Was reading in the local paper where Bracken County is starting 1,maybe 2, 7th graders on their high school team,is this normal? Know it happens a lot in girls sports,but have never read too much about it in boys baseball. These boys haven't been held back either,they are legit 7th graders.

Sounds like they are either A) Really good, or B) Lack of quality upperclassmen.

Sounds like they are either A) Really good, or B) Lack of quality upperclassmen.

 

With a 3-11 record and only scoring 44 runs while giving up 148 I would have to say "B", but you know, it is indeed a shame that a coach would play a bunch of seventh graders over HS students, unless none come out to play.....

 

KHSAA scoreboard

Frankfort starts one.

Was reading in the local paper where Bracken County is starting 1,maybe 2, 7th graders on their high school team,is this normal? Know it happens a lot in girls sports,but have never read too much about it in boys baseball. These boys haven't been held back either,they are legit 7th graders.

 

 

This is dangerous. IMO, 7/8th graders should not be allowed to play any V sport. I think it is a matter of time before a real injury occurs and the KHSAA finally adopts the rules used by other states, meaning, middle school kids play middle school sports. Once becoming a freshman, good luck and more power to you playing V.

With a 3-11 record and only scoring 44 runs while giving up 148 I would have to say "B", but you know, it is indeed a shame that a coach would play a bunch of seventh graders over HS students, unless none come out to play.....

 

KHSAA scoreboard

 

If you are going to lose, you might as well lose with young guys and get them the experience for the future.

If you are going to lose, you might as well lose with young guys and get them the experience for the future.

 

I agree with 3ptshooter, kids that young shouuldn't be playing HS sports, let them wait their turn....

 

Who is the coach helping but himself by playing grade school kids, certainly not the HS students.... Bracken County I think, isn't that small of a school that they need kids that young to fill out their roster....

If you are going to lose, you might as well lose with young guys and get them the experience for the future.

... Kentucky should adopt a 4 year rule just like every other state. Why have a high school team at all if you pull up 7th and 8th graders for varsity. I know many coaches have done it, but it does not make it right. Tell me the purpose of high school or for that matter college sports!!! Then tell me where 7th and 8th graders fit in that description. I wonder why colleges cannot bring up junior and senior high school players to play for them? Answer I know is obvious, but the same basic answer to that question should be the same answer as for the 7th and 8th graders.

I don't think playing 7th graders on varsity is that good of an idea but having them on your team to play Freshmen and JV ball is a good idea. In some places the summer Babe Ruth / Little League teams are terrible and do not teach the kids anything.

 

By the time when a high school gets a player as a freshman they may have terrible habits that are very hard to get rid of. By getting 7th graders into your system you are able to teach them how to play your way and keep those bad habits from forming.

 

A kid better be a STUD to play varsity at that age which could happen - remember Mac Whitaker at Harrison Co played one at second base several years ago and the kid got drafted when he graduated.

Beechwood has 2 8th graders who have started about 10 games each this year .One of them has a win on the mound pitching a complete game where he threw about 80 pitches over 7 innings .he also plays infield .

The other plays outfield .He has started in all 3 spots in the outfield ,more in CF .They do not only play vs the lower teams .The Holy Cross game had the IF at 2nd base for example .The OF started 2 of the 3 games vs Dunbar ,#2 in the state ,and was 1-3 and 2-3 w/ an rbi and 2 runs scored .

To say they do not belong is wrong IMO .THERE ARE KIDS WHO CAN HANDLE IT AND SOME WHO CAN'T.Some have not played at a very high level ,competitive ,tourney type ,travel ball .

I may be mistaken but I think the pitcher is taking the mound today vs New Cath in order for BW to have pitching this weekend in the Freedom tourney .

You should not judge all players stictly on the players you have seen .Luke Maile is one that probably could of started as an 8 th grader .There are several around that could have if given the chance .

... Kentucky should adopt a 4 year rule just like every other state. Why have a high school team at all if you pull up 7th and 8th graders for varsity. I know many coaches have done it, but it does not make it right. Tell me the purpose of high school or for that matter college sports!!! Then tell me where 7th and 8th graders fit in that description. I wonder why colleges cannot bring up junior and senior high school players to play for them? Answer I know is obvious, but the same basic answer to that question should be the same answer as for the 7th and 8th graders.

KHSAA allows 7th grade players, to play Varsity Baseball, if the coach chooses. Can 7th grade players, routinely compete with upperclassmen....No, but that's not anyone argument but rather, they have the right to be on the team and play at the discretion of the coach.

 

Often, younger players are involved in the game courtesy running or pinch-running, when situations allow. They usually carry equipment, chase foul balls and learn the game, by watching/interacting.

I agree with 3ptshooter, kids that young shouuldn't be playing HS sports, let them wait their turn....

 

Who is the coach helping but himself by playing grade school kids, certainly not the HS students.... Bracken County I think, isn't that small of a school that they need kids that young to fill out their roster....

Bracken County is that small. And here is the question, do you feel a roster with a boy who cannot hit or catch so that you can play a HSer and let a kid who could help you win a game sit on the bench.

 

BC has no other opportunities within the county for those top MS athletes to compete at the level that will push them. The BEST thing for these young players to develop IS TO let them play HS ball.

 

My daughter a 7th grader played golf on the varsity team this past year. She was the low score in one match earning medalists honor. Why should she be penalized athletically for it when I could have the option to move her up academically if I wanted?

If your at a small school like BC or Beechwood,Bellevue etc sometimes you don't have any choice but to allow those kids to tryout or play. Beechwood has built a tremendous program so if they have 8th graders play8ing then they are probably very good. But other smaller schools might let those kids play because they either are short on kids playing or they are just as good as some of the upperclassman. I know I played as a Freshman and pitched in the District opener that year and A guy from Holmes named Spenlau who was a Senior at the time introduced me to the Hill down at Newport High school. It was good experience though and will not only help the kids develop but help them field a team.

Again we have a situation where people want to make universal statements about situations that call for individual consideration. The athlete, the team, the school's size etc. all have to be considered before you make such a strong statement as "no middle school kids should be allowed to play . . .etc."

There indeed ARE some cases where they not only CAN play but SHOULD play. As usual it comes down to adults making responsible and reasonable judgements.

... Kentucky should adopt a 4 year rule just like every other state. Why have a high school team at all if you pull up 7th and 8th graders for varsity. I know many coaches have done it, but it does not make it right. Tell me the purpose of high school or for that matter college sports!!! Then tell me where 7th and 8th graders fit in that description. I wonder why colleges cannot bring up junior and senior high school players to play for them? Answer I know is obvious, but the same basic answer to that question should be the same answer as for the 7th and 8th graders.

You have to get the legislatures to do that and not the KHSAA. The state legislature created a KRS that prevents anyone outside of the KY BOE or their designee from creating a rule preventing anyone in the school district from representing the district in athletics.

 

It seems that the state legislature saw HS athletic teams as representing the school district (in some shape and form) instead of a single HS.