Transitioning from youth football to High School, is self interest the only concern?

[jolmstead]

Ok folks, you asked for it here it is. What does a youth who participates in a high school feeder program owe that school?

[Clyde]

Depends on who "that school" is. Do you mean the high school that the program ultimately feeds into? If so, the kid owes "that school" his best effort THAT YEAR. Nothing more.

[Queen of Pink]

The player owes them a thank you for allowing him to participate. Just because a young players participates for a feeder school does not entitle him/her a starting position on the varisty level. So in return, the player should not feel obligated to continue playing for that program if his parents have to relocate or transfer the student to another school for the "academics" of a particular program.

 

This thread could walk a slippery slope??

[75center]

I don't think they would "owe" a school anything although if the high school provided large amounts of financing I would think differently.

[Clyde]

The player owes them a thank you for allowing him to participate. Just because a young players participates for a feeder school does not entitle him/her a starting position on the varisty level. So in return, the player should not feel obligated to continue playing for that program if his parents have to relocate or transfer the student to another school for the "academics" of a particular program.

 

This thread could walk a slippery slope??

 

You raise a good point, Queen.

 

To think the kid "owes" it to the high school to attend that high school would also mean the high school "owes" it to the kid to play him over transfers.

[Colonels_Wear_Blue]

The player owes them a thank you for allowing him to participate. Just because a young players participates for a feeder school does not entitle him/her a starting position on the varsity level. So in return, the player should not feel obligated to continue playing for that program if his parents have to relocate or transfer the student to another school for the "academics" of a particular program.

 

This thread could walk a slippery slope??

 

Agreed - on both counts.

 

I think in all likelihood, there have been plenty of players for the FTJFL who have gone on to play well at other schools over the years...particularly New Cath. Could attrition between feeder programs and their associated high school program lead to a little disappointment on the part of the other players, coaches, and fans? Sure. Is there anything wrong with the player going elsewhere? Not as far as I'm concerned.

[uk#1fan]

The school should be glad they get that player. My son is 5 and already running wide receiver routes getting ready for his first year of football. Far as high schools it is suppose to be all about the students.

Edited June 7, 2012 by uk#1fan

[Voice of Reason]

They owe the feeder program nothing beyond their best effort while participating. In fact, many kids today select the "feeder program" they participate in out of self interest. This "self interest" issue doesn't start with choosing a high school. Kids and their parents choose AAU, select teams, etc. starting at young ages today. There are kids that participate in the Ft. Thomas Youth Football league knowing they will not attend Highlands. They choose that league because they like the way it is run. They don't owe Highlands anything. If a kid from St. Pius plays on the CCH 8th grade team and then decides that Holy Cross is a better fit for him, should CCH be upset? Disappointed perhaps but you can't fault a kid and his parents for doing what they think is best for them.

 

In addition, just because the feeder program is good and you learned a lot doesn't mean the high school program is the right place. There are different coaches, a different school and other factors that come into play. There is no obligation to go to a particular high school just because you went to their feeder school.

 

High school is a very brief and crucial time for young men and women. There is so much development that happens and sometimes a school just isn't the right fit. If that is true, there is absolutely no reason - including "loyalty" - that says that child should continue to attend that school.

[Queen of Pink]

The school should be glad they get that player. My son is 5 and already running wide receiver routes getting ready for his first year of football. Far as high schools it is suppose to be all about the students.

 

Just a piece of advise....they don't throw many fade or quick outs at age 6? You could always send him to Ft Thomas, I hear they have a pretty good feeder system.

[uk#1fan]

Just a piece of advise....they don't throw many fade or quick outs at age 6? You could always send him to Ft Thomas, I hear they have a pretty good feeder system.

 

Its amazing how different the prices are for different teams to play for.

[Clyde]

The school should be glad they get that player. My son is 5 and already running wide receiver routes getting ready for his first year of football. Far as high schools it is suppose to be all about the students.

 

How many times does it take to learn "go long?"

[jolmstead]

So if the player does not owe anything to the feeder program in which they participate, why should the school even have a feeder program if there is so limited return on the investment of the coaching staff? What about the kids who would have otherwise played and been committed to the school?

[jolmstead]

So having a coach of a feeder program in which is supported by a high school chooses to take his own kids elsewhere, which triggers even more defections because of his influence, presents no ethical conflict for any of you?????

[uk#1fan]

How many times does it take to learn "go long?"

 

My son has been running a lot of post routes, curls and mostly timing throws. For a first year player in the starter division he has pretty good size almost four foot tall and 45 pounds.

[Clyde]

So if the player does not owe anything to the feeder program in which they participate, why should the school even have a feeder program if there is so limited return on the investment of the coaching staff? What about the kids who would have otherwise played and been committed to the school?

 

What about them? If they're good enough to play they'll play.

 

What % of kids in a feeder program go to another high school?