With 40 years of practical experience, the LA84 Sports Resource Center is your home for sports history, youth sports information, and youth coaching education.LA84 SPORT HISTORY LIBRARY
Includes Olympic Games official reports, the IOC’s Olympic Review, oral histories, scholarly sport history journals, conference proceedings, 19th century sports magazines, the archives of the Special Olympics World Games 2015, and 180,000 biographical baseball player cards.<a href="https://digital.la84.org/digital/&quot; class=&quot;button">Search</a>

Knowledge Center

Run Mt. SAC, in partnership with the LA84 Foundation, provides educational resources for coaches, by coaches.<a href="https://runmtsac.com/education/">VIEW RECORDED ONLINE SESSIONS</a>Vicky Lagos (CIF-LA City) and Rainier Wulf (CIF-SS) on the 2020 season (July 22, 2020, Cross Country Webinar)<hr/>A discussion with Vicky Lagos, CIF Los Angeles City Section Commissioner, and Rainer Wulf, CIF Southern Section Assistant Commissioner, about the 2020 high school sports season, with a focus on cross country.<a href="https://youtu.be/4yhgTSlWnuI">VIEW RECORDING</a><a href="https://cifss.org/news/july-20-2020-update-and-2020-21-sports-calendars/">CIF-SS CALENDAR FOR ALL SPORTS</a><a href="https://www.cif-la.org/apps/news/article/1257826">CIF LA CITY SECTION CALENDAR FOR ALL SPORTS</a>Evidence-based, Nutritional Requirements for Endurance Athletes (July 15, 2020, Cross Country Webinar)<hr/>Dr. Jeff Messer, one of the nation’s leading authorities on training endurance athletes, presented: Part 2: Endurance Athlete Nutrition: An Evidence-Based Perspective On What We Know, What We Need To Know, And What We Can Apply To Student-Athlete Performance Enhancement.<a href="https://youtu.be/zUkm3whysxA">VIEW RECORDING</a><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/2020-LA-84-Foundation-X-C-Presentation-II_Messer_ocr_wm.pdf">JEFF MESSER SLIDE PRESENTATION</a>Why We Do (i.e. physiological rationale) What We Do (i.e. training strategies) (July 8, 2020, Cross Country Webinar)<hr/>Dr. Jeff Messer, one of the nation’s leading authorities on training endurance athletes, presented: Part 1: “Why We Do (i.e. physiological rationale) What We Do (i.e. threshold running, long runs, hill repetitions, etc.)”<a href="https://youtu.be/zUIm6rI1l1I">VIEW RECORDING</a><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/2020-LA-84-Foundation-X-C-Presentation-I_Messer_ocr_wm.pdf">JEFF MESSER SLIDE PRESENTATION</a>Staying Connected in Disconnected Times (June 24, 2020, Cross Country Webinar)<hr/>Championship coaches Ken Reeves of Foothill Technology HS and J.T. Ayers of Trabuco Hills HS discussed several online tools and options useful in effectively communicating with athletes, parents, and community members.<a href="https://youtu.be/wMTWe-Q8WAY">VIEW RECORDING</a><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RwSfJPyi2XirXuTKGiMVi81AOlBLAKzPo-mEIVIJ6YY/edit#slide=id.g35f391192_073">JT AYERS SLIDE PRESENTATION</a><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Staying-Connected-in-a-Disconnected-World-BY-Ken-Reeves_wm.pdf">KEN REEVES SLIDE PRESENTATION</a>Helping Our Athletes Deal With the Challenges of These Stressful Times (June 17, 2020, Cross Country Webinar)<hr/>Dr. Fernando Frias, Coordinator of Sports Psychology Services at Oregon State University and a former cross country runner, discussed ways in which coaches can help athletes navigate the unique challenges ahead of them – especially for cross country runners who are so used to being with their teammates and now are having to deal with so many issues on their own.<a href="https://youtu.be/GKTxokQjcPs">VIEW RECORDING</a><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84-Foundation-Zoom-Webinar-Frias-F._watermark.pdf">FERNANDO FRIAS SLIDE PRESENTATION</a>Coaching Athletes: A Foundation for Success<hr/>A manual for coaches of athletes from 6-18 years of age. This book features coaching philosophy, understanding young athletes, teaching sports skills, planning practice sessions, maintaining healthy attitudes towards winning and losing, fun, coaches and parents, team discipline, nutrition, safety, and managing a youth sports program.<a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84CoachingManual-2.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>LA84 Foundation Track &amp; Field Coaching Manual<hr/>Aimed at the high school track coach, this volume focuses on team administration, training principles, strength training, plyometrics, injury prevention, nutrition, organizing a track meet, rules, and specific tips for coaching each track &amp; field event. Includes a chapter on the use of Performance Enhancing substances with high school athletes.<a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84trackfield-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>LA84 Foundation Soccer Coaching Manual<hr/>This manual covers the fundamentals of managing a high school soccer program and provides information on technique, warm ups, drills, game strategy, rules, sportsmanship, soccer injuries, and nutrition. Includes a chapter on the use of Performance Enhancing substances with high school athletes.<a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84soccer-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>Manual de Entrenamiento de Fútbol<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84SpanishSoccerManual-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>Fuerzas Basicas: Perfeccionamiento Técnico-Táctico y Organización Futbolística<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/FuerzasBasicas.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>LA84 Foundation Cross Country Coaching Manual<hr/>This manual describes how to build a high school cross country program using sound principles and methods for coaching distance running. Information on managing injuries, motivational tips, racing strategy, and guidelines for organizing a cross country meet is included.<a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84CrossCountry-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>LA84 Foundation Volleyball Manual<hr/>A guide for high school volleyball coaches, this manual covers managing a volleyball program, volleyball skills and fundamentals, teamwork and strategy, training drills, injury prevention and treatment, and healthy nutrition.<a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84volleyball-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>LA84 Foundation Basketball Manual<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84basketball-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>LA84 Foundation Baseball Manual<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84baseball-1.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>Water Polo for Players &amp; Teachers of Aquatics<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84WaterPolo_2021.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>選手と指導者のための水球教本 (Water Polo for Players &amp; Teachers of Aquatics) (Japanese)<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84WaterPolo_J_2021.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>Polo Acuático Para Los Jugadores Y Maestros De Deportes Acuáticos (Spanish)<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84WaterPolo_Sp_2021.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>Water-Polo Pour Joueurs Et Professeurs De Sports Aquatiques (French)<hr/><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84WaterPolo_Fr.pdf">DOWNLOAD</a>

Coaching Education Material

Overview

The Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research Foundation, through a grant from the LA84 Foundation, has designed the PEP Program: Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance. It is a soccer-oriented exercise program created by doctors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries in soccer.The PEP Program requires no special equipment and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. It should replace your standard warm-up routine and be done two to three times each week.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu4OtM9KXhjvpNZYxToR3Wqm70Nr9bS8-">VIEW THE PEP PROGRAM VIDEOS ONLINE</a><hr/>Exercises Overview

The PEP Program includes 20 exercises divided into five categories: avoidance, flexibility, strengthening, plyometrics, and agility. These exercises should be performed at the beginning of practice, with an additional four optional cool-down exercises that can be done at the end of the practice session.Avoidance

Avoidance exercises focus on injury prevention by teaching proper running techniques. Perform these exercises with minimal rest between each.A. Jogging
Instruction: Run 40 to 50 yards, two times.B. Shuttle Run with Sidestepping
Instruction: Run 40 to 50 yards, two times.C. Backward Run
Instruction: Run 40 to 50 yards, two times.Flexibility

Flexibility exercises follow avoidance exercises. They help improve range of motion, reduce joint stiffness, and decrease post-exercise soreness.A. Calf Stretch
Instruction: Stand leading with your right leg. Bend forward, place hands on the ground with the right knee slightly bent and the left leg straight. Hold for 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.B. Quadricep Stretch
Instruction: Stand upright, reach back with your right hand to grab your right ankle. Pull the heel toward the buttock. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.C. Figure Four Hamstring
Instruction: Sit with your right leg extended. Bend your left knee and rest the bottom of your foot on your right inner thigh. Lean forward toward your knee. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.D. Inner Thigh Stretch
Instruction: Sit with legs spread apart. Lower yourself toward the center. Reach toward the right, hold for 30 seconds, and repeat on the opposite side.E. Hip Flexor Stretch
Instruction: Lunge forward with your right leg. Drop your left knee to the ground. Lean forward with your hips and, if possible, lift your left ankle to your buttocks. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.Strengthening

Strengthening exercises increase the strength of leg muscles to enhance stability and reduce the chance of injury.A. Walking Lunges
Instruction: Lunge forward with your right leg, then push off and lunge with your left leg. Perform 30 repetitions.B. Russian Hamstring
Instruction: Kneel with a partner holding your ankles. Lean forward leading with your hips. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.C. Single Toe Raises
Instruction: Stand with your arms at your side, bend the left knee, and rise on your right toes. Repeat 30 times and switch sides.Plyometrics

Plyometric exercises build power, strength, and speed. Emphasize a soft landing technique.A. Side to Side Hops Over Cone
Instruction: Hop over a 6-inch cone or ball side to side. Perform 20 repetitions.B. Frontward/Backward Hops Over Cone
Instruction: Hop forward and backward over a cone. Perform 20 repetitions.C. Single Leg Hops Over Cone or Ball
Instruction: Hop over a cone with one leg, then switch legs. Perform 20 repetitions.D. Vertical Jumps with Headers
Instruction: Jump straight up, landing softly. Perform 20 repetitions.E. Scissors Jump
Instruction: Jump forward, switch legs into a lunge position, and land softly. Perform 20 repetitions.Agilities

Agility exercises enhance proprioception and joint position sense.A. Shuttle Run with Forward/Backward Running
Instruction: Run forward and backward between cones. Perform three times.B. Diagonal Run
Instruction: Run diagonally between cones, pivoting with each step. Perform three times.C. Bounding Run
Instruction: Run with high knees, keeping a slight bend in the knees. Perform for 30 to 60 seconds.

Pep Practical Guide

Resources from the LA84 Foundation’s May 7th, 2019 workshops. Hands on practical workshops where you will receive relevant information on safety in youth sports that you can apply daily. 

Preventing Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports<ul><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Child-Abuse-Prevention_-Resource-List-.pdf">Child Abuse Prevention Resource List (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Combating-Sexual-Abuse-in-Youth-Sports-Article-.pdf">Combating Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports Article (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Group-Activity-Scenarios.pdf">Group Activity – Scenarios (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Protecting-Youth-Athletes-Key-Actions-for-Youth-Leaders-PCA-Resource.pdf">Protecting Youth Athletes – Key Actions for Youth Leaders (PCA Resource) (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Protecting-Youth-Athletes-Key-Actions-for-Parents-Coaches-PCA-Resource-1.pdf">Protecting Youth Athletes – Key Actions for Parents &amp; Coaches (PCA Resource) (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Red-Flags-Body-Safety-Toolkit.pdf">Red Flags Body Safety Toolkit (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Screening-for-Youth-Sports-Verified-Volunteers.pdf">Screening for Youth Sports – Verified Volunteers (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Youth-Safety-Workshops-PPT-for-Preventing-Sexual-Abuse.pdf">Youth Safety Workshops PPT for Preventing Sexual Abuse (download)</a>
</li></ul>Understanding Head &amp; Brain Trauma<ul><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Additional-Head-Brain-Trauma-Information.pdf">Additional Head &amp; Brain Trauma Information (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Clinic-Schedule-and-Walk-in-Hours.pdf">Clinic Schedule and Walk-in Hours (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Concussion-101.pdf">Concussion 101 (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/LA84-Youth-Safety-Workshop-Concussion-PPT.pdf">LA84 Youth Safety Workshop Concussion PPT (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Modified-SCAT.pdf">Modified SCAT (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Return-to-Learn-After-a-Concussion.pdf">Return to Learn After a Concussion (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/The-Importance-of-Rest-Following-a-Concussion.pdf">The Importance of Rest Following a Concussion (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Que-es-una-conmocion-cerebral-v2.pdf">Que es una conmocion cerebral? (download)</a></li><li><a href="https://la84.org/wp-content/uploads/What-is-a-Concussion-v2.pdf">What is a Concussion? (download)</a></li></ul>

Youth Sports Safety Workshop

STEVE CHAVEZ’S COACHING DRILLS AND EXERCISES FOR RUNNERS ©Chavez made his mark at the state cross country meet level in the 2000s with several top 5 finishes at the state meet by both his boys and girls teams.While Steve made a mark as a coach, his biggest impact at the state level may have been his clinics which were attended by many of today’s top coaches including Arcadia’s Jim O’Brien and Davis HS coach Bill Gregg.Here you will find Chavez’s instructional videos demonstrate drills and exercises useful for training runners at any distance or discipline.

Runner Education Videos

LA84 and its coaching education partners offer online resources and a wide range of in-person clinics for coaches ranging from first-time volunteer parents to experienced high school coaches. All LA84 courses are available at no charge or a significantly reduced registration cost. More than 75,000 coaches have attended our clinics.

Coaching Education

2024 Play Equity Report

Rafer Lewis Johnson lived a life of service as impressive as it was impactful. On July 28, 1984, Johnson carried the Olympic torch up 99 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum stairs. He put the lit torch to a cauldron and ignited not just a flame, but a legacy that has endured for more than three decades. That moment remains etched in the minds of millions. But it’s the totality of Rafer Johnson’s life — of humility, loyalty, service and achievement — that is all worth remembering. How could a poor kid from segregated Hillsboro, Texas head west and become a university student body president; Olympic decathlon gold medalist; friend and advisor to a should-have-been President; and fundamental figure in a wildly successful civil rights movement that doubles as a can’t-miss athletic competition? Johnson was the second African American student body president at UCLA, and the first African American man to serve as the flag bearer for the U.S. Olympic Team. An early and unwavering advocate, he is synonymous with the Special Olympics. His bond with the Kennedy political family is eternal: Johnson was on the Last Campaign, with Robert F. Kennedy, wrestling the gun from the hand of the murderer of his friend. And soon after, Johnson was collaborating with Eunice Kennedy Shriver to grow the Special Olympics. The LA84 Foundation is fortunate to have considered Rafer Johnson, as well as his wife Betsy, and their children Jenny and Josh our friends. Johnson was a founding board member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and during his tenure he was instrumental in the awarding of grants and the advent of programs that have impacted more than 3.5 million Southern California youth. Rafer Johnson. His Life. His Impact. tells the story of a true torchbearer — a humble and gifted Angeleno who spent his life leading by example.

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Rafer Johnson: Olympic Legend

’84 LA Olympic Organizing Committee

LA84 Foundation founders

33,500+ volunteers

1st privately-funded game

1M+ local children

Rafer Johnson lights flame

Surge in women athletes

1st televised wheelchair race

1984 Olympic Highlights

A look at different types of athletic footwear used over decades from the LA84 Foundation collection.

Athletic Footwear

Exhibiting Winter Olympic Torches in our collection spanning from the 1956 Games in Cortina all the way through the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City.

Winter Olympic Torches

Exhibiting Summer Olympic Torches in our collection spanning from the 1936 Games in Los Angeles through the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia.

Summer Olympic Torches

Exhibited jockey silks from our collection, include: silks worn by George Woolf and more of the best jockeys in history!

Jockey Silks

Featuring sports memorabilia from our collection, that included: figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey. We also showcased a luge sled and cross-country skis and poles.

In from the Cold: Winter Sports Memorabilia from the AAF Collection

Highlighting the Olympic Games, held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, including: Los Angeles (1932 and 1984), Lake Placid (1932 and 1980), Squaw Valley (1960), Mexico City (1968), Montreal (1976), Calgary (1988), Atlanta (1996), Salt Lake City (2002), Vancouver (2010).

The Olympic Games: North American Style

Showcasing trophies from our collection from a variety of sports, including: tennis, golf, swimming and more that resided in the collection!

Celebrating Victory: Trophies from the AAF Collection

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the 1984 Olympic Games here in Los Angeles. This exhibit features Sam The Eagle (official mascot of the ’84 Games) as well as advertisements highlighting the City of Angels leading up to the 1984 Olympics.

Play it Again Sam: Games of the XXXIII Olympiad Revisited

Exhibiting both men’s and women’s soccer material from our collection and loans coinciding with the 1994 World Cup.

Soccer: The World at Play

Showcasing boxing pieces from our collection, including: gloves, shoes, robes and more from the likes of Gene Tunney, Primo Carnera and other legends from the world of boxing.

Boxing Treasures

Highlighting the Long Beach Little League team that won the LLWS in 1992 as well as the all-girls baseball league featured in the Hollywood film, “A League of Their Own.”

Play Ball: The Many Facets of American Baseball

Displaying items on-loan and also from our collection highlighting the sport as Los Angeles played host to the 1992 NCAA Women’s National Basketball Championship.

1892-1992: A Brief History of Women’s Basketball

Featuring college and pro football football equipment from our collection, spanning over eight decades of the 20th Century.

Evolution of Football Equipment

Highlighting the different programs the LA84 Foundation provided in the community, including Summer Splash, Coaching Clinics, Run 4 Fun and more!

LA84 Programs Exhibition

An exhibition of a variety of different Olympic years. This exhibition was only display in 1990, showcasing artifacts, posters and advertisements from previous Olympic Games from all across the globe.