New Photo - The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month

The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month Liz SimmonsAugust 3, 2025 at 3:11 AM Karolina Grabowska The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month originally appeared on Parade.

- - The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month

Liz SimmonsAugust 3, 2025 at 3:11 AM

Karolina Grabowska

The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month originally appeared on Parade.

Finding a crystal that's right for you takes time, practice, and discernment. You must consider your goals, aspirations, needs, and other factors while browsing your options. After all, crystals are special gemstones that exude various spiritual and magical properties. Each crystal works with specific chakras, personal goals, and attributes. But there are many crystals to choose from that can suit any one of your needs. So, how do you know which crystal is meant just for you? According to psychics, mystics, and astrologers, there's a specific crystal you need, based on your birth month. Which crystal will resonate with your birth month, and how can this gemstone enhance your life?

Your Crystal, Based on Your Birth Month

Check for the month you were born for pro insights.

January, You Need Bloodstone

Is there anyone more motivated than those born in January? These winter babies have places to go, things to do, and goals to accomplish. Come hell or high water, January-born will get it done. While there are many uplifting stones, January-born will feel called to bloodstone. Bloodstone is a unique gem, since it allegedly boosts the immune system and enhances resilience. It's even said that warriors would carry bloodstone, so it's no surprise that January babies resonate with this powerful crystal. January-born will never regret having bloodstone in their spiritual arsenal.

MORE: The Spiritual Life Lesson You're Here to Learn, Based on Birth Month

February, You Need Labradorite

February babies are highly individualistic. Nobody can tell a February-born what to do, how to act, or what to wear. These individuals are authentic in their self-expression, which is why they are paired with Labradorite. Although there are many crystals aligned with transformation and self-awareness, Labradorite amplifies self-expression without disturbing the peace. February babies will feel at ease wearing or using Labradorite. They won't second-guess what they know, or feel afraid of what's to come. Labradorite provides a feeling of safety as February-born undergo their journey of self-discovery.

March, You Need Amethyst

Dreamers are born in March. Individuals with birthdays during this month naturally attune to spiritual energy, making them mystical intuitives. It's not unlikely for a March baby to have meaningful dreams, visions, and feelings. Of all the high vibrational crystals, March-born will feel drawn to amethyst. This beautiful purple stone provides mental peace and clarity. March-born individuals will feel more tranquil using amethyst to tap into their intuitive powers. March babies will get the most out of amethyst either by meditating with this gem or having it nearby while sleeping.

FURTHER: People Born on These 4 Dates Carry Saintly, Angelic Auras

April, You Need Carnelian

April babies have unequivocal stamina. Nothing stands a chance, since these people are fast and furious. Since April-borns have a lot of energy, they require a crystal that can withstand and channel their vitality. Carnelian is just the crystal for the job. This crystal works with the lower chakras, which will stabilize and deepen April babies' life force. Not only will April-born feel more self-assured, carnelian will amplify bravery and courage. It's game over for everyone else once April babies get their hands on carnelian, since carnelian will make these people feel like they're invincible.

May, You Need Rhodonite

Romantics have birthdays in May. These individuals have a dreamy, magical outlook on love and connection. A May-born's romantic personality will align with the rhodonite, a.k.a. the "Stone of Love" or the "Stone of Compassion". No matter how one knows this gem, rhodonite is said to be one of the most powerful love crystals. May babies can use rhodonite to manifest love, soothe their relationships, and enhance self-love. Regardless of what these individuals need rhodonite for, May-born will fall head over heels for this heart-centered crystal.

June, You Need Fluorite

Incredibly intelligent yet easily distracted babies are born in June. These individuals are known for being witty and creative yet disorganized. June-born individuals will benefit from using fluorite every day. Fluorite comes in an array of colors, so there's a beautiful crystal unique to each June baby. Once June-born tap into fluorite, they may feel instantly clear-minded. Fluorite streamlines June-born's thoughts to instill mental stability. June birthdays will never go back to a fluorite-free life, since this crystal will quiet the mental chatter and amplify awareness.

NEXT: Which Romantic Trope Matches You, Based on Birth Month

July, You Need Moonstone

There's a reason why those born in July are drawn to the moon. Luna shines down on July birthdays and bestows emotional intelligence onto these summer babies. July-born are known for exuding lunar wisdom and intuition. Although the moon resonates with many crystals, moonstone is the perfect crystal companion for July babies. Moonstone aids in psychic development and divine wisdom while dispelling emotional instability. Those born in July will feel more aligned with Luna's energetic push and pull when they incorporate moonstone in their daily lives.

August, You Need Tiger's Eye

People born in August often need a confidence booster. Although August-borns come across as self-assured, they secretly need a lot of validation and support. Luckily, these individuals will benefit from using Tiger's Eye. This vivacious crystal grounds and centers personal power with the intention to enhance self-discipline. August babies will feel more certain of their talents, skills, and goals if they use Tiger's Eye. They won't worry about what others may say or think, since Tiger's Eye will remind August-borns how powerful they truly are.

September, You Need Sodalite

What's on a September birthday's mind? Similar to June-born, September babies are acutely intelligent. These individuals experience heightened mental chatter, which is undoubtedly overwhelming. September-born will benefit from sodalite, since this crystal works with the third eye chakra and throat chakra. Sodalite dispels anxiety while strengthening discernment and communication. September birthdays won't have as many mental hoops to jump through, or feel as stressed sharing their two cents if they use sodalite. This might be September's sign to pick up sodalite today.

RELATED: The Egyptian Goddess or God That Represents Your Zodiac Sign

October, You Need Rose Quartz

Love is complicated for those born in October. These individuals love love, but they often experience a lot of turbulence in their connections. Of all the heart-centered stones, October-born should pick up rose quartz. Hailed as the "Heart Stone", rose quartz aligns with pure, unconditional love. This gentle crystal will help October-born feel open to giving and receiving love instead of focusing on past painful experiences. October birthdays may also use rose quartz to boost their self-love, self-compassion, and self-worth. Regardless, October babies will feel more loving when they work with rose quartz.

November, You Need Ocean Jasper

Where in the world will a November baby go? Those born during this month have a keen sense of adventure. It's not unusual for November birthdays to become nomads, since they have an affinity for different cultures and ways of living. While there are many travel-oriented stones, ocean jasper stands out. Ocean jasper is beloved for its swirling colors, often resembling the ocean itself. November-born should take ocean jasper on their adventures. Not only will this crystal enhance November-borns' inner explorer, but it will also help November babies find themselves wherever they go.

December, You Need Black Tourmaline

Everyone wants to know what a December baby is up to. Those born in December often receive a lot of attention, so these winter babies need to amp up their spiritual protection. Although December-born can withstand anything, black tourmaline can help amplify their inner strength. December-born will feel drawn to this ebony gem, since black tourmaline provides stability and security while protecting against negativity. Those born in December will resonate with this special stone, because black tourmaline will repel all of the evil eyes jealous of December-born's success.

The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month first appeared on Parade on Aug 2, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

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The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month

The Crystal You Need for Spiritual Manifestation, Based on Birth Month Liz SimmonsAugust 3, 2025 at 3:11 AM Karoli...
New Photo - Russian and Chinese navies carry out artillery and anti-submarine drills in Sea of Japan

Russian and Chinese navies carry out artillery and antisubmarine drills in Sea of Japan August 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM MOSCOW (Reuters) The Russian and Chinese navies are carrying out artillery and antisubmarine drills in the Sea of Japan as part of scheduled joint exercises, the Russian Pacific Fleet wa...

- - Russian and Chinese navies carry out artillery and anti-submarine drills in Sea of Japan

August 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM

MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Russian and Chinese navies are carrying out artillery and anti-submarine drills in the Sea of Japan as part of scheduled joint exercises, the Russian Pacific Fleet was quoted as saying on Sunday.

The drills are taking place two days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in "the appropriate regions" in response to remarks by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. However, they were scheduled well before Trump's action.

Interfax news agency quoted the Pacific Fleet as saying Russian and Chinese vessels were moving in a joint detachment including a large Russian anti-submarine ship and two Chinese destroyers.

It said diesel-electric submarines from the two countries were also involved, as well as a Chinese submarine rescue ship. The manoeuvres are part of exercises titled "Maritime Interaction-2025" which are scheduled to end on Tuesday.

Interfax said Russian and Chinese sailors would conduct artillery firing, practise anti-submarine and air defence missions, and improve joint search and rescue operations at sea.

Russia and China, which signed a "no-limits" strategic partnership shortly before Russia went to war in Ukraine in 2022, conduct regular military exercises to rehearse coordination between their armed forces and send a deterrent signal to adversaries.

Trump said his submarine order on Friday was made in response to what he called "highly provocative" remarks by Russia's Medvedev about the risk of war between the nuclear-armed adversaries.

Russia and the United States have by far the biggest nuclear arsenals in the world. It is extremely rare for either country to discuss the deployment and location of its nuclear submarines.

Trump's comments came at a time of mounting tension with Moscow as he grows frustrated at the lack of progress towards ending the Ukraine war.

(Reporting by Reuters; writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Toby Chopra)

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Russian and Chinese navies carry out artillery and anti-submarine drills in Sea of Japan

Russian and Chinese navies carry out artillery and antisubmarine drills in Sea of Japan August 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM ...
New Photo - Collision with moose kills driver and injures passenger near Alaska's Denali National Park

Collision with moose kills driver and injures passenger near Alaska's Denali National Park August 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM A general view of Park Road and the surrounding area on May 13, 2025, in Denali National Park, Alaska.

- - Collision with moose kills driver and injures passenger near Alaska's Denali National Park

August 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM

A general view of Park Road and the surrounding area on May 13, 2025, in Denali National Park, Alaska. - Lance King/Getty Images

A driver was killed and a passenger in his car injured after hitting a moose near the entrance to Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve.

The vehicle's collision with the moose occurred around 1 a.m. Friday, just south of the entrance to the Denali Park Road near Mile 235 of the George Parks Highway, also referred to as the Parks Highway, the park said in a statement.

The 24-year-old male driver, who was from Bulgaria, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 24-year-old female passenger, who is from North Macedonia, was taken to a Fairbanks hospital.

The National Park Service is investigating the incident and working with the Bulgarian Embassy to notify the driver's family.

"The collision serves as a sobering reminder of the hazards of wildlife along Alaska's roadways," the park said. "Moose, caribou, and other large animals are often active at dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, and can be difficult to see."

The park urged drivers to slow down in dark conditions and use high-beam headlights.

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Collision with moose kills driver and injures passenger near Alaska’s Denali National Park

Collision with moose kills driver and injures passenger near Alaska's Denali National Park August 3, 2025 at 7...
New Photo - 12-year-old Chinese swimming sensation draws global praise and a note of caution

12yearold Chinese swimming sensation draws global praise and a note of caution Peter Guo August 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM 12yearold Yu Zidi of China won a bronze medal in the women's 4x200meter freestyle relay at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore last week.

- - 12-year-old Chinese swimming sensation draws global praise and a note of caution

Peter Guo August 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM

12-year-old Yu Zidi of China won a bronze medal in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore last week. (Xia Yifang / Xinhua News Agency via Getty Ima)

HONG KONG — A 12-year-old Chinese swimmer has become a global sensation with her history-making times, even as observers and fans back home caution against overhyping the young athlete.

On Thursday, Yu Zidi became the youngest-ever medalist at the World Aquatics Championships, which are being held in Singapore this year. On Sunday, she finished 4th place in the women's 400 individual medley final.

Yu was part of the Chinese team that took bronze in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay, with the United States winning silver and Australia winning gold. Though she did not compete in the final, she received a medal because she swam in the qualifying race.

"I was really excited to join the relay. It felt great," Yu told reporters Thursday. "The World Championships are fun, and I hope to swim faster."

Yu competing in the women's 200-meter butterfly heats in Singapore on Wednesday. (Lintao Zhang / Getty Images)

The Chinese prodigy began swimming around age 6 just to beat the heat in her home province of Hebei. She said she never thought about becoming a professional athlete until a coach approached her at a swimming pool one day.

"At the time, I thought: why not give training a try?" Yu told Xinhua, China's state-run news agency, in May.

Yu, who is also the youngest person to medal at a major international competition since 1936, could earn an individual medal on Sunday in the women's 400-meter medley. Her times are so fast that they allowed her to compete at the World Aquatics Championships even though the minimum age requirement is usually 14.

She has already come close to medaling in two other events in Singapore, missing the podium by 0.06 seconds in the women's 200-meter medley on Monday and 0.31 seconds in the women's 200-meter butterfly on Thursday.

At the Chinese national championships in May, Yu finished the 200-meter individual medley with a time of 2:10.63, winning a silver medal and setting a world record in the event for any 12-year-old, male or female.

Hailed as the world's greatest swimmer her age, Yu has been compared to phenoms such as Katie Ledecky of the United States and Summer McIntosh of Canada, with times that would have put her on the verge of medaling at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Already, Yu is swimming the 400-meter individual medley about 15 seconds faster than McIntosh was at the same age.

Yu at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Thursday. (Wu Zhizun / Xinhua News Agency via Getty Ima)

Her stunning performance before she's even a teenager has many wondering how she might shape competitive swimming in the years to come.

But some Chinese sports fans and commentators have urged the public not to overhype the preteen rising star.

Yu's sudden fame may expose her to "disproportionate" pressure that could keep her from achieving her full potential, the state-backed digital news outlet Shanghai Observer said in an editorial Thursday.

"We must let this 12-year-old grow her splash slowly into a wave," it said, adding that there is "no need to rush into hero worship."

The warning hinted at a shift in how China promotes its elite athletes in the wake of persistent doping allegations and what has been criticized as a "toxic" fan culture.

Success at the highest levels of sport has been central to China's construction of national identity, with the government focused on dominating medal tables at the Olympics and other events.

But the push for gold medals also puts a lot of stress on the countries' star athletes, as does the intensity of public scrutiny.

Organized sports fandom first emerged around 2016 when Chinese social media users, jaded by sex scandals that had tarnished the wholesome image of pop stars they previously adored, began following Olympic athletes instead, said Zhang Bin, a veteran sports commentator in China.

The new fans brought "sophisticated strategies" from the entertainment industry, setting off "fandom wars" among different groups that tried to outdo each other in supporting their athletes, Zhang said.

China's extreme sports fan culture, which can include fan mobs, cyberbullying of athletes and heckling behavior at sports events, was especially visible around the Paris Olympics last year.

When gold-medal-winning diver Quan Hongchan returned to her hometown, visitors flocked to her home for days. Some livestreamed with their phones while others flew drones, and travel agencies even started offering tours of her village.

Pan Zhanle, an Olympic champion swimmer, was praised for disbanding his official fan group after his success at the Paris Games overwhelmed him with a surge of new followers.

The Chinese government has been cracking down, with its cyberspace watchdog saying in April that it had shut down over 3,700 social media accounts with illegal or noncompliant content aimed at Chinese athletes.

Fan Zhendong in Doha, Qatar, in January 2024. (VCG / Getty Images)

But sometimes the frenzy goes beyond the internet. Chinese table tennis player Fan Zhendong, an Olympic gold medalist, said he was traumatized when a stranger sneaked into his hotel room in 2023.

"I never thought, as an athlete, I would have to go through something like this," he told Phoenix TV last week, adding that organized online abuse had caused him "severe" mental stress that contributed to several unexpected losses.

Since sports prodigies naturally attract followers, fan groups could also be a concern for Yu in the future, said Zhang, who was at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.

China is often overprotective of its athletes, but it "may not be a good thing if Yu is living in isolation like protected giant pandas," he said.

"For athletes, learning to interact with the media is a necessary part of their development," Zhang added.

Jessie Zhou, 23, a graduate student in Hong Kong who closely follows table tennis star Fan, said it was a "good call" for Chinese media to cover Yu in a "restrained tone" while extreme sports fandom remains unresolved.

"Just let the kid stay focused on training," Zhou said.

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12-year-old Chinese swimming sensation draws global praise and a note of caution

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New Photo - 'Is it worth it?': Red flags to watch with youth sports programs

'Is it worth it?': Red flags to watch with youth sports programs Stephen Borelli, USA TODAY August 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM USA Hockey didn't invent the line, but Ken Martel has used it when he talks about succeeding in sports.

- - 'Is it worth it?': Red flags to watch with youth sports programs

Stephen Borelli, USA TODAY August 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM

USA Hockey didn't invent the line, but Ken Martel has used it when he talks about succeeding in sports.

"As many as possible for as long as possible with the best environment possible," the organization's senior director of player and coach development told USA TODAY Sports in an interview last year.

He was referring to the American Development Model program he helped install more than a decade and a half ago, when the sport was losing young players in our country.

The ADM, which has become the cornerstone of USA Hockey's message, has helped bring them back to the ice in droves and, in Martel's thinking, continues to help generate world junior championship titles.

"When you have more kids playing, certainly a few more of them will turn out to be good and you'll see 'em on TV, right?" he says.

USA Hockey created the ADM to help keep kids, parents and coaches engaged while, at least in theory, giving everyone a chance to organically develop to his or her full athletic potential.

It starts with getting boys and girls enthused from an early age, infusing a love of competition (without a laser focus on winning) and engaging them into adulthood.

USA Hockey reports 577,864 registered players (kids and adults) for 2024-25, up from 465,975 in 2008-09.

"Geography is no longer a predetermining factor in who can be good in our sport," Martel says.

USA TODAY reported Aug. 1, however, about how one NHL club has a monopoly over North Texas ice. It effectively controls the pathways by which the region's young players advance, Kenny Jacoby writes, and has reminded (and even threatened) parents they can block it at any time.

Inside the StarCenter ice rink in Mansfield, Texas.

"You get so beaten down, and you see your kid get screwed over for opportunities, and you decide, 'You know what? Maybe I do have to play by their rules to get where I want to be,' " says Kat Pierce, a hockey mom whom a Dallas Stars employee attempted to reprimand when she criticized them in a social media post.

The power to decide to play a sport, and to stick with it, is ultimately the choice of our kids. As parents we have a right to speak up to a coach or organization without fear of them being penalized.

We know from this story and others about the so-called "professionalism of youth sports" that the system isn't always that simple. Here are eight red flags to watch with youth sports programs:

You don't feel like you have a say with anything

USA Hockey delegates much of its authority to regional affiliates. The Texas Amateur Hockey Association oversees Texas and Oklahoma.

Member associations' votes are weighted by the number of players they register and, as USA TODAY reports, tilt heavily in the interests of those in Stars leagues or with teams that rent Stars ice.

It's an issue with which many of us can relate, at least to some degree. Running a youth team or league is entrusted in the hands of a few – club owners or the board. All too often, it seems, they prioritize their own interests: Making a steep profit or giving their own kids All-Star slots.

You should never feel you don't have power, though. Volunteer for the board, file a complaint with the league about a nepotistic coach or speak to other parents if something doesn't feel right. It probably isn't.

Band together in your opposition. A board or coach can brush aside one complaint but a collective one isn't as easily ignored, and it isn't good for business.

Coach Steve: How do I deal with a bad coach? Here are three steps

You fear if you speak up, your kid will be penalized

OK, maybe it's not that simple. When Jacoby, my USA TODAY colleague, reported about the Stars' heavy influence in North Texas, he came across a number of parents hesitant to raise concerns out of fear of retaliation against their kids.

One dad who coached at a Stars complex inquired about coaching at a competing rink after he felt the Stars had failed to address a safety concern. The Stars fired him when he did so, according to emails he provided, and allegedly banned his 5- and 7-year-old daughters. (A Stars employee denied banning his daughters.)

No one wants to risk putting their kids' dreams, or even their playing time, in jeopardy. But think about the concern for a moment. Is being on a team where you're afraid to rock the boat really a situation you want your child to have to endure?

Before you do anything, talk to your son or daughter about their experience. They might not want to be there anyway. You always have a voice in their sports journey.

You fear if you leave, there will be no 'better' options

Think of yourself as an investor in your team or league. Its leaders should be open to your constructive criticism on how to make it better.

Don't take to social media to complain, where you risk making someone feel public embarrassment. Instead, schedule a private meeting where you can mention your concerns diplomatically. The reaction you get will give you a good indication of where you stand.

If they aren't willing to consider spreading out rink fees over a larger group of teams, or giving every kid equal playing time when you're paying for a college showcase experience, for example, this might not be worth your time.

No single team will make or break whether your child reaches an elite level of a sport, but a single experience might determine whether they keep playing at all.

We can help. Submit your feedback here about how the corporatization of youth sports has affected you and your kids. We wrote in a line specifically for those of you who've faced retaliation or threats.

You feel pressured (or are outright told) not to play other sports

An internal study the NHL and NHL Players' Association conducted in 2018 found that out of the 700-plus players on rosters, 98% of them were multisport athletes as kids.

"Get out, play multiple sports," says USA Hockey's Martel. "Look, if your passion's not ice hockey, you're never gonna really turn out to be a great player if you don't truly love it. And if you find a passion that happens to be another sport, wonderful."

The American Development Model recommends multisport play until at least age 12. Arguments can be made to take it longer.

"I am dead set against single-sport athletes (while kids are growing up)," former football coach Urban Meyer has said. "When my son was playing baseball I had many people tell me that he should just stop playing other sports and focus on baseball. I got in big arguments with people, and a lot of those kids that (at) nine, 10 years old were great - they blew out. They burned out, and they're not playing anymore."

Meyer said he looked at kids who played football and another sport at a high level. Brenda Frese, another national championship-winning coach, also loves recruiting basketball players who play multiple sports.

"We just see the benefits of it – you know, mentally, physical, socially, you name it," Frese's husband, Mark Thomas, told me in an interview for a 2023 profile of the Maryland women's coach and her family.

"At an early age, teams try to take over your calendar. A key little tool I learned is that as long as you're playing multiple sports, you give yourself some leverage that they can't take over your schedule completely because you have commitments to multiple teams. Eventually, you may have some hard-line coaches."

When one of the couple's twin sons played club soccer in seventh grade, Thomas recalled the coach telling parents and players: We expect you to only play soccer now and if you're not just playing soccer, then we don't want you.

"From the soccer club's end, why wouldn't you keep more kids involved?" Thomas said. "I mean, he was never a kid who was gonna be a professional or anything like that. I didn't understand the point."

The National Athletic Trainers' Association recommends playing for one team at a time, playing a sport for less than eight months per year and at no more hours per week than your age.

You can always specialize the year before high school if you are concerned about making a specific team, but playing other sports recreationally on the side will make you a better athlete.

You're on a team with a primary focus of winning titles

As Martel looked to reinvent American hockey, he discontinued a 12-and-under national championship.

"The only pushback we got was from a few adults that run programs; it was more about them than it was about the kids," he says. "Why do we need to run across the country at 12 for a championship? If you're gonna run a 12U national championship, the 10U coach starts aggregating players because we need to get them all together so that they're ready by the time they're 12. And it just starts the race to the bottom sooner."

Project Play, a national initiative of the Aspen Institute to build healthy communities through sports, surveys children. When it asks them what they like most about playing sports, having fun and playing with friends always ranks at the top and by a lot, according to Aspen Sports & Society community impact director Jon Solomon.

Solomon says winning games and chasing scholarships rank lower, such as in the Washington, D.C. State of Play report.

Yes, kids thrive off game situations. But instead of loading up on age-specific travel tournaments, play the 8- through 12-year-olds together, as USA Hockey suggests. Prioritize small-sided games in practice over "boring" drills, as Martel calls them.

"We do different things in that to get them to work on different technical abilities and different tactical situations," Martel says. "But kids have fun. They get to problem solve. There's autonomy to that. And you see that in our play."

It costs a lot less, too.

A team - or a tournament - requires you to stay at specific hotels with no flexibility

We love the adventure of traveling with our kids through their sports. Hitting the road can give them exposure to top competition. It's also a prime intersection for collusion.

For years, according to USA TODAY reporting, three Stars executives organized tournaments that required out-of-town participants to book minimum three-night stays at select hotels. At the same time, they ran their own for-profit company that took a cut of the revenue.

After our investigation, the Stars say they will be "loosening" the policies.

Although stay-to-play arrangements remain common across youth sports, I have never encountered one over about eight years of traveling with my sons for their baseball teams.

The hotels our team or a tournament recommends are always suggestions. I book at a better rate through my rewards program if I find one.

We sometimes run into tournaments that are a couple of hours from home. Once the game times are announced, we might choose to return for one of the nights.

Having that choice improves our quality of life, and our satisfaction with the team.

The coach has a chummy relationship with a few of the other players' parents

The most effective coaches maintain a cordial yet arm's length rapport with parents.

They lay out the ground rules in a meeting before the season – no parent coaching from the bleachers, perhaps? – and say something to parents who violate them.

Playing for close friends is inevitable when kids are younger. When they are preparing to play high school ball or competing in front of college coaches, though, there are enough distractions without having to worry about your coach favoring someone over you.

You can't answer affirmatively: 'Is it worth it?'

Brent Tully was a former defenseman who helped Team Canada win two world junior championships in the 1990s. He later became general manager for an elite junior hockey team in Ontario and has coached younger players. He's also a father of two athletes.

He has seen first hand the long hours and travel, the tens of thousands of dollars spent, the living "hand-to-mouth," as Pierce, the Texas hockey mom, described in my colleague's story.

All for what?

"I can't imagine parents at the end of that last year (when) their child isn't drafted," Tully said in 2024. "And that's the end. The disappointment of the ending, it's all too frequent.

"My oldest son, back when he was playing, they were an average to below average team. And they stayed that way, even beyond the years he had stopped playing. I knew some of the fathers pretty well. And one father, at the end of nine years of minor hockey - and he complained all the time, complained about his son's ice time, about the coaching - I remember saying to him, 'So was that all worth it?' Was that fun? All the money you spent. Your son's now gone to college, and he's working a job and you could have had him play house league, probably left with a lot less frustration. And he can still play the game his whole life at the level he's playing. ...

"Regardless of where a boy or girl plays, that should be a great experience."

Coach Steve: 10 questions athletes should consider if they play on a travel team

With the right experience, his sport can be ingrained in someone from "cradle to grave," as USA Hockey's Martel describes.

"Hockey is played with no contact in a lot of places," he says. "We have 70-and-over national championships. It's really low impact and it's a lot of fun. There's people that play when they're 100. So hopefully you come back to the sport and you're involved over a life.

"You don't see that in American football. No one wants to go out and get tackled and have to go to work the next day."

Steve Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been an editor and writer with USA TODAY since 1999. He spent 10 years coaching his two sons' baseball and basketball teams. He and his wife, Colleen, are now sports parents for two high schoolers. His column is posted weekly. For his past columns, click here.

Got a question for Coach Steve you want answered in a column? Email him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Red flags in youth sports programs, how to spot and respond to them

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'Is it worth it?': Red flags to watch with youth sports programs

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New Photo - WNBA players call out officiating, but league officials trust their process

WNBA players call out officiating, but league officials trust their process Ira GorawaraAugust 3, 2025 at 8:15 PM Sparks coach Lynne Roberts is called for a technical foul during a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena on July 29.

- - WNBA players call out officiating, but league officials trust their process

Ira GorawaraAugust 3, 2025 at 8:15 PM

Sparks coach Lynne Roberts is called for a technical foul during a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena on July 29. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

With red welts scattered like landmarks of the war she'd just waged, Kelsey Plum let the microphone have it.

"I drive more than anyone in the league," the Sparks guard said, voice taut. "So to shoot six free throws is f— absurd. And I got scratches on my face, I got scratches on my body, and these guards on the other teams get these ticky-tack fouls, and I'm sick of it."

Plum played 41 minutes during an overtime loss to the Golden State Valkyries, during which she was awarded those six free throws. She is one of many WNBA players, coaches and fans who have vented frustration over what they see as inconsistent and unreliable officiating this season.

Yet, within the walls of the league's officiating office, there is steadfast belief that referees are doing their jobs well.

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon questions a referee's call during the game against the Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on July 29. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

"Overall, I'm very pleased with the work this year," said Monty McCutchen, the head of referee training and development for all NBA leagues.

But McCutchen and Sue Blauch, who oversees WNBA referee performance and development, aren't blind to the backlash — acknowledging "some high-profile misses that we need to own on our end."

To do so, they pointed to an officiating analysis program through which 95% of games are watched live, with every play graded by internal and independent reviewers. Those evaluations are used to chart each referee's performance over time.

Teams can flag up to 30 plays for review per game through a league portal — including isolated calls or themes spanning multiple games. League officials respond with rulings on each clip and compile curated playlists by call type, delivering them directly to the referees.

Read more:Kelsey Plum voices frustration over lack of calls in Sparks' loss to Valkyries

"There's no shortage of feedback," McCutchen said.

But the WNBA's structural backbone of officiating differs from the NBA in significant ways. With just 35 referees, all of whom moonlight calling NCAA or G League games, the WNBA relies on part-timers earning $1,538 per game as rookies, with each official calling 20 to 34 contests per season.

"You're working three very different kinds of basketball," said Jacob Tingle, director of sport management at Trinity University who has conducted research on officiating networks and pathways. "The reason the NBA or MLB works is because that's all you do — you're working the same kind of game only."

The WNBA lacks a centralized replay center, a developmental league to groom talent and shuffles crew combinations from game to game — a patchwork system that can strain referees expected to deliver consistency.

Sparks guard Kelsey Plum questions the official's out-of-bounds call during a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena on July 29. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

"When you don't have group cohesion, you don't have the same level of trust in your partners," said David Hancock, a professor who studies the psychology of sports officiating. "We've done one study — when referees felt more connected to their group, they also felt they performed better."

McCutchen said teams get a verdict on the calls they send for review. But beyond that, there's no insight into grading or transparency about patterns the league has researched. So when it seems a whistle has been swallowed during a game, players and coaches are left searching for consistency.

"You don't know in the WNBA anymore," said Joshua Jackson, a Louisiana State University professor who studies media and athlete perception. "I can't tell when I'm watching a game exactly what this foul call is going to be. I'll hear the whistle and think, 'OK, maybe it's a reach-in and then suddenly it's a view for a flagrant one instead? Wait, how did we get here?'"

The whistle has become one of the WNBA's biggest wild cards. Angel Reese called it "diabolical." Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said after a fourth-quarter letdown led to a loss that the game was "stolen from us." Belgian guard Julie Allemand told The Times she felt more "protected" playing in EuroBasket. And Napheesa Collier, one of the stars of the 2025 season, warned "it's getting worse."

Read more:WNBA players embrace continuously growing tunnel walk fashion

The whistle, or lack thereof, might echo louder in 2026, when the WNBA begins a $2.2-billion, 11-year media rights deal with Disney, Amazon and NBCUniversal — each of whom will air more than 125 games a year across TV and streaming networks.

Nicole LaVoi, who helms the Tucker Center — a research hub focused on advocating for girls and women in sports — said the narrative surrounding female athletes forces them to walk a tightrope: speak up and risk being dismissed as an emotional woman or stay quiet and let the league's image unravel.

"This is a broader, contextual, systemic issue," LaVoi said. "It's not just about bad refs making bad calls. This is a much larger problem within a system where women's sport has been undervalued and underappreciated for decades."

Many players have ignored concerns about the perception they whine too much about officiating, arguing the inconsistency in calls is dangerous.

Lucas Seehafer, a professor and kinesiologist at Medical University of South Carolina who tracks WNBA injuries, said players have suffered 173 injuries this season and missed 789 games, entering Saturday's games.

Sparks forward Cameron Brink reacts toward an official after no foul was called after the ball was stripped from her as she was driving to the basket at Crypto.com Arena on July 29. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Injuries are undoubtedly multifactorial, Seehafer said. Still, inconsistent whistles can leave players unsure of how much contact to expect — forcing them into unfamiliar movements or hesitation. And that can lend itself to awkward landings, a key contributor in lower-extremity injuries.

"The athletes strive on consistency and mechanical efficiency," said Nirav Pandya, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at UC San Francisco. "When you don't know how much contact's going to be allowed, it does throw off that rhythm, which increases your injury risk."

When Caitlin Clark suffered a groin injury in mid-July, her brother — in a now-deleted X post — blamed the officials for letting too much contact slide.

"People go watch the WNBA because of the talent," LaVoi said, "and when the talent is sitting on the bench, that's not very exciting to fans."

Read more:WNBA motherhood: The balancing act between career and kids

While critics are quick to call out officiating, referees are navigating a structure stretched thin.

Brenda Hilton, founder of Officially Human — an organization dedicated to improving the treatment of sports officials — said 70%-80% of officials quit within their first three years, largely due to online abuse.

"The people that are doing the work are people, they are fallible," LaVoi said. "The players are fallible as well, so are the coaches. So can we get back some compassion for the humanity of the people doing it, and appreciate the fact that they love what they do? They're not doing it because they're getting huge NIL deals and branding opportunities."

NBA and WNBA officiating leaders have not announced any plans for changes to their system, so the stress will probably continue among players, coaches, fans and those who control the whistles.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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WNBA players call out officiating, but league officials trust their process

WNBA players call out officiating, but league officials trust their process Ira GorawaraAugust 3, 2025 at 8:15 PM ...
New Photo - 5 Expenses I Wasn't Prepared For When I Bought an EV

5 Expenses I Wasn't Prepared For When I Bought an EV Lydia KibetAugust 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM coldsnowstorm / iStock.com Buying an electric vehicle sounds like a smart move. No more gas costs, reduced maintenance and some tax credits.

- - 5 Expenses I Wasn't Prepared For When I Bought an EV

Lydia KibetAugust 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM

coldsnowstorm / iStock.com

Buying an electric vehicle sounds like a smart move. No more gas costs, reduced maintenance and some tax credits. However, there are hidden expenses that can catch new EV owners by surprise.

Check Out: The Best Car for Every Age Group, According to an Expert

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GOBankingRates spoke to Marcus Griswold, founder of Calm Waters Group, who has been driving a Volkswagen ID.4 for two years now. He shared the expenses he wasn't prepared for after purchasing an EV. While he's still happy with his purchase, he has learned firsthand that going electric still involves some expenses.

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Tires Wear Out Much Faster

Electric vehicles are way heavier than gas-powered cars due to their battery packs. This puts more pressure on the tires, wearing them out faster. Additionally, the instant torque delivery that makes EVs so fun to drive can be harsh on rubber.

"The one that hit me was the tires," Griswold said. "Before I replaced my front tires, they were starting to flake chunks of rubber within 17,000 miles."

This accelerated wear means EV owners need to replace tires more frequently, translating to hundreds of extra dollars in tire costs yearly.

See More: 10 Cars That Outlast the Average Vehicle

Unpredictable Public Charging Costs

You might think charging an electric car is cheaper than buying gas, but public charging costs can cost just as much and sometimes more, depending on where you are.

"In California, the cost to fill up a tank of gas is about the same cost I see to 'fill up' my battery," Griswold noted.

Charger Installation

While Griswold didn't install a home charger, it's worth noting that many EV owners do, and it's not cheap. Installation can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, some utility companies are developing programs that support reduced costs for EV charger installation.

"I was offered either three free years of charging or a charger installation discount from VW," said Griswold.

Insurance and Registration

EVs tend to be more expensive upfront, and insurance companies typically charge more premiums based on the vehicle value.

"Even though I received the rebate, my insurance and registration costs are higher," Griswold said.

Battery Replacement Worries

While most EV batteries are built to last eight or more years, replacing one outside warranty can cost thousands of dollars.

"Fortunately I have not had to change my battery, but that's also looming in the background," said Griswold.

This burden affects many EV owners who find themselves constantly monitoring battery health and range, knowing that a major expense could be waiting down the road.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Expenses I Wasn't Prepared For When I Bought an EV

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5 Expenses I Wasn’t Prepared For When I Bought an EV

5 Expenses I Wasn't Prepared For When I Bought an EV Lydia KibetAugust 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM coldsnowstorm / iSt...

 

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