I always like to recap the year, but instead of doing sports highlights, I thought I'd provide a different list, one with lifetime values:

1. Let us recognize the achievements of individuals while they are still living. Obituaries about a person's contributions to the community do not do much for the person who has left us. I am not talking about plaques and things like that. I have tons of those and haven't deserved most of them. A simple "Thank you for what you do" is more than enough.

2. Let us stop acting like fools at athletic events. Boorish behavior may be fine within a peer group, but keep it there. The community does not have to have proof that you are a jerk. We get too many calls about jerky behavior at games.

3. Stop wasting potential. I see it all the time. The famous line is, "I should have done better in school." Unless you are 96 and have some catastrophic illness, it is not too late for you. We all have potential. We just have to have confidence in ourselves to tap into it.

4. For organizations, write up a history of your organization. It may seem unimportant now but, unless you plan to live for 110 years, histories are important to the next generation. It is always good to know where you came from and who made it all happen.

5. Parents should stop living through the exploits of their children. It is their life and their athletic career. Help them anyway you can, but you are not the one who scored those points. Don't tell them, "This is the way I used to do it." Your days are gone.

6. Let us recognize the work of coaches and officials. If you have complaints about their performance, become one of them and see how difficult it is, particularly with vocal parents criticizing their every move.

7. Volunteer to help local organizations. I know of none that would turn you down. I guarantee you will be rewarded for your efforts and end up saying "I should have done this sooner." Participate in any organization that benefits your children.

8. Respect your opponent. I don't care who it is. When an opponent is playing on your turf, they are your guests. Beat them, but respect them.

9. Do not just drop your kids off at practice or at a game so you can shop at the mall. It is important for your child to see you there. Afterward, hold the criticism — you aren't on the field. Give positive feedback.

10. Please stop jumping around during the playing of the national anthem and get off those cell phones. If you can't take a minute to honor your country, then you have your priorities in the wrong place.

11. If you see trash on a field or in a gym, pick it up and put it in a garbage can. It only takes a few moments to help clean up. Set a good example.

12. Don't condone anyone running up a score on an opponent. If you think it's fun when you are on the winning side, wait until you are on the losing side. You won't think it's cool then.

13. If you are on a field that an organization has allowed you to use because your own fields cannot be used, abide by their rules. That is, if you ever want to use that field again.

14. Attend board meetings of any kind and don't be scared of asking questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question.