Reader comments
High school sports: UHSAA nixes charging for open gym
54 comments | Read story
Fees | 10:48 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Coaches charging for any camps or gym time that players are basically required
to go to is wrong and a conflict. Making a high school team should come down to
the kids who have the desire and the talent, not the most money. But sadly,
that's what it's come down to these days. When you hear of a team
having tryouts, what a farce. The coaches already know who is on the team. No
one else has a chance.
Re:Fees | 11:14 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
That is garbage right there! If you kid has the ability to play at the same
level as a kid that has paid to attend all of the camps without attending a
single camp it will show in tryouts! There isn't a single coach in
Basketball that is going to cut a talented kid unless there are other issues
like grades, attitude, or their parents attitude.
Basketball is a sport that is very talent oriented, and those teams that constantly win championships aren't doing so because they only keep the kids that attend camps. They are winning because they keep the best talent at tryouts.(don't get me wrong though there are really great coaches that can beat a more athletic team with hard workering players with little to no talent.)
Basketball is a sport that is very talent oriented, and those teams that constantly win championships aren't doing so because they only keep the kids that attend camps. They are winning because they keep the best talent at tryouts.(don't get me wrong though there are really great coaches that can beat a more athletic team with hard workering players with little to no talent.)
Re: Re: Fees | 11:51 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
I heard from a very, very successful coach that he of course knew who his team
would be before tryouts. But he made no apologies for that and what he said
made perfect sense. He wanted to his athletes to attend camps, open gyms and
other workouts led by him and his other coaches. To him this showed dedication.
He also had eyeballed the talent for many, many years clear into grade school.
Now for many that seems a bit odd or whatever but again this coach is very, very
successful. He knew what was coming up through his program and he the abilities
of every prospect. He still held tryouts but for the most part the the team was
already chosen. Every once in a great while an "unknown talent" would
surprise him and make that squad. But that was rare.
That is the reality of many teams sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer and baseball. If you want to play on the baseball team you better play some summer ball, go to some camps and be at open gyms in the winter to show the coach a level of commitment and improve your skills.
That is the reality of many teams sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer and baseball. If you want to play on the baseball team you better play some summer ball, go to some camps and be at open gyms in the winter to show the coach a level of commitment and improve your skills.
Comments continue below
"Dead Time" | 12:22 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
is much more of a problem. I've known so many soccer coaches over the years
that coach some of their high school players during "Dead Time". So I
think soccer coaches are the worst when it comes to this, but I also know of a
lot of basketball, volleyball, & softball coaches also. It all comes down to
club teams.
Football doesn't have club teams for the most part, so they break the rules a little different. Almost every high school has a football class (they don't call it that), but that is what it is. When the only ones allowed in the class have to be football players and they can only be in it if the coach signs them in.
So the UHSAA has a long way to go if they want to fix all the problems.
To many coaches are only in it for the money and for themselves. If they really where in it for the kids they would never have thought about charging for open gym in the first play (also almost every coach coaches during open gym, I've seen it with almost every coach).
UHSAA will not change, so no problem.
Football doesn't have club teams for the most part, so they break the rules a little different. Almost every high school has a football class (they don't call it that), but that is what it is. When the only ones allowed in the class have to be football players and they can only be in it if the coach signs them in.
So the UHSAA has a long way to go if they want to fix all the problems.
To many coaches are only in it for the money and for themselves. If they really where in it for the kids they would never have thought about charging for open gym in the first play (also almost every coach coaches during open gym, I've seen it with almost every coach).
UHSAA will not change, so no problem.
Two things here | 4:56 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
First, coaches are trying to have the camps so they can be compensated for their
time. Coaches are very unnderpaid. Should they charge, probably not.
Second, ALL coaches know who is on their teams Coaches now go nearly year round. Spring tournaments, summer camps and tournaments and fall open gyms. Let's not be naive here, coaches are totally thinking about who they will start, how they will use their players, which players to bring up and who will they have to cut.
Every school has tryouts but you can't erase all the prior activities and expect a coach to enter with no bias. Do you really want them to not know?
Second, ALL coaches know who is on their teams Coaches now go nearly year round. Spring tournaments, summer camps and tournaments and fall open gyms. Let's not be naive here, coaches are totally thinking about who they will start, how they will use their players, which players to bring up and who will they have to cut.
Every school has tryouts but you can't erase all the prior activities and expect a coach to enter with no bias. Do you really want them to not know?
Team Selection | 5:51 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Is already done before tryouts start. If you don't pay to play in the
spring/summer you will NEVER make a basketball team.
Anonymous | 5:54 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I am at a loss to explain why individuals would actually think that
lesser-talented kids would be playing HS sports while better ones would not make
a team. In the major 'ball' sports (where tryouts occur), most
coaches are under at least some pressure to win. Putting an inferior product on
the floor, court, or field can cost you your job. Now it is entirely
understandable that disaffected parents who helicopter and live through their
kid's lives may think there is team engineering, but logic says otherwise.
Perhaps Johnny just isn't quite as 'good' as Mommy thinks?
open gym | 6:21 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I have heard that some coaches, that have open gym and charge, let those in for
free that cannot afford the fee. If they are there to supervise, not sure why
they shouldn't get paid. Administrators that supervise dances or football
games get paid. Not sure what the difference is. On top of that, I am sure
coaches watch and evaluate at open gym but many don't coach at all during
that time. Seems to me the gym would be a positive place for our children to be,
instead of out on the streets. Now you are asking coaches to stay after school,
at night, for no compensation? No sane person would do that at the expense of
being away from their families. Another case of bringing down those that want to
work out and improve. AND, this is for the kids, not the coaches. Ask anyone and
they are always complaining about not being able to find a gym to shoot. How do
we expect those that really want it, to get ready for their season or tryouts?
Dennis | 6:34 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This is a life long observation.
Not once in 57 years have I seen a walk-on make a High School basketball team. Or, have I ever seen a student come out of obscurity and make the team as a junior or senior.
I'm sure it has happened. But it is very rare.
Usually these kids have been playing together is some capacity since they were 10. By the time they get to the High School the Coach knows exactly who's coming. The freshman/sophomore seasons allow the kids that really grow into the sport to move up the program as Juniors and Seniors. It's a simple process but basketball is a very talent specific sport. You don't get to be on the team and play because you try hard. Or lift weights. Or have an important family. You play because you have the "Gift".
Not once in 57 years have I seen a walk-on make a High School basketball team. Or, have I ever seen a student come out of obscurity and make the team as a junior or senior.
I'm sure it has happened. But it is very rare.
Usually these kids have been playing together is some capacity since they were 10. By the time they get to the High School the Coach knows exactly who's coming. The freshman/sophomore seasons allow the kids that really grow into the sport to move up the program as Juniors and Seniors. It's a simple process but basketball is a very talent specific sport. You don't get to be on the team and play because you try hard. Or lift weights. Or have an important family. You play because you have the "Gift".
In it for the money | 7:13 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I make about 2,300 hundred dollars to coach varsity football. Summer lifting
workouts June thru July 4 hours a day. Football Aug thru Nov 3 hours a day. All
of this is five or six days a week. We as coaches get paid way to much.
wow thanks! | 7:36 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
to mr. hunter....who has a problem with his boys coach so lets take it out on
all the coaches...for what? a couple of hundred bucks? won't get rich on
that!...
and uhsaa bigs wigs: as former coaches you don't understand the difference between camps/clinics and supervising open gym?? you are kidding right?....let me help, open gym=sitting in a chair watching kids play pickup games....camp/clinic=individual & group instruction, breakdowns, drills, specific reps of skill work.....
so I guess i won't be there any more like last night when two kids sprained their ankles and i got them ice, first aid and called their parents, unsupervised gym time is great idea i am sure our district insurance folks will be happy about...way to go uhsaa!!!
and uhsaa bigs wigs: as former coaches you don't understand the difference between camps/clinics and supervising open gym?? you are kidding right?....let me help, open gym=sitting in a chair watching kids play pickup games....camp/clinic=individual & group instruction, breakdowns, drills, specific reps of skill work.....
so I guess i won't be there any more like last night when two kids sprained their ankles and i got them ice, first aid and called their parents, unsupervised gym time is great idea i am sure our district insurance folks will be happy about...way to go uhsaa!!!
Don't Generalize | 7:59 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I am an athlete that didn't participate in every camp and other activities
offered. I played the sport that was in season and that was it. I lifted hard
during the summer and made myself better. You don't have to go to camps to
make the team. Talent is talent and coaches know that. It is usually the
talented kids that go to camps and put in the extra work to become better. I
now coach and I pretty much know who my team is going to be, not based on who
goes to the camp, but based on who is talented. I also have favorites. My
favorites are the ones that work hard and do what they need to, to get better.
To: Dennis | 8:11 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
From years of observation.
There have been very few high school players that have the "gift". There are also many "gifts" that never get developed, no matter now long they work at it or how much it costs. Coaches have a great idea about up and coming talent, but are subject to biases just like the rest of us.
There have been very few high school players that have the "gift". There are also many "gifts" that never get developed, no matter now long they work at it or how much it costs. Coaches have a great idea about up and coming talent, but are subject to biases just like the rest of us.
Volunteer/professional | 8:26 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I think it's wrong to expect coaches to volunteer their time, They are
already underpaid and are giving up time from their family they are only
required to be there during the season for what they get paid in high school.
Open gym is extra. Are they coaching or just sitting on a chair. If their
sitting on a chair have a parent volunteer their time to sit. But if you want a
professional you better expect to pay them. Same goes with club. Why is UHSAA
mandating things. For some coaches this is a parttime job that helps pay bills
but they decide when they can and can't work and who they can and
can't coach. Times have changed kids are specializing and UHSAA needs to
catch up.
UHSAA | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Just because Mr. Hunter
has a problem with his head coach, he has to ruin the opportunity for both
coaches and kids. There is not a coach in his right mind that would now offer
open gym and not get paid...Open gym is a chance for kids to come and play
against other kids their age, show their skills, etc. Only an AD from Jordan
would feel as though the coaches are only doing it to raise money for
themselves.
Opens a can of worms.. | 8:43 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
So basically any sport that charges for anything out of season is in violation
of the rules....Summer baseball, football, etc. are all now going to be under
this new rule. Parents already complain enough about their kid not playing, now
they can complain that they can't pay for "camp" and that is a
disadvantage to their "athlete" in making the team. Too bad, many
kids would not even get a second look were it not for open gym and the
opportunities that it provides...This makes tryouts WAY easier and basically
means that cuts happen faster...Thanks UHSAA for making my job easier...the
fools at the UHSAA have no idea how to manage high school sports. They may have
been coaches at one time, but they were not very good and have lost the vision
of what high school athletics are all about. Now they are run by lawyers and
parents/AD
s (jordan) who have the most money and complain the loudest.....
s (jordan) who have the most money and complain the loudest.....
Walk on do make teams | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Dennis as a long time head coach I have had many "so called walk on"
players make my team. Do I have a certain number of shoe in players YES. I
also have kids I don't even know show up and make the team. Kids that are
stars at 12, maybe not be stars in high school. Yes all coaches have ideas of
who there players are, go into tryouts with an open mind.
Open gym | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I agree with UHSAA you should not charge for open gym. If the coaches want to
be there to evaluate talent then they should be there. They want to make their
team better and want to see the upcoming players we shouldn't pay them to
do that. On the flip side if they will not come because they are not getting
paid then don't have open gym. They probably will not see the next great
player at open gym. Although they will see the kid who has really worked hard
to improve his game. I always thought High School coaches were coaching for the
love of the game not $2300 for the season. Quit complaining about money and
coach and develop kids. I have over 35 years of basketball experience and have
coached kids in Junior college all the way down to 3rd grade and have never once
asked a kid for money. What happen to the love of the game.
ALA | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
You've got to love ALA... what do they have up their sleeves for basketball
as far as ineligible players go?
dont blame the UHSAA | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
You know as a former high school basketball coach its funny to read all of you
here say that the UHSAA has a lot of things to fix, well I believe it comes down
to just following the rules and guidelines that are already set, that goes for
coaches, parents and players. Just follow the rules use ethics and morals, that
all makes the UHSAA's job a lot easier, sure they have problems but only
when someone breaks the rules when they have to use a judgment call that only
one side will like. As a coach open gym was a way to sit back and watch mostly
some horrible (church ward) type basketball, but hopeing to find those 3 or 4
suprise kids that never stopped competing and could run for ever.
So to ask why is the UHSAA mandating everything well they have to because now even High School Athletics has become corupt, because there is so much preasure on the coaches to win that they feel they have to bend things to keep there job...... Not all of them just a few, which makes it hard on every one....
So to ask why is the UHSAA mandating everything well they have to because now even High School Athletics has become corupt, because there is so much preasure on the coaches to win that they feel they have to bend things to keep there job...... Not all of them just a few, which makes it hard on every one....
Tired | 9:29 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I am so tired of the violations by American Leadership Academy. It seems like
there is something each year. The fines levied don't seem to do much. How
about a years dismissal from high school sports, but do it early enough where it
does not hurt when scheduling is done.
1A basketball coach | 9:39 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Many of the previous comments make me wonder how many schools are violating
UHSAA rules in their open gyms. It clearly states that 3 weeks prior to the
season start date, "open gym is permitted as long as there is no coaching
nor team selection taking place." It also states no practice sessions,
drills, and no team offense and defense should happen. These are clearly
outlined in the Interpretations of the by-laws.
Good Job UHSAA | 10:08 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I say good job UHSAA. If your kids participate in High School sports it seems
like every time you turn around you are being told that you owe blank amount for
something. And please don't tell me that open gym etc is optional, we all
know that isn't true. The coaches might say you don't have to
participate but if you don't show up you are cutting your own throat! I
just wish the UHSAA would do something in regards to baseball. At a lot of
schools (the one my children attend included) if you don't participate in
the events offered by a certain baseball business located in Sandy you are
automatically on the bad list with the head coach. We're not talking about
$60 here, we are talking about thousands of dollars to participate and you get
nothing in return. It is a definite conflict of interest here since these head
coaches are on the payroll of this company as a part time job. These
kids/parents are basically being blackmailed into paying huge amounts of money
or else there are consequences. Please UHSAA look into this. Parents
shouldn't go broke!
No brainer | 10:30 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
If you want your school to run open gym then go through your local recreation
center to run it and to hire the supervisor for safety, and make it a true open
gym. We are talking open gym during mandatory dead time with basketball coaches
using that time to evaluate potential players, this you can not charge for.
It's too bad that UHSAA has to get involved but that's their function
when rules are being violated.
It is sad to see the 100 plus kids that pay for this "open gym" with the misguided notion that it will increase their chances for making the team, in this case numbers mean money, not more chances. It's just ethically wrong, and thank you UHSAA for stepping up. BTW, our local middle school runs open gym, no charge, so it really is open to all.
It is sad to see the 100 plus kids that pay for this "open gym" with the misguided notion that it will increase their chances for making the team, in this case numbers mean money, not more chances. It's just ethically wrong, and thank you UHSAA for stepping up. BTW, our local middle school runs open gym, no charge, so it really is open to all.
fees | 10:49 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Students have to be supervised in the gym and coaches can be compensated for
their time by the school. Read a little closer and you will find out that
charging kids is the problem and when you channel it through the county rec to
avoid fee waivers that is real classy! Coaches are paid a stipend to coach
period. If you don't like it don't coach. It's about kids not
coaches padding their wallets doing nothing at open gym at over $100 an hour if
they are at some of the big schools. The UHSAA is guilty of trying to make it
fair for everyone!!!
yo | 11:29 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
How about the UHSAA think of ways to make students and parents stay in the
bountries and play with the kids the went to school with their entire life.
Spend your time on things that will make a difference in all areas of a school
and quit worrying about open gym. You take care of the big picture the little
things will take care of themselves. But you have no guts and each of you are
all old frustrated athletes that stick together to secure your jobs because you
don't have a clue on how to really run an organization from top to bottom
re: No brainer | 11:53 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Hey, No Brainer! Not everyone lives in the cities with available Rec. Centers.
Some of us live in rural communities that do not have that option. In fact,
many of us live in communities with only one school/gym available, which we
share with countless programs. It's not as easy as you make it sound.
Open gym | 12:00 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I have a son who is a 9th grade student at a jr. high school in South Jordan.
He is a better than average basketball player but not in the "in" club
with the son of the basketball coach at the local high school. He was told to
not even show up to the open gym the HS was having because the sophomore team
was already picked and will include a LONG list of the HS coaches sons friends
and the son himself (I believe my son is better than ALL of them). Here is my
question - he doesn't know a person at any of the neighboring HS but would
like to play but I know if he were to try out at the local HS he won't make
it because of politics. What should we do with him?
Buying a spot on a team | 12:08 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
No student or athlete should ever feel the need to spend money to earn a
position on a team. Tryouts should be held with an open mind, and really be
try-outs, where any kid has a chance to make the team.
RE: Open gym at 12:00pm | 12:19 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Sad to say, but send him to a different school. If that is how that coach does
it, you dont want him playing for that coach anyway. You want your son on the
team that THE BEST athletes play, not the Seniors, not the coaches kids, but THE
BEST players... Im a coach and I am not DUMB enough to think that this doesnt
happen at other schools! Good Luck to You and Your Son... HOWEVER... you just
may be one of those parents who think your kid does no wrong is is always the
best... In that case, your in for it because life is going to bite you in the
rear REALLY fast!!! haha
Re: Open Gym | 12:22 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Spend hundreds of dollars getting him into these coaches' camps and
clinics, that's how you get on a team these days.
9/10ths | 2:19 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
of you here are up in the night one way or the other. UHSAA is a joke and so are
all of you who thinks a high school coach should work for nothing. The rest of
you jokers actually think that coaches would rather play the in crowd and
subject their teams to losing rather than just play the best. I've quietly
been around Utah athletics for a long time in three very different but front
line capacities and one thing is a constant-the ridiculous things that come out
of most of your mouths without having a clue.
Re:Open Gym@ 12pm | 2:36 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
You are a liar, and if your son was good enough to make the Bingham basketball
team, he would be there. Bingham's success speaks for itself, each kid on
the team deserves to be there because he is the best kid at that position. No
coach at Bingham has told ANY kid not to come to open gym OR tryouts because the
team is already made. The Bingham basketball program evaluates each player on a
variety of things (skill level, grades, work ethics, etc.) and makes decisions
about what is needed and who can help the team win. Sorry to say, high school
basketball at 5A programs have the pleasure of picking the best 30 or more
players from 100+ at tryouts. If you really feel like you son is getting a raw
deal, then be a man and come and talk to the coaches. Otherwise, continue to
coddle your son and fight your battles in an arena where you can't/wont
post your name. It would almost be good for you to attend a different school,
because it is parents like you who cause problems within programs when you
don't get your way..Proud Miner
Re:yo | 2:41 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
You have no clue about keeping kids in boundaries. Thanks to the State
Legislature, kids can attend any school they want and the UHSAA can only control
students after they establish eligibility at that school. Try talking to your
state rep and get that problem fixed.
Knowwhat | 3:02 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
To:Proud Miner -- How can you call someone a liar when they are asking advice to
a perceived problem or question? The real lies must have been in your elogated
barrage of justifications. If you are one of the coaches it sure hit a nerve
that is a very raw and bothersome nerve, their must be others that have been
serving up the same allegations. It is apparent your son is on the team and you
are living your pitiful high school athletic life vicariously through him.
OLYMPUS... | 4:17 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Is lookin' REEEAAALLL GOOOD this year.
re:Knowwhat | 4:45 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Nice call! That is the problem with THE PROGRAM. The coach seems to think he
can do whatever he likes and not be judged. All that person was doing was
basically telling their situation and asking a question - I guess the fact that
they would dare ask for advise gave someone in THE PROGRAM a huge wedgy. Bottom
line, everyone knows what is going on with coaches kids at BHS - it is pitiful.
Sooner or later it will catch up with THE PROGRAM. The numbers won't be
100+ forever. A lot of the really good athletes don't play basketball
anymore because the coach is too demanding of time in the summer - doesn't
realize their are other sports.
re:knowwhat | 5:42 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I believe that "liar" was used in response to the dad mentioning his
kid was told not to come to tryouts. The answer to his question is that if he
has a problem with the way things are run, go talk to the coaches, as this forum
is a bogus way to get your questions answered. No person in their right mind
would seek answers from an anonymous forum for problems they may or may not be
experiencing with their son or daughter. I believe the proper way would be to
go to the source, who in this case would be the coaches. The only good thing to
come from this blog is for naysayers to complain about how things are, start and
cause problems, talk about coaches and programs in a negative way so they feel
better about their own situation. Parents will be parents, and most are
awesome. It is just too bad that when one kid gets cut or thinks he is better
than he really is, you have to hear how bad a program is or how
"political" a program is. The best kids make the team, end of story.
Coach | 7:55 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I charge for clinics where kids get instruction and help in making themselves
better basketball players and where they can see what it takes to be a high
school basketball player. However, if they cannot afford to pay, and want to
work hard and see what it takes to be a player, I waive the fee. During the
period where we can have clinics, the money I raise I put in a club account
which goes to the team. I ask the kids to fundraise and this is my way of
making sure that they see I am invested financially in the program as well. I
wouldn't think of charging for open gym time. It is a large amount of my
time but as long as the kids follow the rules and play hard, I enjoy the
experience.
Life is not always fair | 8:00 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
There were politics in HS sports and activities 30 years ago, and there will be
politics in HS sports 30 years from now.
It's a fact of life that whenever there is "a system" there will be people who try and get around the system, whether it's coaches, or parents, or players. The bottom line is that not everyone gets to make the team. It happened to me when I was a kid, and it's happened to my kids more recently.
More important than getting your way, I feel the lesson to be learned is how you deal with it. You can gripe and whine your way onto a team if you feel you were wronged, or you can accept your fate and move on. If you followed the rules and did your best, you will always have that satisfaction.
It's a fact of life that whenever there is "a system" there will be people who try and get around the system, whether it's coaches, or parents, or players. The bottom line is that not everyone gets to make the team. It happened to me when I was a kid, and it's happened to my kids more recently.
More important than getting your way, I feel the lesson to be learned is how you deal with it. You can gripe and whine your way onto a team if you feel you were wronged, or you can accept your fate and move on. If you followed the rules and did your best, you will always have that satisfaction.
To re:knowwhat 5:42 | 8:09 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Your last comment - "the best kids make the team, end of story" could
not be more inaccurate. Every school has their stories - I'm surprised you
don't see that.
Dear "Coach" | 9:13 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
If you choose not to charge for open gym, no problem. But those who wish to be
compensated for their time are completely entitled to do so.
It is funny to read these comments. How many people in the real world would stay and put in an extra three hours a day at their jobs with no pay? It is completely ridiculous that anyone in this thread would not agree that a person that is working extra time should not be compensated for it.
Most of the coaches I know put in the extra time because they love coaching kids. But a coach that wants to be paid for their time outside of their contract? I have no problem with it.
It is funny to read these comments. How many people in the real world would stay and put in an extra three hours a day at their jobs with no pay? It is completely ridiculous that anyone in this thread would not agree that a person that is working extra time should not be compensated for it.
Most of the coaches I know put in the extra time because they love coaching kids. But a coach that wants to be paid for their time outside of their contract? I have no problem with it.
What Amazes Me..... | 9:45 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Is if you did sign your child up for an Open Gym with the high school through
the online County Rec system you would notice the schools that were truly taking
advantage of the kids. Most schools charged a minimal $20-$25 dollars for
approx 10 days of gym time. That is less than going to county rec gyms.
However, there were those schools that charged $60 per person. How can you tell
me that is not a coach trying to profit from Open Gym? Where does ALL of that
money go? There are no more "supervisors" at the $60 camp then there
are at the $25 camp. I think paying a minimal amount $25 is reasonable to get
the players try-out ready. There are not that many locations for the kids to
prepare when it comes to basketball. They need the gym time. Just don't
let the schools (coaches) profit from the gym time.
Long Time Coach | 10:38 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Every coach would like to win as much as possible. No matter what decisions the
coaching staff makes about who makes the team or not, someone will feel bad
about not playing. It was hard for me as a high school player to get
'cut' from the team and I know that players that are not chosen for my
high school team feel the same way. The worst part is when your own child
doesn't make the team because your spouse let's you hear about it.
Coaches are trying to get the best players possible and our decisions are difficult to make under the best of conditions. Once the decisions are made, support the team and cheer on your school and community. The players deserve a positive experience and high school athletics is a great venue for that.
Coaches are trying to get the best players possible and our decisions are difficult to make under the best of conditions. Once the decisions are made, support the team and cheer on your school and community. The players deserve a positive experience and high school athletics is a great venue for that.
Conspiracy theorists | 11:00 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Aa a former Utah County HS basketball coach, I can tell you that those who
allege predetermined teams have no idea what they are talking about to some
degree.
Any observer can pick out the best 5-8 players in a gym full of high school athletes. Heck, picking the top 30 out of the 75-90 who try out is generally easy because the talent levels are so spread out. That is not because "the coach already decided" who was on the team but it is because it is plainly obvious to any observer.
Trimming the number to the final 5-6 spots is the most difficult because there is little difference between those last 10 guys that are cut. There are a variety of factors (depth, experience, needs, etc) that end up influencing the final decisions.
Any observer can pick out the best 5-8 players in a gym full of high school athletes. Heck, picking the top 30 out of the 75-90 who try out is generally easy because the talent levels are so spread out. That is not because "the coach already decided" who was on the team but it is because it is plainly obvious to any observer.
Trimming the number to the final 5-6 spots is the most difficult because there is little difference between those last 10 guys that are cut. There are a variety of factors (depth, experience, needs, etc) that end up influencing the final decisions.
Stop it! | 12:42 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I wish you would stop coming up with excuses why your STAR athlete isnt making
the team and help them become better athletes and students. Coaches DO NOT pick
a team because they are friends or have money, that doesnt win games. The
pressure to win is astonishing and winning programs are NOT political, they cant
be and win. I have worked for years in a MAJOR high school and deal with
finacial aspects. I see all the players with fee wavers, you would be shocked in
this HS's area that there is anyone that would need to waive fee's,but
there are plenty! I have also seen the coaches paychecks, if you can call it
that. Most of you that are complaining would NEVER spend this many hours away
from family to get such a little amount of money in return. Not to mention all
the out of control parents, and community that is part of the job discription.
When you go to a rec center of gym, you have to pay to play. Janitors, staff,
utilities all must be paid somehow, so why should students get this for free.
Enrollment numbers | 1:23 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I see the biggest problem with the 5A school is the decrepancy in the school
size. You have Riverton and Bingham over 2,800, Alta 2,500 plus. You then have
Granger, Hillcrest,Cypress all at less than 1,500, how are they suppose to
compete with schools twice there size? Kids that can't play at the big
schools should look at going to those schools where they can play. USSHA needs
to fix the nubers to make it fair for all!
Easy to judge | 2:04 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
who the coaches pick to make up their teams, but I dont think anyone has any
idea what goes into putting together a team, unless you have done it. The
sleepless nights, cutting friends kids, and destroying kids dreams. Not everyone
can make the team! In the business world there are ususally more then one good
candidate for any position. The same is true in HS sports. Skill is huge, but so
is academics, drive, being a team player, being aggresive, commitement and
attitude...amoung a million other things. (Maybe you as a complaining, ignorant
parent are the problem!)
Parents usually only see one dimension of their player...and that is usually lop sided. Thats ok, be there cheerleader, but dont make excuses and complain about the PROGRAM! Not every player makes a good fit for a team. Lets support our players and quit blaming coaches, saying they are political, when in the vast majority of cases, they are NOT!
Parents usually only see one dimension of their player...and that is usually lop sided. Thats ok, be there cheerleader, but dont make excuses and complain about the PROGRAM! Not every player makes a good fit for a team. Lets support our players and quit blaming coaches, saying they are political, when in the vast majority of cases, they are NOT!
Facts! | 2:11 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
1. The principals that serve on the UHSAA Exec. Committees represent their
regions and classifications, not their schools.
2. The AD at Jordan represents the UIAAA, not his school.
3. The gym can't be "Open" if you charge athletes. That automatically excludes some students.
4. Do not put the responsibility of this issue on the JHS administration. The basketball coach was informed by the administration that charging for "Open Gym" was against school policy. Like a child who does not get the answer he wants from "mom and dad" he went to the UHSAA (Grandpa) to get a different answer. It was the basketball coach who brought this issue to the attention of the UHSAA, not anyone else at Jordan. Many of you need to get the facts straight before you don't sign your name and make statements that are not true.
Concerned "Digger" Basketball Parent
2. The AD at Jordan represents the UIAAA, not his school.
3. The gym can't be "Open" if you charge athletes. That automatically excludes some students.
4. Do not put the responsibility of this issue on the JHS administration. The basketball coach was informed by the administration that charging for "Open Gym" was against school policy. Like a child who does not get the answer he wants from "mom and dad" he went to the UHSAA (Grandpa) to get a different answer. It was the basketball coach who brought this issue to the attention of the UHSAA, not anyone else at Jordan. Many of you need to get the facts straight before you don't sign your name and make statements that are not true.
Concerned "Digger" Basketball Parent
RE: Facts! | 4:02 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
What was your name? Dont think I caught it!!!
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Health care bill nears key Senate vote 3:42 p.m.
- Soccer hair-pulling fuels debate 3:30 p.m.
- Ex-Air Force nurse acquitted 3:28 p.m.
- Hall leads Cougars to halftime lead 3:24 p.m.
- Former BYU professor remembered 3:20 p.m.
- Suspicious package at Fort Benning 3:15 p.m.
- Mine pollutes Nev. wells 3:12 p.m.
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job 3:05 p.m.
- Astronauts take 2nd spacewalk 3:00 p.m.
- Aggies fall to Northeastern in Boston 2:43 p.m.
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Cougars cruise to victory in Hawaii
- Huntsman blasts media over trip
- 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
- Christian leaders not backing down
- Orem man acquitted in tot's death
- Mailman's nomination delivered
- TCU still has a chance
- Murder-suicide in West Jordan
- 5A: Miners dig deep, claim crown
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
186 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah169
- BYU, Utah struck gold in coaches124
- Lies shatter Utah family123
- Palin's book shows she's unqualified117
- Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case103
- BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.99
- Jazz finally win in San Antonio98
- Utes knock off rival Aggies93
- Huntsman pleased with Obama86
 |
Brigham Young at Air Force |
| Game starts at: 1:30 p.m. MST |
Latest comments
I'm so sorry you have to write about soccer. Who's sadistic idea was that?
Will it ever stop?
Just let the guy go. It does nothing leaving him in prison with all the...
We made it! Downtown Seattle right now. Lovin' it...paintin the town RED!...
This is the Heart and what unites the Christian Community, The Athanasian...
The question is, is money better used to fund research or to fund...
... blame it on the gun. (rolleyes)...
How about do like Pooh Bear and say "Oh bother!"?
Based on the scores, Yewtes beat Ags by one. Nestern won by three. Yewtes...
Cougars are rolling. Hall throwing very well. Pitta catching for big yardage....
Advertisements