CHAPTER
2
We were competitive. Most of us wanted to win no matter what the game. There was nothing wrong with competition. Today is no different in that regard. Boys are especially naturally competitive. Though, as girls’ sports have emerged they have also become very competitive. But I digress.
Should youth sports be competitive? Yes. But do they need to be so adult-driven? At what age should kids be organized and coached by adults? Can we return to the sandlot? Maybe we can if one parent is home when the kids aren’t in school and knows where the kids are at all times. Maybe we will as soon as outhouses make a comeback! So what should we do? The best scenario is to develop an association of volunteer parents to organize, coach, and assist the coach. Or, in a school or recreation district, we should take an approach that involves the parents in a meaningful fashion.
Can we combine the best of the sandlot with organized youth sports? Can or should a competitive sport culture be kept out of organized youth sports? Should there be a clear separation of competitive and noncompetitive leagues? Can we combine the best of the sandlot, organization, and competition? Should the noncompetitive league just not keep score? Will the kids, parents, and coaches on both sides feel like winners?
This book won’t answer all these questions, but it will make you think about what is best for the kids and not what is best for the parents, the teachers, the city, the recreation district, the coaches, the administrators, or the school board. I emphasize again that this book is about doing what is best for the kids.