teammates to continue to develop team chemistry … they can do so by face time, WhatsApp, Skype, or other video platforms as texting, messenger, or better yet … a phone call (what’s that you say?)

#9 – I also encourage you to take this opportunity to have regular check-ins with your player’s parents to share any updates from your leagues when and how they foresee will return to play as well as sharing your insight so they are engaged

#10 – Ensure that you include all of your coaches in meetings as well and connect with them on a regular basis separately as we are all in this together, they may have things going on they don’t want to share with players or even fellow coaches

Most importantly, as many of us are struggling potentially with finances when you, your partners have been laid off, seen significant reductions in revenues for small businesses, ensure that you try to stay as positive as possible for all of your kids (if you are parent coach, you now have a very large family)

Be that positive role model that your players need more than ever and when you are able to return back to play by doing so you will have done what the greatest coaches of all time have done … they cared about their players.

The Silver Lining For Youth Sports

Posted April 15, 2020January 27, 2022 Glen MulcahyPosted in Athlete, Coach, Early Sport Specialization, Organization Executive, Parents

As we have now had over a month’s break from all sports, the sector that we work with directly is one that I hope is taking the much-needed breather to reflect and regroup for what youth sports can be again vs. what it had become.

For years we have been advocating to bring the game back to the kids against early sport specialization, adultification, professionalization, pay to play, travel ball, empowering the silent majority and other hot topics in youth sports that lead it to a $9 Billion industry in Canada, the highest cost per capita in the globe.

Much of which we had planned to share insight on during workshops, conferences as we headed into the Spring sports seasons with various sports organizations we had partnered with so they could provide resources to all their stakeholders but are in limbo.

Ironically it seems like this hiatus, or what I am referring to as the Global Sports Timeout, will have the desired effect all of us in the space that are advocating to bring the game back to the kids will do just that.

For years I have been sharing why kids play sports in our core talk for coaches “Don’t be a Kid’s Last Coach” which I share personal anecdotes from coaching as well as the research done over the years.

The thing that amazes me each time I have done the talk and start out with the question “Why do kids play Sports” literally everyone knows the #1 answer – FUN but rarely will confirm that they have actually asked the kids on their teams or their own kids the same question and why it is just that, FUN.

During this Global Timeout, I encourage you to take the time to ask your kids the following questions:

What do you miss most about your sport(s)?
What do you love the most?
Dislike the Most?
Are there any others that you would like to try?
What can I do to support you?

I suspect you will hear similar answers to when I posed the questions to a number of kids on teams I coached the top answers will be for the first two questions:

Being with my friends – playing when it’s my turn to play – pool parties/team dinners and the Snacks

Dislike the most?

When Coaches Play their favorites (run short benches), you/they scream at us for making mistakes and the Ride (to/from home), traveling to new places, working with a specialty trainer/coach, not being able to hang out with my friends

Any others you would like to try ?

I suspect will be anything from other team sports to individual sports to other activities like dance, drama, art, music, robotics, reading books or just going outside to horse around with their buds

What can I do to support you?

Be quiet or cheer for us in a positive way

NOT Screaming at us, officials or focusing on Winning at all costs

I suspect the majority of kids won’t say I want to go this prospect/showcase tournament in Yukatuk because there may be a scout there that will be recruiting for a NCAA Div 1 school full-ride scholarship or potential draft many years down the road when they are 9 years old (trust me, if they are to be found, they will be)

They probably will say please don’t coach me in the car to and from games, practices or criticize me or the refs for making mistakes we are just kids

NOT

I want to go to more off-season camps, more skills coaches, more tournaments, more practices, more, more more ….

Fast forward to now when none of that is available … what are they doing at home?

Are they now trying other activities or other sports did not have to time to do so?

Are you now spending quality family time including family home cooked meals each night vs. grabbing something on the run to a practice, game?

Are you connecting with your kids more than you ever have?

Are they saying Mom/Dad … watch this when they try a new skill/activity they had not in past?

Are they happy they are learning different skills than just the ones they learned playing one sport?

I suspect the answer is yes.

That is why you need to look at the Silver Lining right now, have those conversations while you are not running off your feet and spending quality time with your family.

As more times passes in the coming weeks and months, take the time to recharge, reflect, regroup and refocus for what your family priorities should be in what will be a revamped youth sports landscape.

One that I aspire will be more like what it should be vs. what it had become.

One that will focus on quality coaching development beyond X’s/O’s, Wins/Losses but on the importance of connection, caring and development of the person.

One where parents will recognize the value of seeking out resources, attending seminars, reading books/blogs for insight from industry experts regarding the science/data of the best path for your kids vs. private organizations selling a dream

One that will be affordable, in lieu of thousands of dollars with mandatory travel, just a few hundred dollars participating in community or school programs or better yet FREE, free unstructured play opportunities so all families can afford as the recessionary impact we will be dealing with will be long term. Many families have had parents lost jobs or unable to keep their small businesses going and will be looking for more affordable programming for youth sports orgs, parks and rec and schools.

One that will be all inclusive for all, regardless of socio-economic status, gender or ethnicity.

One that will have fair play policies where all kids get to play and contribute to the outcome.

One that is safe to fail for coaches, players and the officials who are all learning and should not be scared of making a mistake as they may be screamed at for doing so.

One where the adults recognize that youth sports is just that, youth sports. Kids playing kids for the love of the game, to have fun, to play with their friends, to be active and learn new skills of the game and of life.

One where it brings communities together because that is something we all will need when health authorities raise quarantine restrictions so we can rebuild.

One that will be reminiscent of what kids are doing today, free play without fear of making mistakes in their driveways, front and back yards or other public areas that permit physical distancing.

One where we value sportsmanship, winning with humility and losing with dignity.

One where the value of respect is not just a word on a sign but a core value of all stakeholders involved with youth sports.

And most importantly, One where parents just Love Watching Their Kids PLAY.

Why Youth Sports Must Pivot

Posted April 11, 2020January 27, 2022 Glen MulcahyPosted in Athlete, Coach, Early Sport Specialization, Organization Executive, Parents

When all of the events we planned or I was going to speaking at starting late February were canceled one after another after another left me shaking my head in disbelief.

It was when what I am calling Sports Black Friday happened on Friday, March 13^th when one sports org after another in Canada announced either they were ending their winter seasons or suspending their spring seasons indefinitely was when my jaw dropped and now just a few weeks later all sports, fields, parks, beaches and other areas where people traditionally were playing or being active are closed.

Since that point, like many other small businesses I have been scrambling to figure out how we can pivot and still continue to provide all key stakeholders the resources we have thru our newsletters as well a digital resources including digital summits, podcasts and so forth thru our digital arm For The Love of The Game.

I have listened in on several podcasts and a few webinars the last couple of weeks to get a sense from health authorities as well as numerous other experts in the sports sector to get a sense (a) when we should see youth sports ramping up again and (b) what it will actually look like.

We all know that 2019-20 winter programs have been ended although the NBA and NHL are still crossing their fingers they will be able to salvage some form of playoffs late Spring/Summer.

The same holds true for the MLB, they are on hold until given the green light.

The big unknown is when will other sports programs ramp up, things like parks and rec summer programs, schools, and traditional winter sports that traditionally start up in September.

The fact is, no one, whether they be government, health authorities, sports executive members at any level truly know the answer.

The one thing that all, including yours truly, can say is ….

Youth sports needs to plan NOW how it will Pivot and improvise, adapt and overcome post COVID-19 vs. pre outbreak timing.

#1 – Although we have been advocating for kids to have more cost-effective programming for years vs. what has evolved to the travel ball, pay to play models that have pushed out more and more kids from participating, it will push even more out due to recessionary impact on our economy when many people have lost their jobs or businesses

#2 – Community Centre, Parks and Rec and school-based programming should see huge opportunities to provide cost-effective programming options in lieu to accommodate the increased demand for kids who are already itching at the bits to get outside and play with their friends but are unable to do so as adhere to physical distancing requirements.

#3 – The sports that were seeing huge growth with academies, private leagues will all need to revisit their prior business models as families show parents lost the jobs, businesses will no longer be able to afford it and may take years to recover.

Many parents will also be conditioned as the weeks, month evolved to have their kids practice physical distancing so map opt to have their kids do individual sports or activities like art, music in lieu short term.

#4 – Youth sports orgs are also going to have to PIVOT quickly to implement digital resources for games, training, meetings, AGM’s that traditionally involved gatherings over 50 people and should not be on hold, should be rolling up their sleeves to plan for their revised fall programs NOW.

#5 – Due to the youth isolation that kids are experiencing not being able to go to school, participate in extracurricular activities, youth, school sports when they are given the green light to do so, the teachers and coaches are going to need to be able to connect with them moreso now then ever to appease their concerns.

#6 – All coaches will need to address how they are providing a safe environment for the kids under their watch starting from the initial parent meetings to ensure kids are SAFE.

Perfect example – I have evaluated many coaches over the years running practices to provide them mentorship and it has amazed me how few ensure that every one of their players has a full water bottle, majority of times only a handful of players and means the kids share. Think if a team had shared a few water bottles with their team mates and with one that was positive for CV19?

#7 – Those that have thought nothing of “mandating” travel tournaments in youth sports programs in past will need to understand that forcing families who were able to squeeze their pennies enough to support their kids to play recreation or competitive youth sports will not be in a position to do so.

#8 – Free Play, the term used for when kids just go to a park, field, court, rink and “Play” for the sake of playing like they all are now, should become more the norm like it was pre internet era, than the exception.

Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA and other community rec centres should see huge growth when we are given the opportunity to return to play as a result.

#9 – Due to significant drop in registrations means lower gaming grants which means many of the sports organizations that have relied on third party providers for skill development will need to revisit what they can do in lieu.

#10 – I have shared in past how Norway is setting the bar with their youth sports model but it actually goes back to the 1980’s when the globe had another recessionary period and they created a Children’s rights to Sports Initiative that was both top down (government initiated) and bottom up (public sector supported)

What this entailed

All kids (not just those that could afford to pay to play) would have access to quality coaching
All would have a voice in the experience (asked what they would like to see)
Needed to be low-cost (funding by gaming sector)
Promoted Multi-Sport Sampling
No Travel or competitive teams until 13 years old

The focus – developing the love for the game, friendships, and having fun which lead to over 90% participation rates for ALL kids, not just the select few that could afford the pay to play model.

As more and more days go by and kids are unable to play their organized sports, I suspect if you ask them why they play, having asked 100’s over the years, those will be the answers they share and should have been the focus of youth sports organizations not what it evolved to as a multi-billion industry

Not Winning at all costs
Not Travel or Tournaments
Not sitting on a bench when it is their turn to play
Not working with a specialty trainer/coach
Not the trophies or the medals

Hopefully when youth sports return again, we all will look at it with a different lens and it will be just that, kids playing kids for the love of the game.

#WeApplaudit #OnApplaudit

For all the workers in heathcare and other sectors deemed essential services for their selflessly working during this difficult time for all of us.