Something that I think people are underestimating is the amount of things competing for kids' time, especially at some of the schools where the parents typically have higher incomes.

 

If you are a 12 year old kid or so, would you rather be at practice when you are the 10th man and never leave the bench aside from getting in during the last minutes of blowouts or go to a Bengals game or Perfect North with your family? Playing the new Xbox you got for Christmas or running laps? You all act like every kid in the school cares half as much about their high school's athletics program or school spirit as most of the people who post on here.

 

The ones that end up successful in high school normally do care about their high school athletics programs. They are playing to be a part of it one day.

I think what you are missing is that Clyde isn't arguing that the best players shouldn't play, or that they shouldn't play much more. He's just saying it doesn't hurt to develop some other kids by giving them playing time as well. And in none of his posts has he advocated for some type of mandatory playing time for all.

 

That quote wasn't in response to Clyde?? And in post 64 he was advocating that if you earned a spot on the team, that you earned minutes.

 

"If you tried out for a team and made the team then you EARNED your spot and minutes"

 

So everyone gets to play.

 

I just don't see it that way after you get out of youth league or pay to play leagues. I don't have ANYTHING against those that think if you make the team you should play, my fundamental dispute is that just because you make it doesn't mean you've earned anything in the future. Making the team only means that you get the opportunity to earn playing time. It's a tremendous honor just to make the cut in my opinon.

 

And on a side note I shouldn't have allowed myself to respond the way I did...I should've have been the bigger man.

Practice makes a player.

 

The problem with middle school basketball is that the amount of practice time is so limited. No one is developing players in games.

 

If a school was really interested in developing players, the number of games would be limited and the number of practices increased. I'm pretty sure most teams can work all 12-17 players into the drills and scrimmages of a practice.

 

You have got a winner! Let me explain HHS frosh do to numbers of football participants out get the opportunity to play against upperclass. I have seen significant strides in that group! They should be thankful to the boys that have pushed them. A thin bench continues to develop and I have seen huge improvements in players 7-12. I believe that goes toward the sheer number of practices and coaching. Having 13 players out hurt you bet; however I am certain that many other schools would love to have the same problem.

 

My youngest in the 4th grade, practices 4 hours a week and knows his school work comes first. I do not feel a bit sorry for those parents that call because Johnny did not make the middle school team. A lot of blood and sweat goes into dreams and success. Trust me there comes a time where you get tired of carting them around. My frosh works additional hours at his little brothers practices. IMO you got to earn it!!!

I was thinking the same thing and how ironic that RCC is against letting all the players play and he tosses his dig in against football playoffs as if it is the in the same boat yet he ignores his softball where EVERY TEAM gets in the playoffs.

 

UH OH...

 

:whistling:

If you accept the premise that participation in sports is good for the development of kids, (and if they aren't then they have no place in schools) then participation should be encouraged for as many kids as possible. At my grandkids' school they just keep forming teams until they run out of kids. I don't know if there are minimum playing time requirements in basketball, but all of the kids play. I think they have five 5th and 6th grade boys basketball teams. They play in A, B and C leagues. The CSAA in Louisville runs a great sports program. At the high school level, wherever it is feasible, Trinity sports are no cut. There are no cut sports available in all seasons. If you are willing to do the work, you are part of the team. Again, if team sports are good for kids, they should be available to all kids.

The ones that end up successful in high school normally do care about their high school athletics programs. They are playing to be a part of it one day.

 

Come on, man. Sure the "stars" may be thinking about playing varsity ball. But what JW24 was talking about was the 10th man. There's very little chance that any 5th or 6th grader who rarely, if ever, sees the floor during games, is thinking about that. Heck, he/she is probably wondering about what's for dinner after the game more than anything else.

And on a side note...and all joking aside...I am very humbled to have written a post that received a "LIKE" from Clyde. I am honored, sir.