Deseret News | Reader comments: Youth sports costing more time and money

Reader comments
Youth sports costing more time and money

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georgiaonmymind | 3:33 a.m. June 23, 2008

The writer failed to mention the cost of GAS to get to each of these destinations!! It is just not worth it!

Bob G | 4:18 a.m. June 23, 2008

Why are parents wasting thier childrens youth in these forced sporting activities? Parents don't give these children a chance to be children. Sports and activities are good for children to keep them active and away from TV and the electronic games, but excess in sports can be just as harmful. These junior sports are more of a problem with parents that feel they have missed out on something, and the children are forced with years of stress, anxiety, and injuries that they may never recover from. These professional parents abusing thier childrens mental state are teaching the children a life of aggression without temperance or compassion. It has gone from a sport to an aggressive obession that teach children the wrong meaning of sports. There is more to life than sports in a childs learning and assimilating into society. A single minded child is of no use to society or his peers and parents would better serve a childs family financially if these funds were put into a more useful investment for their future. In families with more than one child it is unfair to other children of the family to suffer the mental anguish for a single member.

If you want | 5:26 a.m. June 23, 2008

your child to go to college then take all the money you put into youth sports and put that into some type of college fund. He isn't getting a a scholorship.

Comments continue below

A concerned aunt | 6:52 a.m. June 23, 2008

My sister's three children are all gifted athletes, and that's all they do - sports, sports, sports. She even is working extra hours to pay for it. Her oldest daughter did receive a scholarship to play volleyball next year, but now they are worried about how they can afford to attend the home games (which are two hours from their home) let alone the away games.

My niece also had great grades. She would have been better off getting an academic scholarship for tuition and just paid for her room and board like my own children. Then she could concentrate on studying during college instead of spending her time at practices and games.

father's comment | 7:02 a.m. June 23, 2008

If you think the cost of sports is expensive, try getting your son off from drugs! Keep them busy everyday if possible.

true | 7:31 a.m. June 23, 2008

That is so true father's comment but then you have high school coaches who could care less how many super league games you child has played. All your money and time is waisted if coach doesnt like your kid that is my experience with high school sports. Now we have nothing but memories of how good the kid was back in the day.

twisted priorities | 7:31 a.m. June 23, 2008

sports, it is about games and play; it is a lesiure activity- not a way of life.
someone needs to be the adult here; parents- any takers?

priorities | 7:45 a.m. June 23, 2008

My wife and I have been very disturbed and frustrated by her ex's actions of enrolling their son in every league, training camp, tournament, ect ect that becomes available in Utah.. During baseball season the boy is on as many as 3 teams at one time! 12 hr practice days. As you can imagine, this cuts deeply into time that the boy is to spend with our family in AZ. Our visitation schedule has been 'arranged' around how far the boy's team goes in the tournaments. Our summer long visits have been reduced to 1 maybe 2 weeks. The father puts sports above all else....court ordered visitation schedule, family time with us, school grades ect. When the boy actually IS here with us he gets calls from his dad who tells him that their team was in another tournament but and lost because he wasn't their.....wasn't dedicated to the team. Maybe the boy has had enough....he now wants to come live with us.

Not a soccer mom | 7:56 a.m. June 23, 2008

One of the most damning effects this obsession with watching our kids do sports is that we're raising a generation with an "all about me" mentality. We've been playing the Cat in the Hat ("look at me, look at me now!") and gauging our quality of parenting on whether we've provided this "opportnity" and whether we've turned our lives inside out to watch every second of it, and our kids are growing up not recognizing that somebody watching them be incredible is not what life is about. And we wonder why a simple family meal together is nearly obsolete. Maybe we should consider choosing another altar?

Anonymous | 8:05 a.m. June 23, 2008

One of my best friends had his arm ruined because his superleague coach and his automotive coach had him pitching too much year round.

Soccer Mom | 8:13 a.m. June 23, 2008

Our kids have forgotten how to play. If you look at some of the best soccer players in the world, they did no participate in organized sports, they played on the streets in some of the poorest conditions you could imagine. All you parents who "have" to have your kids in organized sports, who are you doing it for, your kids or yourself!!!

Parents are the problem | 8:18 a.m. June 23, 2008

They brought this on themselves by trying to live vicariously through their kids. They want to make their kids superstars and now the kids can't even be kids anymore. Their lives are owned by sports. Sadly, if you don't do it and don't pay the cost, coaches won't give you a second look anymore.

A Fallacy... | 8:25 a.m. June 23, 2008

It is a fallacy to think that it is impossible for you kid to get an athletic scholarship without competing 4 years on an AAU team. It is true that college coaches will see more of them if they are on a traveling team. It's also true that your kid will likely improve their game by playing on a team all summer long. But trust me... if your kid has talent, the college coaches will find them. If not, no amount of money spent on traveling teams will help them get a scholarship. And if you'd saved the money you are shelling out over 4 years and put it in a college savings account, you could pay for their schooling yourself. My daughter got a full ride scholarship without AAU... just a basketball, the hoop out back, a couple of camps, and a good high school coach who did a little leg work. My advice? Save your money and let your child accomplish something as a result of their own dedication and hard work.

Calm Down! | 8:29 a.m. June 23, 2008

My own son played super league baseball AND basketball and we spent a lot of time and money. These are now some of the best family memories of traveling and fun as a family. There were no Disney Land trips, just family trips. As for investing the money - how many of us would have really done that anyway?

My son now has a college scholarship and a reason to go to college and STUDY. Maybe now it won't take him 7-8 years to get a degree, or maybe it will who knows!

While many take it too far with sports, some go too far with religion, others with music, others academics etc. What gives? We all try to do our best for our kids as we see fit. Good luck with yours!

Barry | 8:31 a.m. June 23, 2008

Maybe parents should not worship at the Alter of "Alter Ego" and spend more time teacing children about service to others. Just because parents were not super stars they cannot make thier children super stars.

Happy Medium | 8:42 a.m. June 23, 2008

There needs to be balance in life. I think there is a very small percentage of youth athletes that actually live this lifestyle. It's sad that kids have to be forced to go and practice sports for hours on end. Let the kids think for themselves and you would be surprised. When I was young we wanted to get together on our own time and play baseball, or whatever sport was in season.

The most important thing you can do is teach your kids how to work and earn things on their own. Get them a job doing manual labor and let them earn the money for cleats and mits and bats and this will be just as valuable as sending them to any sports camp. Make them build some "Man Strength" for sports doing manual labor. Life doesn't come with a barbell to lift it with.

Sports Dad | 8:43 a.m. June 23, 2008

Involving our children in sports is not just about a game. First of all it keeps them busy, away from drugs, alcohol and any other trouble idleness and boredom might offer in their lives. It teaches responsibility, teamwork and being a part of something. It teaches them how to deal with people, good and bad. It teaches them about winning and losing in life. I would rather have my child active and healthy than sitting around playing video games all day or sitting at a computer doing who knows what! Some people need to get over their stereotypes!

not a sports fan | 8:43 a.m. June 23, 2008

To "father's comment"- not every kid wants to play sport. Some pursue art or music or other interests. I drew all the time, and grew up to be a successful professional. I hated organized sports, because I would rather have been drawing. As long as kids have interests, it isn't a choice between organized sports all day long and drug addiction. Had my parents kept me busy with activities I hated all day long I would have been *more* likely to rebel and do drugs. Forcing constant activities can backfire if they are not the activities the kids actually have an interest in.

page | 8:45 a.m. June 23, 2008

we as parents have to be careful that the kids love the sport, and are doing it because they love it not because we want them to do it.My son has been playing super league sine he was 8 years old. He is a good enough athlete to play all the sports but baseball is year around.I have to be careful not to burn him out. He snowboards in the winter and people call him all the time to go to some baseball camp. I let him decide what to do i don't force him to do it.A lot a lot of money.

Balance | 8:49 a.m. June 23, 2008

I have a few issues with some of the comments baseball or any other team sports can teach the kids a lot about life. My boys do very well in school or they can't play sports. I have a nephew that only goes to school (nothing else)he's very smart but struggles socially.

As far as sports goes my boys have learned how to work as teammates through different sports. They have also learned how to over come obstacles while playing these different sports.

I have boys in comp, and rec. The rec programs that my boys played in were horrible. The coaches were worse (attitudes, swearing, etc..) than my boy's comp team.

Bottom line is that you have to find a balance and parents that force their children into all of these camps need to realize that you can burn your kids out if you don't be careful.

Bomar | 8:50 a.m. June 23, 2008

Another intended consequence is Divorce. As a result of a nephew being pushed to play for a traveling baseball team a few years ago by his mother it culminated in a divorce. I told his mother that because of their financial situation, they had neither the time or the money, and it was the final straw. She later told me it was a big mistake to have him play for the traveling team when there were plenty of games in the local league for him. Also most of these kids have very little future beyond high school.

Sho me the money! | 8:51 a.m. June 23, 2008

It's all about the money. A few years back when some folks realized that parents will pay extra money for camps, more camps were scheduled. When the club teams and tournaments were experimented with, teams spent the money. Right now a parent can spend just about as much money as they want for their kid because all those camps and club team events are available. Parents can choose to spend thousands if they choose to. Another example is why are bats so expensive, because people will buy $400 bats. As long as it's available, people will pay to have the next "best thing" I could have spent a fortune on my son's baseball habit, but we were very picky about how we spent our money. He earned a college baseball scholarship and we spent very little money to get him there. It is very difficult to justify spending a fortune on a 10 yr old, just because he shows a little talent. Be wise and wait to spend until he is 14 or 15 and really shows promise and could maybe make the HS team. Then spending a little here and there will probably be a wiser decision.

wake up | 9:01 a.m. June 23, 2008

I have 2 boys that never played on super league teams this was by choice- for the love of the game.Instead ,we as parents made academics a priority.Both of my boys were able to use sports as a means to get academic scholarships for college.My youngestis getting $40,000 a year for his intellegence and will be able to play both baseball and football while getting his degree.It seems to me parents need to become real---let your kids have a life.

dsore1218 | 9:17 a.m. June 23, 2008

Get some balance! Play what you want but balance it. #2 prospect in Basketball lives near us. Plays 3 sports but concentrates on BBall. Full ride to UCLA (DNA folks - 6"10). High GPA.

My sons all played 3 sports. Each sport made them better in the other sports. My HS junior just dropped basketball (6'3" center - DNA!)to better balance grades, social life, etc. Slated to be QB and a pitcher/1B/OF for two years. Will miss BBall and will change workouts to compensate for some of the stuff he will miss in training.

42 kids at our school played 3 sports. 14 of them got scholarships. High school is concentrating on multiple sport athletes and so far more sports played = more scholarships.

Coaches are also realistic here about what opportunity there is after high school. That helps community, parents and players be realistic.

Finally, the school (public high school) is academically advanced. US News and World Report silver medal school. Every kid that graduates is academically eligible for college. This means study hall for football teams. In-class lunch study hall for all sports. Get it done acamdemically and then let the DNA and hard work take over.

Making a Dollar | 9:33 a.m. June 23, 2008

Most of these leagues are not about a good time but about someone making money running these leagues and events.

With the specialization today, you seldom see players participating in more than one sport. I remember watching Bingham High School's Bruce Hardy as a kid and being amazed how good he was at football, basketball and baseball. Someone like Hardy today picks one sport at a young age and focuses on it until they graduate from high school. It is a shame.

Re: sports dad | 9:38 a.m. June 23, 2008

Keeping a child busy in sports does not keep them from doing drugs. We had the best team in the state and you know what? Half of the team drank and smoked pot. Also, I have witnessed the behaviours of coaches and 'sports dad's' at games and in no way would I want them as role models for my children. Amazing how even active members try to justify placing sports first.

get real people | 9:46 a.m. June 23, 2008

Music, dance, sports, which is not more complicated or expensive these days? Take a family to Disneyland then check out whatï¿½s left in your pocket. As for athletic scholarships if these scholarships are going to be to a decent school Iï¿½ll tell you right now they are not coming without the standardized test scores and grades. Have you seen the cost of ACT/SAT prep courses? As for sports keeping you kids off drugs and alcohol - give me a break. Any one that thinks there no drugs or alcohol in sports has there head in the sand. If you chose to raise kids today be aware everything will be more complicated/expensive. If you chose not have you kids participate in the adult sponsored circuses, you may be sued for not having your kids under adult supervised 24X7. Dropping a big wad of cash on sports may be a smart idea even if doesnï¿½t lead to a big payoff at the end; there are immediate benefits to health and social skills. There are draw backs like steroids, increased aggressive personalities, anger management (mostly for parents), and sometimes even death. Weigh the cost and benefits as they apply to ï¿½your familyï¿½.

WHIP-DEE-DO | 9:46 a.m. June 23, 2008

there's more to life...sports have become somebodies podium in the community some even let drug dealers play..then expect the rest of the community to accept and look the other way but not today as my kids don't play! They study, find your passion!

Priorities? | 10:02 a.m. June 23, 2008

Yes, priorities are important,as is moderation. But sometimes it's about maximizing a child's potential, and every now and again, doing sports year-round is what the child WANTS to do. I have a 14-y.o. who is very good at basketball and football, but we require him to maximize his academic potential as well, because as has been stated, there are more academic scholarships than athletic. Hopefully, he'll get both!

Risky investment | 10:06 a.m. June 23, 2008

I know plenty of kids who devoted their lives to a super league team, thinking it guaranteed them a spot on the high school team. Well, only so many from each age group make the high school teams. So when these kids were cut, it devastated them. They invested everything in the sport and were left with nothing. Take Spanish Fork baseball for example. There is no way all of the kids involved in that city's super league teams can make the high school team. Those who don't are in for a huge disappointment, and each will wish they did something else with their summers.

Better Do it For Fun 1st. | 10:18 a.m. June 23, 2008

If having fun isn't the #1 priority then its not worth it. I played the AAU basketball circuit and didn't earn a college scholarship. But, I wouldn't trade those days for anything. As a family, we made lifelong friends. I still stay in touch with my teammates 10 years later. We support each other's businesses, refer clients back and forth, and socialize with our wives and kids. I more than made the money back in memories and friendships.

Devon | 10:19 a.m. June 23, 2008

If you depend on sports to keep your child away from drugs, I think you have a problem. We try to allow our kids to play these sports if they really want to. We don't push them. There is a fine line between being involved in a worthy pass-time and taking over a child's life. You have to use your judgement as a parent. Kids shouldn't get everything they want.

Super League | 10:20 a.m. June 23, 2008

These leagues are super let downs. If you have have ten "Super" leagues in a city it is just like having rec. leagues. The only difference is the kids have higher hopes to be deflated when they get older and they cost more than rec. Let the normal rec. leagues do their thing and then pick all-stars from those teams to represent the city in city-to-city tournaments.

Wow | 10:30 a.m. June 23, 2008

Lots of different opinions out there. I suppose my thoughts are this... As a coach I like to see my kids come back each season, refreshed and excited to go. Many times I find that those who have been "playing" in the off season are "burnt out". Their motiviation is not as high as those who have been waiting for the season to roll around again. If you remember sports is 90% mental and 10% physical. I want kids who are relaxed and ready to go. They are more receptive to learning.

I like the comments about kids being kids! And I believe Families come first. Ball games and practices can not take the place of the time as a family nor the opportunity our kids have to be kids. We teach FAMILIES first to our girls. I don't want to team responsibilities to add pressure to families. In the end, thats what matters most to these kids.

We have been able to be very successful in our sport. I believe thats because of our philosophies and attitudes. Please let your kids be kids...it goes so fast.

my players choice | 10:32 a.m. June 23, 2008

It has always been my sons choice to play baseball. He loves the game. He has been on the super league teams and has done the traveling. Now he is playing High school ball and with the Academy scout team and has done very well. We have paid a lot in traveling and team fees. It has ALL been worth it. He is going to be a senior this year and so it could all be done this time next. I asked him what are you going to do if you don't play college ball. He said I'll go to college and get a degree and have a lot of good memories of my baseball days. I will be able to say I played with some great players. I think our time and investment was well worth it.Even if he doesn't go on to play. We are lucky we was able to do this for him. P.S. He is also a good student and a great kid

Not the rule. | 10:34 a.m. June 23, 2008

These teams are not the rule, they are the exception. I believe the gravitation to Super Leagues is due to the overall poor execution of city leagues ( I know there are some good ones, but overall they are poorly run). Most city leagues have little-trained high school kids as officials which can lead to frustration on everyone's part. For instance, the Jr. Jazz basketball run by cities is purely recreational and most cities offer nothing besides this. Also, in baseball cities have cut out their affiliations with WBBA, Little League of America, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, etc. in order to keep the money in-house. The regional and national tournament opportunities associated with these organizations also went with it and now teams are just trying to replace those opportunities. Too many cities not offering a quality recreational product! Then they scream when kids go to Super Leagues and AAU and blame parents living vicariously through their kids. It's the cities lack of well-run recreation departments and facilities.

Mike | 11:00 a.m. June 23, 2008

What you all need to know and remember is, the Baseball Academy and AAA Sports are in business to make money, not make better baseball players. The super leagues are nothing more than an ego trip for parents. The competition is no better. Super Leagues have duped the High School coaches into thinking that they will get better players if these kids play superleague.

As a long time umpire, I feel that parental support for the local leagues is going down hill. Many of the local leagues are dying a slow death. What needs to happen is Babe Ruth, WBBA, Little Leagues need to band together and bring these kids back into the fold. After all, the local leagues can act as a farm team for the local high school.

The local leagues need to get better coaching, and solicit cooperation from the high school coaches. They need to get training from these coaches on their philosophy and coaching techniques.

The bottom line is these local leagues need to get the high school coaches involved with their leagues.

Two leagues that have had success like that are Taylorsville and Murray. Both have strong Babe Ruth programs.

What a joke | 11:20 a.m. June 23, 2008

My son has played baseball for 8yrs and its been a real challenge. Its all about who you know in the little league. The coach plays their kids and friends. We all pay the same amount of money and put in the same time. These coaches become empowered by the league. As parents we cant say anything to them in fear that our kids will never play. Its been a long lesson of really behind the scenes of "what is fair" My son plays on the HS team and loves it, but has learned to deal with the political garbage and knows his place. At least my son knows that he earned his spot and not handed to him. I know that he will do well as his get older unlike some of these other kids who always get things handed to them and never really appreciate it. I am glad I dont have to do this again. It tears your heart out watching. It can only change at a little league level with a Lot of push from parents. Shame on the Little League program leaders who continue the allow this behavior.

Baseball and academics | 11:35 a.m. June 23, 2008

Here is some advise from someone who has a son that plays A LOT of baseball and does well in school and wants to go play baseball in college. Tell your son to work just as hard in the class room as he does on sports. A player that is a good student - 3.5 GPA or better and scores decently on the ACT/SAT test can qualify for both a academic and athletic scholarship. He becomes more valuable to a program if the program can give him a half ride and he gets the rest of his college paid for academically. Unless your son is a pitcher who throws really hard, you may want to look into this option.

college | 11:41 a.m. June 23, 2008

The idea that sports will be a good ticket to college is fallacious.
If you kept up with expenses and time spent on practice you would find you have invested a lot more than the return on a scholarship.
Plus if kids spent a third of the time on studies they do on practice they could get an academic ride and actually learn something to boot.
Kids who try to go to school on a sports scholarship usually end up at whatever crappy school that offered them the scholarship instead of where they want or need to go to get an education.

What Gives? | 11:42 a.m. June 23, 2008

It is ironic that so much (exessive) emphasis is placed on organized sports and yet year by year children are in worse health and youth diabetes is becoming an epidemic. It seems societies efforts are being poorly targeted.

Anonymous | 11:44 a.m. June 23, 2008

I always love seeing how few fans I see at Varsity high school games compared to little league games..

By the time a kid is a senior in high school it's clear to the parent if a kid is college material.

Unfortunately, in little league and SUPER league, every kid is a potential star!

to:baseball and academics | 11:58 a.m. June 23, 2008

I have a son who plays A LOT of baseball as well and you are correct when you say the academic part of the equation is needed. He does as much as he can with the Baseball Academy and also plays on a club team call the Utah Bucks that is getting plenty of looks from a kinds of colleges. The secret is keeping a balance of school and sports in your sons life. My son knows that having his degree is what will pay off long term for him and anyone else in the future. My advise is this - if possible - do the BA thing, even if it is only Spring Training and go to as many college camps as you can. They are fairly inexpensive for the most part and it will help get your son in front of people. Most importantly - teach them good study habits to succeed in school - that will open a lot of coaches eyes as well.

advice to parents | 12:07 p.m. June 23, 2008

I teach at a major research university in the Boston area. Academics and extracurricular activities (art, music, volunteering, etc.) are more important than ahlectics when considering admissions. The same is true at our peer institutions and at the better state universities. Kids should be encouraged to play sports, for fitness, teamwork and other values, but parents should not feel obligated to spend thousands of dollars for organized sports. If you're going to spend that kind of money, there are better investments.
1) Foreign Exchange: colleges love when students have spent some of their high school experience abroad.
2) Special math, science & language programs train students in specific skills and help raise their test scores.
3) Public service shows maturity and commitment.
Fewer than 1 in 10,000 students will receive athletic scholarships, which are anyway not allowed by Ivy League rules.
So if you're spending a ton of money on sports, give your kids a ball to play with, organize a neighborhood league, and save your money to pay for college.

Give the parents a break! | 12:10 p.m. June 23, 2008

I get so tired of hearing how I pushed my children to becoming the athletes they became. My oldest daughter who was a dancer took just as much time and money as my all-state daughter in softball and the other in basketball. If your child has a talent in dance, choir, softball, basketball, or they play an instrument- as a parent you want them to become the best they can be and the level they want to attain. I caught for my daughter for 14 years but I also attended every dance recital for 16 years. It's all good! Just because Lindsie was a good softball pitcher does not mean I pushed her. What I noticed in all my years of chasing around a volleyball, softball, basketball, hockey player and a dancer-I would not change it for the anything. The money and especially the time was one of the most important things I could have done for my kids. I'm guessing 80% of the other parents feel the same. I do wish there was a little less jealosy of the good athletes. Especially girl athletes! Been there and seen it. Jay Nielsen

Rick | 12:16 p.m. June 23, 2008

From the article ...

> And there isn't really any end in sight.

Sure there is. You simply make a choice to not participate in sports that are overflowing with hyper over-competitive kids and parents. The benefits of youth sports were outweighed by the negative about 10 years ago. Anybody who claims otherwise usually has a problem with over-competitiveness themselves and I'm glad to no longer associate myself with them.

The sad thing is as bad as it is in Utah, it isn't even remotely close to the worst. Places like Texas, Florida, Alabama, football at all levels is significantly more important than life. Simply head shaking.

good and bad | 12:19 p.m. June 23, 2008

I have had 3 kids involved in year-round athletics (volleyball, baseball, soccer). My yongest is currently entering her senior year in soccer. All three HAD to play club ball year round and then take a short 2 month break from club to compete on the their high school team. My son played for the Utah Baseball academy and traveled to Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando Fla as well as many St. George and Mesquite trips. My daughters clubs took them to Los Angeles , Denver, San Francisco and Boise. The trips were fun and the experience was great BUT they all had to basically give up youth church programs as well as normal fun that teens have. Is is worth the price? Well, it certainly is required if you have any hope of getting a college scholarship in athletics but there are only a handful of college's that are even worth going to. The overall experience is good but giving up all the other youth programs is a VERY high price to pay and the monitary cost from parents is HIGH. Most competitive high schools (Lone Peak) require club participation so just be ready!

no casual commitment | 12:29 p.m. June 23, 2008

There is no such thing as a casual commitment to sports for kids anymore. If you want your kids to make the high school team you HAVE to play club ball starting in the 8th grade. If you want you kids to play college ball you HAVE to select a high profile club team that gives them exposure plus the kid has to be at least an ALL-REGION player in high school if not ALL-STATE. Expect year-round participation with no time for church related activities and little time for family vacations. Most parents just plan family vacations around their son or daughters club tournaments. Basically you just turn your kids over to the club teams at age 14 and pick them up again at age 18. The is REALITY!!

Dear Georgiaonmymind | 12:30 p.m. June 23, 2008

The hard copy of the article outlined in a wonderful graph the costs of gas and all other associated things such as food, motels, etc.

Dear Parents | 12:33 p.m. June 23, 2008

Wake up, wake up wake up. I think it is fine having your child in one sport, but those who have them in two or three sports year round, including school and club sports are simply living in their own fantasy world and are doing far more harm to their family than they will every imagine.

The family needs time together in their home and not on the frantic road every day. Two of our children played in high school and club sports, but only one. They wanted some tme to do other things and they were right. We also had other children and did not feel it was right to drag them to everything to see their brother or sister.

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