youth league sports-should everyone play?

[goofy4tink]

My dd has played 3 seasons of soccer, 1 of basketball and is just starting softball. All of these have been rec. league play. She wasn't very good at soccer, did well with basketball and have no clue as to softball. When they kids try-out, it is for placement only, in order to have somewhat balanced teams. Then, each child gets equal time playing. We had kids that didn't make the practices but still played. Does it hurt the team for this to happen? You bet, but it shows the kids that it is a team effort and if someone doesn't make an effort to show for practice then the whole team suffers. We have 'travel' teams in town for the more talented players. I just think that all kids should have a chance to play sports and learn the skills. And rec. league is the place to do it. It's not about 'feeling good', but about getting the chance to try something you might not do if it were more competitive(as far as placement).

 

[sha_lyn]

Equal time ...You can't learn to play a sport by watching the "good" players play. You learn from playing. Like disneychrista said sometimes "equal" isn't possible, but it should be as balanced as possible. The good players have the chance to try out for the more competitive teams, or in the case of LL or DD baseball (and others I'm sure) the better players are chosen for the all star teams. It is those teams that go on to "battle" for the little league/Dizzy Dean championships.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I think that everybody should get to play a minimum amount of time, but the best players should play the most.

 

[minniecarousel]

A rec league with no try-outs should play everyone equal time. It also seems unfair that the best players are playing in this league if there is another league for them to play in. What's that about? There is plenty of time in HS to learn about the fact that only the "best" play. At 4th thu 6th grade - let them all play!

 

[minniecarousel]

I just now read your above post. Tell your DH from me: THANK YOU! Rec league is the place for everyone to get a fair shake. Too many coaches & parents of young kids are so competitive that they don't realize that they have plenty of years to be more competitive. Having completed thru HS with a fairly athletic son, hindsight is very revealing! He had heartaches from being cut from the more competitive teams - but it was a learning experience. (He also had a great time being the best player on some teams - that boosted his ego, too! But he still had his time on the bench on those teams.)
Hang in there!

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by minniecarousel
It also seems unfair that the best players are playing in this league if there is another league for them to play in. What's that about?

I am not sure why it is unfair for better players to play on a rec team because no matter what team a child plays on there will be some better player and some down right bad players, that's just the way it is.

As for why the better players are not on the competetive team, I know why my DD's do not play on the competetive team, it is because it requires travel. I am only one person and can not be with DD1 in town A and with DD2 in town B 2 hours away. The city league/rec teams do not require travel (for the most part). It is hard enough making sure they are both at practices and their games when it is only "in town."