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Youth sports costing more time and money
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very few scholarships | 12:38 p.m. June 23, 2008
I think the average percent of high school athletes that get college athletic
scholarships is around 25% which means about 75% go home empty handed. I am
talking about quality colleges here - not some rat hole out in the middle of
California desert who will basically take anyone who wants to come. So, I would
say your son or daughter better be getting "other things" from their
athletic experience such as learning leadership skills or learning to work hard
because the monitary payoff of a full-ride college scholarship is just not going
to happen for most.
Eric | 12:44 p.m. June 23, 2008
Parents delude themselves. The truth is that there are precious few full ride
college baseball scholarships. Even D1 programs only give out a few full rides
and rely on players who will accept partial scholarships (tuition only, half
tuition, books only, etc..) and walkons to fill up their rosters. The chance of
your kid getting his college paid for by being a baseball player is very slim
even if they play for a super league team.
Youth baseball has gone downhill. The "super" leagues have diluted the talent pool and are are the main reason youth baseball is suffering. The funny thing is the people that coach the super leagues are usually the dads who would have ended up coaching their kid anyway in the local league.
Baseball would be far better off if the high school coaches supported their local community leagues whether they be affiliated with Little League, Pony, or Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken. This support could include preseason camps where baseball skills could be taught to every kid that wanted to learn. Communities could even have their own combines where kids could measure themselves.
It's time to take baseball back from those who only seek to profit.
Youth baseball has gone downhill. The "super" leagues have diluted the talent pool and are are the main reason youth baseball is suffering. The funny thing is the people that coach the super leagues are usually the dads who would have ended up coaching their kid anyway in the local league.
Baseball would be far better off if the high school coaches supported their local community leagues whether they be affiliated with Little League, Pony, or Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken. This support could include preseason camps where baseball skills could be taught to every kid that wanted to learn. Communities could even have their own combines where kids could measure themselves.
It's time to take baseball back from those who only seek to profit.
Comments continue below
out of balance | 12:50 p.m. June 23, 2008
Life is all about balance. Youth athletics creates in-balance with the kids and
the parents. Is it worth the price? Hard to say. Kids learn invaluable lessons
from athletics such as how to work REALLY hard, performing under pressure, team
work, how to become physically fit, self esteem, etc.. Kids also have to give up
alot - scouts, girls camp, EFY, family vacation etc... You can do both but it is
hard. Parents who practice with their kids are rewarded with loads of good
memories compared to those parents who just watch from the sidelines. I see alot
of high school kids who work at Taco Bell and wear ear rings an green hair and
for those cases I am SO GLAD and appreciative for athletics.
jocks | 12:52 p.m. June 23, 2008
Playing Sports if you can get hour homework done and get at least B grades was
my family rule of thumb. One thing I have noticed is that kids now days
don't wear jocks when playing sports, and their boxers are sure to get them
a groin injury!
Kids in California do not participate in Physical Education Classes, which is a leading cause of obesity among young people. What's wrong with this picture?
Kids in California do not participate in Physical Education Classes, which is a leading cause of obesity among young people. What's wrong with this picture?
Some have unfulfilled dreams! | 1:06 p.m. June 23, 2008
I think it is funny how many parents think their kid needs an athletic
scholarship in order to go to college. It is 10 times easier to get academic
scholarships or service scholarships than athletic scholarships and with
academic scholarships you can get more money (You can get multiple cash
scholarships instead of just one full tuition, room, and food scholarship). I
have always loved sports and played as much as I could growing up. I will
support my kids in whatever activities they want to participate in, but I will
not propagate the narrow minded thought that it is either an athletic
scholarship or nothing.
to the college professor | 1:06 p.m. June 23, 2008
so you are telling me if a child has been blessed with great athletic skill we
should just casually suppress that and instead force them in to "math
club" or foreign exchange programs? Say what? What are we talking about
here? How many college kids are wild and lost ? How many college kids are
alcoholics or have no morals? There are academic skills and then there are
"life skills" and I would say that most colleges will look more
favorably on a kid that played football in high school and has a 3.4 GPA and
scored a 24 on the ACT compared to a kid who did nothing in high school and had
a 3.9 gpa etc.. It's called be "well rounded".
to Bob G. ... | 1:19 p.m. June 23, 2008
Obviously you are not an athlete and neither are any of your kids. Your
perception of athletics for kids is very stereo-typed and distorted. The
"value" that my kids have gained from athletics is in-measurable.
While their friends were playing x-box or working at Taco Bell flipping greasy
tacos, my kids were competing against other kids from other states from
California to Colorado and participating on teams that gave them life skills
such as self esteem,self confidence, performing under pressure, team work, hard
work, and knowing how to keep their bodies fit. All of those life skills learned
from their time in athletics made them successful college graduates, lds
missionaries as well as fathers and mothers.
It's Really Quite Simple | 1:25 p.m. June 23, 2008
As has been stated ad nauseam, BALANCE is very important. Kids need to learn a
temperate life-style � the younger the age the better.
Such a course does not remove opportunities of any kind (sports, music, art,
etc) from interested youth, but it does give them the ability to adapt as life
changes around them.
Kids K-12 are "living the dream," and as every adult can attest the transition between "the dream" and reality is a sharp one. Let kids develop their talents and stay as busy as they need to be, but if they cannot engage in rational conversation about any topic other than baseball/dance/texting/etc, then you have a serious problem. That and if their grades suffer as a result of their participation your problem is bigger still
Kids K-12 are "living the dream," and as every adult can attest the transition between "the dream" and reality is a sharp one. Let kids develop their talents and stay as busy as they need to be, but if they cannot engage in rational conversation about any topic other than baseball/dance/texting/etc, then you have a serious problem. That and if their grades suffer as a result of their participation your problem is bigger still
High School Coach | 1:30 p.m. June 23, 2008
I think the athletes should be as involved in as much as possible. As much as
they can handle, as much as they can afford. The kids who earn the money to come
to the camps tend to work harder and get more out of it. I think that playing
more than one sport is great. Each sport only helps them get better for the
other. Keep them involved and off the streets where drugs are so easy to get
now. iT IS hard to be a high school coach and try to compete with teams that
play club all year round. My girls play basketball in the winter and softball in
the spring. WHen can they play club and work. Times are changing with sports I
think only the rich are going to be able to play. But I also believe that those
who are atheletic will be all right. I have a few that step off the court in
November and come back in August and right where they left off.
to .. twisted priorities | 1:38 p.m. June 23, 2008
so you think athletics is all about play and leisure? I will tell you what
twisted priorities are ...parents who refuse to magnify the God-given skill and
natural ability their kids may have and thus deny them some of the most
wonderful experiences and life skills they will ever learn ! Athletics teaches a
child self discipline, self esteem, hard work, team work, and self confidence.
Play and leisure???? I don't think so.
monkey 7 | 1:51 p.m. June 23, 2008
If a child wants to play on a super league team let him/her play. However, if
the time committment is to much for a parent due to travel time,costs etc...
Then it is the parents job to say no, it won't work out for the family.
After all we are the parents.
Living the dream | 2:13 p.m. June 23, 2008
My son is living the dream, his dream. It started when he was six and has never
waivered. He works at it every day, in the gym shooting hoops. Yes we have
paid for camps, where he has learned new skills. We require a 3.7 gpa in order
for him to be eligible and he meets this without complaint. We require a backup
plan, but he keeps his eye on the prize, his goal, his wish, his dream. Make no
mistake he is very focused on achieving what he wants. He is strong willed,
motivated, talented and a true leader. He also lettered in two varsity sports,
and makes huge sacrifices to achieve this. If you ask him, he has no regrets,
he living the dream, we are just along for the ride, and what a ride
it�s been.
It is worth it. | 3:01 p.m. June 23, 2008
It is absolutely worth it.
Anyone who has been involved with competitive athletics, and has fallen in love with the atmosphere, knows that it is worth it.
It is worth sacrificing all the time, the money, the sleep, because it's not about what you're giving up, it's about what you get out of it.
This is where we have family time, where our teammates and their families become part of our family, where we learn life's lessons, where we experience the euphoria that hard work can bring.
Sports are hard in so many ways. But it's the "hard" that makes every success worth every sacrafice. For me, I am not missing out on things others may think I have, like free Saturdays and family vacations. Those are a part of what we do. I have, however, gained so many things that people who do not live this life will never get to experience.
My family has done competitive basketball and softball as long as I can remember. I am 21 and there is nothing I would rather be doing than spending time in a gym or at a ball park.
Anyone who has been involved with competitive athletics, and has fallen in love with the atmosphere, knows that it is worth it.
It is worth sacrificing all the time, the money, the sleep, because it's not about what you're giving up, it's about what you get out of it.
This is where we have family time, where our teammates and their families become part of our family, where we learn life's lessons, where we experience the euphoria that hard work can bring.
Sports are hard in so many ways. But it's the "hard" that makes every success worth every sacrafice. For me, I am not missing out on things others may think I have, like free Saturdays and family vacations. Those are a part of what we do. I have, however, gained so many things that people who do not live this life will never get to experience.
My family has done competitive basketball and softball as long as I can remember. I am 21 and there is nothing I would rather be doing than spending time in a gym or at a ball park.
To Monkey 7 | 3:05 p.m. June 23, 2008
I couldn't agree more. Each child is different with different talents and
different needs. I have a child who need to be kept extremely busy. I have
another child who does much better when not over scheduled. And then I have to
weigh both of these kids' needs with our family situation. When parents
can't swing "Super Leagues" no one needs to feel pressure or
guilt. Talented athletes are going to do just fine either way. Average
athletes have plenty of opportunities to play closer to home for fun. Parents
should simply weigh the plethora of options available, decide what is the
overall best use of resources, and proceed from there, reevaluating
periodically. As parents we are all simply trying to do our best. The formula
that works for your child or for your family may not work the best for mine.
nation of wimps | 3:20 p.m. June 23, 2008
Everyone who reads this article needs to Google "A Nation of Wimps"
and read the article. With such regimentation to their lives our kids are not
able to use their minds to the fullest potential, and when given the free time
away from organized sports and play time, they don't know what to do with
themselves. They start getting into trouble with drugs and alcohol. Kids today
don't even know what a 'pick-up' game is.
It is a shame that we can't let them be kids and we disguise it as something that is good for them.
It is a shame that we can't let them be kids and we disguise it as something that is good for them.
Don Lafferty | 3:28 p.m. June 23, 2008
I hate to have to tell you, but the pendulum of youth sports has swung out of
balance, folks.
I've watched this happen in the time that has passed since my own youth, and that of my four children, all of whom played sports at the highest levels.
As with most emotional issues, especially as they relate to parenting, we're not going to reach a consensus, however, with organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance and The National Alliance for Youth Sports taking the lead, new coaches will be given the knowledge and tools to accept the responsibility to which we parents seem to be unintentionally blind.
Like most things of this nature, the next generation will come along and swing the pendulum back. Hopefully they'll be wiser than we and based on their own experience, strike a healthier balance for their kids.
I've watched this happen in the time that has passed since my own youth, and that of my four children, all of whom played sports at the highest levels.
As with most emotional issues, especially as they relate to parenting, we're not going to reach a consensus, however, with organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance and The National Alliance for Youth Sports taking the lead, new coaches will be given the knowledge and tools to accept the responsibility to which we parents seem to be unintentionally blind.
Like most things of this nature, the next generation will come along and swing the pendulum back. Hopefully they'll be wiser than we and based on their own experience, strike a healthier balance for their kids.
WHATEVER! | 3:35 p.m. June 23, 2008
I believe every comment I read in this blog is true, the good, the bad, and the
ugly. Doesn't it just come down to a parent doing what they feel is the
right thing for his/her child? I have heard stories about dance and gymnastics
and that costing far more than sports, so it's all in the eyes of the
beholder. Of course there are parents who push their children too far, but
there are other parents who try to give their child every opportunity they want
until they make up their mind about how much time they want to put into sports,
etc. I say, how about parents not judging other parents just because they have
a beef against sports, or dance, or music. If you choose not to put out the
time or money, good for you. But if you neighbor does, leave them alone!
Empty Nester | 3:36 p.m. June 23, 2008
My last child just graduated from High School, and I can see the relief already.
He participated in Little League football; little league Baseball, Jr Jazz,
Soccer, High School Football and Track. He is now working at a fast food joint.
Not participating has freed up a lot of money. It looks like we will be able to
help him with tuition at the University this fall. No more games to attend,
what a relief.
Anonymous | 3:36 p.m. June 23, 2008
My experience...
My boy is a senior in high school.. He played multiple sports until his freshmen year. At that point, we decided it best to concentrate on the one he loved most. His goal at that point was to get a D1 scholarship in football.
Football isn't as extensive as these other sports that travel a ton. Nonetheless the last two summers did require frequent out of state football camps and combines.. This summer we spent a month traveling, costing us roughly 5K.. That is probably pretty cheap compared to these other parents..
Recently, my son received a couple of major D1 offers. He accomplished his goal. If you ask me if it was worth it, I would emphatically state it was. WE had a great experience togehter working out and traveling to these camps. I can't describe how I felt seeing him get offered.
My boy is a senior in high school.. He played multiple sports until his freshmen year. At that point, we decided it best to concentrate on the one he loved most. His goal at that point was to get a D1 scholarship in football.
Football isn't as extensive as these other sports that travel a ton. Nonetheless the last two summers did require frequent out of state football camps and combines.. This summer we spent a month traveling, costing us roughly 5K.. That is probably pretty cheap compared to these other parents..
Recently, my son received a couple of major D1 offers. He accomplished his goal. If you ask me if it was worth it, I would emphatically state it was. WE had a great experience togehter working out and traveling to these camps. I can't describe how I felt seeing him get offered.
Just a Mother | 3:43 p.m. June 23, 2008
My son is a multi sport athlete so we have some thing almost every night. Some
days I have to force myself to go. There are games, scrimmages, team meetings,
team dinners etc. Those of you that think most parents would choose this must
not live this life. Just give me an alternative that I can live with. If my
young man is willing to commit all the hours for practice and games, the very
least I can do is show up for him. When he looks into the stands he should see
his family, after all one day soon it will be over, he will have moved on, and I
hope to have no regrets. I will have the rest of my life to be a grandma and
find hobbies. You can't get this time back when it's gone.
Bob L | 3:44 p.m. June 23, 2008
I'm a high school teacher. I just saw the results of all of this as we
graduated a senior who received a scholarship to play baseball at a small
Catholic college nearby. This young man is a poor student, has a mother who
tries to pester teachers into taking his "learning difficulties,"
(ie-lazy student) into account and he is capable of discussing little more than
his batting average. I can think of hardly anyone in our senior class who is
less ready to get any value out of a scholarship.
Congrats, mom! You get to continue to have a life of being the Queen Bee at the sparsely attended college games!
Congrats, mom! You get to continue to have a life of being the Queen Bee at the sparsely attended college games!
re: give the parents a break | 4:02 p.m. June 23, 2008
Agree. All of you that are complaining, well it's sounds like sour grapes.
Likewise, just because I have two phenomenal little soccer players, doesnt mean
I push them. I am part of the 80% you talk about that is happy to do it for my
kids. All 4 of them.
You (whiners) dont tuck my kids in at night and see them sleeping with a soccer ball, or posters of Old Trafford on their ceilings because thats "where I want play someday dad".
Stop whining about it, jealousy is abound in youth sports. I have two kids that something is always said about them because they excel and I am told I wouldn't know what its like to see my kid sit on the sideline and not play. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! They dont realize I have two others, that aren't the stars and that don't play as much or at all at times (but im still there), they play because they love it. ALL FOUR of them. Stop whining.
And stop whining because you aren't willing to drive an extra 10 minutes or spend an extra 50 bucks for your kid and I am.
You (whiners) dont tuck my kids in at night and see them sleeping with a soccer ball, or posters of Old Trafford on their ceilings because thats "where I want play someday dad".
Stop whining about it, jealousy is abound in youth sports. I have two kids that something is always said about them because they excel and I am told I wouldn't know what its like to see my kid sit on the sideline and not play. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! They dont realize I have two others, that aren't the stars and that don't play as much or at all at times (but im still there), they play because they love it. ALL FOUR of them. Stop whining.
And stop whining because you aren't willing to drive an extra 10 minutes or spend an extra 50 bucks for your kid and I am.
Play Ball!!! | 4:05 p.m. June 23, 2008
I have a son who plays baseball, works very hard and is very talented. My wife
and I have never "forced" him to play baseball or any other sports for
that matter. In fact, I hate baseball but my son loves it and I support him on
his choice to participate. He will get a baseball scholarship somewhere which
will be nice but He has another plan in place which is a 3.9 GPA. Baseball is a
means to help him get what he really wants which is a Degree and move on with
his life. My advice is pay for personal coaching and not spend all of your
money on these Academy baseball teams which is a "money grab" full of
false promises of "scouts and College coaches will be watching your
games". If your son is good, The colleges know how to find you. The best
resource you need is support from your High School coach Every college wants to
talk to your High School Coach, not the Baseball Academy
re: give the parents a break | 4:08 p.m. June 23, 2008
Your right again. It doesnt matter what they are good at or want to do. As a
parent you want the best for them. Violin, Football, Baseball, Dance, Science
it doesnt matter.
Most people think "family time" is TV time or read the latest book time. Some of our funnest times as a family is packing a lunch in the car, going to a tournament and having a picnic between games. Spending time with our kids and their friends and their friends parents.
Stop whining!!
Most people think "family time" is TV time or read the latest book time. Some of our funnest times as a family is packing a lunch in the car, going to a tournament and having a picnic between games. Spending time with our kids and their friends and their friends parents.
Stop whining!!
Scholarship? Yeah right!! | 4:12 p.m. June 23, 2008
My son has been involved in hockey for the past five years. A season of 18
games and 18 practices with SLC Youth Hockey is around $300 plus equipment. The
past two years he has played on the SLCYH select team (another $450). This is a
team that plays tournaments in State for the most part. They play against
travel teams and do quite well against them. Travel teams fees are anywhere
from $3,000 to $8,500 for the age group my son plays in. That doesn't
include the travel costs.
Hockey scholarships are few and far between - especially for players from Utah. If I was paying $8,500 a year plus travel expenses the last thing I would use as an excuse for doing it would be for a scholarship.
At my son's age, if I took the aproximately $7,500 difference between what the travel team parents pay and what I'm paying, I would have a scholarship fund for my kid of $45,000 when he reaches the age of 18 assuming I make no interest off the money at all.
Hockey scholarships are few and far between - especially for players from Utah. If I was paying $8,500 a year plus travel expenses the last thing I would use as an excuse for doing it would be for a scholarship.
At my son's age, if I took the aproximately $7,500 difference between what the travel team parents pay and what I'm paying, I would have a scholarship fund for my kid of $45,000 when he reaches the age of 18 assuming I make no interest off the money at all.
Specialization Can Be Good | 4:13 p.m. June 23, 2008
Every kid needs to be involved in some kind of extracurricular activity.
When kids specialize it opens up opportunities for others instead of having a few kids kids take up all the playing time.
In high school there is a shortage of places for kids to play many sports - They are cut or sit the bench.
When kids specialize it opens up opportunities for others instead of having a few kids kids take up all the playing time.
In high school there is a shortage of places for kids to play many sports - They are cut or sit the bench.
High School Coach | 4:58 p.m. June 23, 2008
Like Mike stated earlier. These summer programs like the Baseball Academy are in
it for the money. If a player (IN ANY SPORT) is good enough to play at the next
level, the scouts or school will find him. Period. You do not have to spend all
that money and waste all that time to get your kid into college for
athletics.
Three things most college coaches ask when recruiting a student-athlete: First, what kind of grades does he/she have. Second, what other sprots does he/she play? Third, is the kid a coachable player.
One sports studs are a dime a dozen. Most college coaches want someone who will listen, plus someone who is easy to coach. Playing one sport all your life does not make you pro material.
Since this is a "one sport" article he are a few Pro Athlete's who played other sports:
1) A-Rod (3B) : Basketball and Football
2) Joe Mauer (C): #1 Rated Quarterback in H.S.
3) Chipper Jones (3B): Basketball and Football
4) Tom Brady (QB): Drafted by the Expos in 95'
5) Daron Williams (PG): Wrestler at The Colony...
Three things most college coaches ask when recruiting a student-athlete: First, what kind of grades does he/she have. Second, what other sprots does he/she play? Third, is the kid a coachable player.
One sports studs are a dime a dozen. Most college coaches want someone who will listen, plus someone who is easy to coach. Playing one sport all your life does not make you pro material.
Since this is a "one sport" article he are a few Pro Athlete's who played other sports:
1) A-Rod (3B) : Basketball and Football
2) Joe Mauer (C): #1 Rated Quarterback in H.S.
3) Chipper Jones (3B): Basketball and Football
4) Tom Brady (QB): Drafted by the Expos in 95'
5) Daron Williams (PG): Wrestler at The Colony...
K | 6:55 p.m. June 23, 2008
I'd rather my kid work in high school and learn how to handle money the
hard way: by really earning it and really spending it. (not just handling
allowance money for tasks around the house)
And I wouldn't want my kid to play sports and try to do college at the same time.
And I wouldn't want my kid to play sports and try to do college at the same time.
clyde lay | 7:20 p.m. June 23, 2008
I am currently in Japan, and it is intersting that here all sports are
classified as clubs, and all club activities are on Saturday. they are NOT a
school activity. I think in America we have our priorities out of whack.
Besides, how many really make it into higher level and professional sports.
There is nothing wrong with recreational sports, but when we start sacrificing
education for the one in a million chance we don't have our priorities
straight. Really athletic children would be better off using their talent to
play the piano!
sports parent | 7:33 p.m. June 23, 2008
All of my children have been very involved in multiple sports. They have played
on rec and comp teams and it is always their choice. Never has it been forced
or demanded that they play. They know they have the option to walk away at any
time and they have quit when the need arised.
I agree that it can become overwhelming as a parent but we have had some great times as a family. My husband has coached each one of our children at various times in different sports and it has brought them closer together. If people could just keep their priorities in line it would be enjoyable for all.
The parents are really becoming the problem with youth sports. Parents need to become less involved with the whole thing. Sucking up to coaches and making sure that their child is on the very best teams isn't always best
I agree that it can become overwhelming as a parent but we have had some great times as a family. My husband has coached each one of our children at various times in different sports and it has brought them closer together. If people could just keep their priorities in line it would be enjoyable for all.
The parents are really becoming the problem with youth sports. Parents need to become less involved with the whole thing. Sucking up to coaches and making sure that their child is on the very best teams isn't always best
Questionable Results??? | 8:52 p.m. June 23, 2008
I couldn't help but notice that we (Utah) have a whopping three baseball
players in the major leagues. One played high school ball in the early
1990's, probably way before all the super league craze and the other is
from Vernal, probably not a lot of super league mania out there.
So after all this madness and endless money spent, not much results, or not probably any more than if the money wasn't spent.
Still, gotta give the Paulos guy some credit if he's sincere. I guess there are many opportunities to travel, meet new people etc. If that attitude is taken maybe it might be worth the $100,000 dollars these parents will likely shell out in these super leagues over the lifetime career of their sons and daughters.
Oh by the way, how many homegrown Utah products in the NBA? The whopping answer is ZERO! And the the NFL has a quite a number of native Utahns, peculiarly football is the one sport unlike baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball to basically avoid the super league craze--I guess just being good enough, talented enough, fast enough or big enough is more important in the end run than spending big money!
So after all this madness and endless money spent, not much results, or not probably any more than if the money wasn't spent.
Still, gotta give the Paulos guy some credit if he's sincere. I guess there are many opportunities to travel, meet new people etc. If that attitude is taken maybe it might be worth the $100,000 dollars these parents will likely shell out in these super leagues over the lifetime career of their sons and daughters.
Oh by the way, how many homegrown Utah products in the NBA? The whopping answer is ZERO! And the the NFL has a quite a number of native Utahns, peculiarly football is the one sport unlike baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball to basically avoid the super league craze--I guess just being good enough, talented enough, fast enough or big enough is more important in the end run than spending big money!
Rich | 10:08 p.m. June 23, 2008
As a Boy Scout leader, I saw youngster after youngster skip summer camp, winter
camp, and most other Scout activities due to sports practices and events. These
same kids also skipped such wonderful activities as Youth Conferences, church
handcart treks and father-and-son outings. They also couldn't go fishing
with their families and some even skipped family vacations. Hunting friends
have told me many times they wished their sons could join them, but they
couldn't miss football practice. I love sports and love playing golf and
basketball even today, but I think kids should be raised to be well-rounded.
Besides, some sports are seldom enjoyed once the kid gets out of high school.
Thus, I encouraged my kids to play sports/activities that they can enjoy as
adults, such as golf, tennis, basketball, hiking, fishing, hunting, canoeing,
boating, and softball.
Anonymous | 10:22 p.m. June 23, 2008
Parents please don't bring up how good your son was in little league and
can't figure out why with so much talent is sitting on the bench. That was
lttle league. Years ago when everyone was 4 feet tall. Believe coaches do over
look some players but its not about the past its about how good are they at the
high school level. Yeas the little league programs suck bad.
Sports mom | 11:11 p.m. June 23, 2008
We did all of the above with our son, but we also told him to enjoy the ride!
When he was a junior he gave up baseball because "It wasn't fun
anymore".
We supported his decision. Too many parents and coaches forget how fun sports can be because they look at the money that could be in it if they go pro. The sports academy are a typicaly business...they just want you to think your kids can go pro so they can soak you for more money.
We supported his decision. Too many parents and coaches forget how fun sports can be because they look at the money that could be in it if they go pro. The sports academy are a typicaly business...they just want you to think your kids can go pro so they can soak you for more money.
5A Head Coach | 10:33 a.m. June 24, 2008
When I make cuts in the fall, I do not factor in how many AAU games a kid has
played in the off-season. The AAU circuit has no bearing on high school
athletics or my decision making whatsoever. I read the comment about a parent
who said their son plays tons of off-season games, only to have a coach that
"does not care" about that when making cuts. Why would a coach care
about how many AAU games a kid played in? If a kid is good enough to make the
team, he will make it. Just because little "Johnny" averaged 20 points
a game on his travel team does not mean that he is good enough for the high
school team. The 5A level is very competetive. Any coach that runs a quality
program will outline prior to tryouts what he is looking for in kids that may
make the school team. I would recommend that you pay attention to those factors,
not the AAU circuit.
My kid as an investment? | 10:59 a.m. June 24, 2008
If I didn't spend the $5000 a year on sports for my son, I could use that
money to start a college fund and have up around $40k when he is ready for
college. In fact, he doesn't need as many clothes as he does, I could cut
back on that and probably save another $30k by the time he graduates HS. If I
cut back on the amount of food, I could get this amount over $100k! Add the
interest I would make and he would have his pick of whatever university he
wants. In fact, I am going to pawn all his toys and video games right now,
because a college fund is much more important. While I am at it, I will make a
list of all the things that won't help him get into college and cut those
out of his life too, because apparently saving an extra dollar here and there is
more important than my kid's well being right now.
Dad | 1:23 p.m. June 24, 2008
to Rich and others:
We live in a state where judging others seems to be the favorite pasttime of many. I try hard to do what I think is best for MY kids, and I'm sure you do the same for YOUR kids. Why is one way wrong? Parenting is tough! How about we end the judging and try to keep our noses out of each other's business. I hope all of our kids become well-adjusted, civil, contributing members of society.
We live in a state where judging others seems to be the favorite pasttime of many. I try hard to do what I think is best for MY kids, and I'm sure you do the same for YOUR kids. Why is one way wrong? Parenting is tough! How about we end the judging and try to keep our noses out of each other's business. I hope all of our kids become well-adjusted, civil, contributing members of society.
to Dad re: rich and others | 1:32 p.m. June 24, 2008
Amen!!!! If sports aren't for you, don't play. If sports are your
thing, good for you! Why is that so hard for people. In regards to Rich and
his scouting/youth conference comments. I am SO sick of hearing these type of
things. Yes I am LDS and I think that these are great programs, HOWEVER I
don't think that you are a horrible parent/child if you CHOOSE not to
participate in these. My family lives in a neighborhood where people think if
you don't scout your horrible. I've even been hung up on by a scout
leader because my son was going to a sporting event instead of scouts.
It's nobody elses business. The ultimate irony was when this same leader
told me we were hurting our son because he wasn't working with his dad on a
freakin pinewood derby car!! What these do-gooders don't understand is
that us horrible sports families are just that families!!! We make sporting
events/trips a FAMILY event. We have traveled the country and made memories
that mean the world to us. We wouldn't change a thing and we aren't
asking others to either. We only ask that they but out!!!
Sportsnut | 2:03 p.m. June 24, 2008
Sports helps keep kids out of trouble but parental involvement and support is as
important as the game itself. Kids who participate learn self discipline,
teamwork, and make friends that last a lifetime. You can save money and buy a
better car or a new XBOX for your kids but you can never replace the feeling of
scoring the game winning touchdown or making the buzzer-beating 3 pointer or
scoring the winning run. Our kids will cherish these memories for a lifetime. I
feel sorry for the kids whose parents don't want them to pursue such
mundane activities as sports. They are missing out on the best part of their
youth. I do agree that it has gone pretty far with all the promises of
scholarships and the paid coaches and the traveling but if that is the activity
the family wants then great. Better that than a night around the ol TV. P.S.
if you have a daughter that shows alot of talent in sports have her play with
the boys. That is the greatest "Super League" you will ever find for
her. And it is much cheaper.
Good, Better , Best | 2:06 p.m. June 24, 2008
I think Super Leagues and playing sports ad nauseum is perhaps what Brother Oaks
(I believe it was his talk) was focusing on. Super Leagues are perhaps good
activities but there may be better and best activities out there. I'm a
high school coach and I think there needs to be balance. I get concerned with
my colleagues basically demanding their athletes to specialize in their sport
only and basically holding family time hostage. I think the words of Brother
Oaks at a recent General Conference made many of us question the priorities in
our lives, I guess he should have "butted out" questioning the saints
and our own priorities as we head into the future. But he may be right and we
might want to consider heeding his advice--there might be things more important
than super league that might demand our attention...
State Champs | 4:57 p.m. June 24, 2008
to the dad who says keep them busy to keep them from bad choices, you need to
know there is a current defending mutiple state baseball champ who has several
drinkers and pot heads on the team. some of the "stars" influence the
younger kids coming up because they see what is going on and they still win.
have no idea if coach knows or not. Can't really put it on him and the
straight team members aren't going to rat out the dopers !!!
Come Listen to a Prophets Voice | 10:37 p.m. June 24, 2008
Yo' super dad. You can choose to play sports and rip leaders who tell you
your ruining your kid, but listened to what is happening in our world. Listen
with your heart, not your ego. My kid plays football, basketball, and baseball.
I asked him one year what he'd rather do: play football or go fishing
cuz' only HE knows we'd move heaven and hell to get to a football
game. He chose fishing much to my dismay. It was great. Yea, he's not
the qb now and we've stopped playing all-stars, but he's learning
balance. It really isn;t him I'm worried about.
It's my grandkids. If kids today try and "top" what they've done like we have with our kids...
We're toast.
It's my grandkids. If kids today try and "top" what they've done like we have with our kids...
We're toast.
3 boys | 8:47 a.m. June 25, 2008
i have 3 sons ..two that played varsity sports. one son opted out of the
politics of hs sports. he has a part time job and has mastered many life time
skilled hobbies. my other boys dont have that balance because sports was threir
whole life and now they seem lost.. yes they played in college but after college
they dont have a healthy balance because they havent learned to enjoy life .
many athletes like a lot of you keep wanting to go back....glory days. so keep
that in mind you sports-crazed dads!!!..teach balance take your boys out of the
game every now and then and have fun with them. teach them life skills
-hobbies!!
dwm | 11:06 a.m. June 25, 2008
My son has played supr league baseball and basktball. He has been a player on a
team sponsored by the Utah Baseball Academy. Now he playes baseball for a local
high school. Our fees run any where from 3-5K per year. Is it worth it. Its
hard to say. He is a terrific player and will probably receive a baseball
schlorship and will gain a degree. Did the baseball academy help...not really.
The real opportunities come from the parents reaseach and work. The academy
would have you believe that a kid needs to play all over the country to have a
shot at a schlorship. Nothing could e further from the truth. The baseball
academy is in it for the money only! And I don't have a problem with that.
When we moved here from California our fees to Utah's Baseball Academy
almost trippled! And for your 700.00 per year all you get is a place to work
out. No instructions what so ever. Those are all extra. The academy is such a
mess. Un kept offices ect. They don't know who is coming or going. Alot
of kids don't even pay their fees. What a Dump!!!!!
to: dwm | 12:33 p.m. June 25, 2008
You are right on re:lack of help from the Baseball Academy. Unorganized and lack
of caring for the players unless they are "one of the boys". They will
get you to showcases but you pay an over amount to do it. No coaching whatsoever
unless you had a high school coach doing the coaching at the tourney's.
It's take the money and run. And the guilt they throw on you when you
don't attend something they are involved with. Everyone pays the same
amount of money but equal playing time, not even close. Anyone else ready to
back this up?
crt | 3:12 p.m. June 25, 2008
Baseball Academy is truly a mess. I paid for my son to work out there and he
never saw Bob or Kent there for over three months. They really have no clue as
to what goes on there. I dropped my kid from there after one year. He
didn't play in the Junior olympics or on the fall travel team. The fall
league is 1800 bucks just to participate and there is no gaurantee of playing
time. The price also does not include travel or meals or anything else. The
baseball Academy Has ruined summer baseball in the State and there leagues are
rutuinley 50% higher in price. Rocky mountain School of baseball leagues are
much better run, cheaper and you always get two Umpires. This is not so with
the Baseball academy. It's a shame that such a nice facility is a dump and
in such disrepair. My batting cage in our back yard is better kept than the
academy's. I think you should get it together or go out of business. Quit
stealing your members money.
Re Rich | 11:38 a.m. June 26, 2008
They chose sports over a hand caart trek ? No way ?
Summer Baseball in Utah | 11:53 a.m. June 26, 2008
The Utah Baseball Academy Summer Baseball league for high school kids is the
best league for competition but as I say that, it's unfortunate.
The Utah Baseball Academy (just practicing capitalism really) and the high school coaches killed American Legion in Salt Lake and Utah County and probably Weber and Davis Counties as well.
Now we have a league with semi-serious rules (bat 10,11, 15 guys or whatever, open defensive substitutions etc.) and a lot of coaches and players don't take the league serious--no standings are ever posted or reported to media etc.
When American Legion and the Automotive League were up and really going it was a much better and competitive experience for those that played. But the high school coaches wanted to kick their graduated seniors to the curb and make some money of their own. I know the UBA has a league for college prep league players but it is generally lame, not anything close to the quality of American Legion. In some respects the UBA is hurting baseball in the state because again their summer leagues are lacking. And this year, the 16 year-old league has only 10 scheduled games...the UBA needs some fixing and direction.
The Utah Baseball Academy (just practicing capitalism really) and the high school coaches killed American Legion in Salt Lake and Utah County and probably Weber and Davis Counties as well.
Now we have a league with semi-serious rules (bat 10,11, 15 guys or whatever, open defensive substitutions etc.) and a lot of coaches and players don't take the league serious--no standings are ever posted or reported to media etc.
When American Legion and the Automotive League were up and really going it was a much better and competitive experience for those that played. But the high school coaches wanted to kick their graduated seniors to the curb and make some money of their own. I know the UBA has a league for college prep league players but it is generally lame, not anything close to the quality of American Legion. In some respects the UBA is hurting baseball in the state because again their summer leagues are lacking. And this year, the 16 year-old league has only 10 scheduled games...the UBA needs some fixing and direction.
Baseball Academy | 1:51 p.m. June 26, 2008
I read these blogs and get upset with what has happened to baseball in the state
of Utah. I grew up playing Automotive and American Legion baseball (actually
played for Bob Keyes in American Legion) and think if is a shame what the
Baseball Academy has done to the game overall. In their minds only the rich can
afford to play and get anywhere in the sport. The only way any change can
happen is if parents stop giving them money. I have been told that the UBA is
in financial turmoil already and have relied on a couple of large
"loans" to get them by. I don't have any sons old enough to play
yet but I am scared at the thought of either of them playing competitive
baseball in the near future. Do you think Automotive and American Legion
baseball will ever make a come back? Those were great baseball days when
baseball in the summer meant something. Thoughts?
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And then you can't pay to get back all that time lost.
Everything in moderation.We need more family time. Why are home improvement and cooking shows so interesting? Because no one is home - they are in the car eating between activities and no one knows how to do life skills anymore.
What is the chance your child will be a professional athlete? What is the chance your child will live on his or own, marry and become a parent? Focus more training and time on the latter.