TOTALLY GEEKED!

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Less kids playing sports

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

People in my office have kids that do sports. Even school sports cost a fortune. The cheerleading team basically tells you not to try out unless you can afford $1500 for the year.

But, really, I think it is not just the cost. The sports teams have gotten a bit overwhelming on time commitment. It's not enough to have practice everyday after school and a game on Thursday or Friday. You will have Saturday and Sunday games and practices. Even over school breaks the teams have games or mandatory practice meaning the family can't go on vacations. And it's not enough to play during the school season - to be really competitive, you have to do off season travel teams or camps.

Sports have just become overwhelming in terms of time and money commitment. A family's whole life will end up revolving around the sport.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Lawyerlady wrote:
People in my office have kids that do sports. Even school sports cost a fortune. The cheerleading team basically tells you not to try out unless you can afford $1500 for the year.

But, really, I think it is not just the cost. The sports teams have gotten a bit overwhelming on time commitment. It's not enough to have practice everyday after school and a game on Thursday or Friday. You will have Saturday and Sunday games and practices. Even over school breaks the teams have games or mandatory practice meaning the family can't go on vacations. And it's not enough to play during the school season - to be really competitive, you have to do off season travel teams or camps.

Sports have just become overwhelming in terms of time and money commitment. A family's whole life will end up revolving around the sport.

I agree with this. Luckily for me I had two kids who are such far apart in age that I had to deal with the schedules only one at a time. DS' youth hockey schedule consumed my time and when it overlapped with baseball it was crazy. And DD's soccer and and softball schedules meant we couldn't plan much on weekends or weekday nights. I am somewhat happy that she lost interest in organized sports.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

I remember my brother playing hockey. Consumed everything. He played Jr A, but not college, so a huge investment with very little outcome. Not to mention the smell. It permeated everything. It was stored in an unfinished part of the basement, but it came right through the drywall. I think my parents had to replace that drywall to get the smell out.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Tignanello wrote:
I remember my brother playing hockey. Consumed everything. He played Jr A, but not college, so a huge investment with very little outcome. Not to mention the smell. It permeated everything. It was stored in an unfinished part of the basement, but it came right through the drywall. I think my parents had to replace that drywall to get the smell out.

I wouldn't allow DS' hockey equipment or uniform to come in the house. I had a drying rack in the garage and lots of spray cans of lysol. The smell was horrible. One night I brought DS and 3 team members home from practice, it was nearly 0 degrees outside and we had to put all the windows down just to breathe. Of course, typical 13 YO boys they laughed about the stink.

-- Edited by I know what to do_sometimes on Friday 16th of August 2019 11:27:41 AM

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

The cost was $700/year to pay for ice time + new skates and other equipment at least once a year and hockey camp in the summer. HUGE cost and that was nearly 25 years ago.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
The cost was $700/year to pay for ice time + new skates and other equipment at least once a year and hockey camp in the summer. HUGE cost and that was nearly 25 years ago.

Not to mention full weekends of travel, often just for one game because of the distance. And then the tournaments. and then the ... and then the ... it just kept going and going.

The rink hot chocolate (which just has that recognizeable taste) was a nice consolation prize.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I have a cousin who fully immersed her daughter in softball. Unless she was in school, she was either playing a game, at some kind of practice, or traveling between the two.

She played on the school team, the rec team and a travel team. Once she was in high school, it was the school team and 2 travel teams.

Travel meant her and the parents and brother.

Yep, she finally scored a full ride scholarship to college, but that child has nothing outside of ball. Nothing. She doesn't know how to socialize outside of ball.

The same mother is now doing the same with the brother, but he is basketball.

They've spent a fortune, they have 2 mortgages, just to pay for this.

Sports are good, don't get me wrong. However, they have become the new religion to some.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

My coworker's daughter is a cheerleader for her school. They have practice every day except game days. Practice is 3 hours long. Plus all the studying for classes. The girls on the team are already exhausted and school just started.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

3 hrs? Thats crazy. In my experience as a coach a shorter, more focused practice is far more productive.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

DD is going to play golf in the spring. I wonder what that will be like. Coach asked to to play and she loves that coach so she's going to give it a try. If she likes it, great - girl golf scholarships go unclaimed all the time, but man, I think you'd really have to like it to commit to it for 4 years of college.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Sports in college is mostly a hobby, unless one is playing at a Division 1 level. Even then most do not play beyond college. As for a scholarships, DD is a Senior and has had calls from some colleges to play, not a D1 level though, D2 or D3. And, it would take a tremendous amount of time. She really just wants to go a college nearby and focus on her studies. I said she could consider playing 1 or 2 yrs, don't think of it something she would have to do for 4 yrs. But, in reality, it is more of a hobby in college. Which is fine but the time committment would need to be balanced. The purpose of college is the degree and not playing a sport. Though, that could be part of it if one is willing to put in that time.

Lindley · Guru

My daughter has decided that her kids are going to pick one type of activity and will not allow it to consume all of their time or funds. She observed her friends spending a ton of money, focus and time for traveling teams to have the kid quit because of burnout. She wants them to have fun and enjoy their childhood.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I think team sports are good for kids. They teach a lot of good values.

With mine, I had simple rules, if you tried out and made the team, you finished the season. Period. Until tryouts, they could decide not to play at any point.

And only one activity per kid, per season.

Momala · Great cook-happy wife-superb fisherman

Lindley ~
Your daughter is a smart mom!

Lindley · Guru

I agree lily and thank you momala, my daughter played in two school sport teams and even though she enjoyed it at times she regretted the emotional toll it took on her.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

lilyofcourse wrote:
I think team sports are good for kids. They teach a lot of good values.

With mine, I had simple rules, if you tried out and made the team, you finished the season. Period. Until tryouts, they could decide not to play at any point.

And only one activity per kid, per season.

How do you afford it? You must have had multiple kids in different activities all at the same time - that's a lot of driving and travelling coordination! Not to mention all the fundraising stuff for all those activities/sports.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

One of my long time coworkers had her 3 boys involved heavily in soccer. It was their lives through ALL their school years. The main goal of course was college scholarships. Oldest got a full ride. Was arrested for stealing parking meters just before high school graduation, lost it all. Middle boy went to college didn't want to play. Youngest dropped out of school. Now she just drinks all weekend since she's not toting kids all over the state to play ball.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I was lucky. My kids didn't want to do a lot of sports.

Caitlyn cheered for a hot minute. But she was heavily into chorus and theater.

Jesse played touch football once. Never again. He preferred chess or science club.

Aaron was the band kid.

There were competitions, recitals, and all that went with that.

chef · Guru

DS is in swim classes but I think that era is coming to a close. He says he wants to continue but he's a royal pain in the rear end to get out the door each week for class. He's learned to swim so the goal has been accomplished and he can always pick it back up if he wants.

FNW · Guru

If my DH had his way, he would spend every waking moment golfing. He loves it. Once we had the boys, he plays just a few times a year. His handicap has taken a hit. He was a 3 or 4 when we met, and now he's lucky to get a 9 or 10. I'm not sure what that all means, because golf to me is as exciting as watching paint dry. It would cure any insomnia if I were to suffer from that.

The boys enjoy basketball. With the new school, they plan to go out for it. So we'll see what happens with that. Practice is after school so it would be convenient.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

My sons played school sports. DS1 played football and basketball. When he was younger, he also played Little League. DS 2 played football, bball and Little League. DS 1 was more of a football player. DS2 was a BBall all star. These sports involved some cost. Football equipment is pricey and we bought them good pads, etc.

DD plays Bball only now. She did softball but just wanted to focus on BBall. For her, we played AAU travel teams and we drove her to a neighboring town for practices. And, the games were in cities, we would stay for the weekend, eat out, swim in the hotel pool, go watch the AAU games and all parents and kids had a big party together. It was a blast. Yeah, that was expensive, but well worth all the fun and camraderie we had.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

It's too bad though - the prices and costs take away the opportunity of those families who don't have the money. Basically, if they can't cough up their kid can't play. That's sad to me.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Tignanello wrote:
It's too bad though - the prices and costs take away the opportunity of those families who don't have the money. Basically, if they can't cough up their kid can't play. That's sad to me.

In my town, a small % of the fee is used to pay for disadvantaged kids. No kid gets turned away.

Lindley · Guru

Some are inexpensive here for kids of all incomes, there are traveling teams that are expensive due to gas, traveling and lodging.

At least when my daughter was in softball as a kid, if we went to a tournament out of town parents would chip in to help kids who couldn't afford it otherwise.

I think some, not all ruins it for the kids expecting them to play like professional star athletes instead of just letting them play and have fun.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

There are different levels of playing.

Those who are wanting to have fun.
Those who want competition.
And those who want a career.

The more serious the reason to play, the more it cost.

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Sunday 18th of August 2019 06:46:46 PM

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Travel teams are for competitive play. Travel teams are for players who are more serious athletes who want to develop their skills. I mean, DD played on one travel team where the girls goofed off and played stupid basketball. So, no that was not fun. And, I am not going to pay money to travel with people who don't care to play their best and want to goof off. Not sure when "fun" became the moniker for mediocrity and lack of effort. Anyway, we dropped off that team. No reason to spend money for hotels, eating out and tournament fees to play like that. No thank you. She can go to the Y and play pick up Bball and just have some fun doing that for free.

But, I think we need to have more intramural just for fun type leagues.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

lilyofcourse wrote:
There are different levels of playing.

Those who are wanting to have fun.
Those who want competition.
And those who want a career.

The more serious the reason to play, the more it cost.

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Sunday 18th of August 2019 06:46:46 PM

So money and level of affluence prevent those who want to compete or have a career from being at that level.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Tignanello wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
There are different levels of playing.

Those who are wanting to have fun.
Those who want competition.
And those who want a career.

The more serious the reason to play, the more it cost.

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Sunday 18th of August 2019 06:46:46 PM
So money and level of affluence prevent those who want to compete or have a career from being at that level.

Yes sometimes it does. Some parents can afford it but choose not to as well. So what? A kid who is skilled and an motivated will get help to be on the team.

Lindley · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Tignanello wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
There are different levels of playing.

Those who are wanting to have fun.
Those who want competition.
And those who want a career.

The more serious the reason to play, the more it cost.

-- Edited by lilyofcourse on Sunday 18th of August 2019 06:46:46 PM
So money and level of affluence prevent those who want to compete or have a career from being at that level.
Yes sometimes it does. Some parents can afford it but choose not to as well. So what? A kid who is skilled and an motivated will get help to be on the team.

I bet if the kid is really good and a great asset to the team there will be people who will help them. Kids use to mow lawns and babysit plus allowance to participate in extra activities. Some teams has fundraiser.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Babysitting and lawn mowing make not a whole lot of money. Also, with the amount of practices, travelling, etc. we're talking about in this thread, how would they be able to do that anyways?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Then you play school sports, oh well.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

But gee we had other kids being brought along and shuttled by other parents. Ride alongs ,sharing hotels etc.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Then you play school sports, oh well.

This is my point. If you don't come from an affluent family you don't have the same opportunities at sports careers or scholarships.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Yes thats called life.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

It is, yes. It's sad that people lose valuable opportunities.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

If it's wanted bad enough, they find a way.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

right.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Oh geez. I can't live in your world where everything in life is an impossible effort. Now travel teams are an entitlement too? My parents grew up poor. They worked hard and made a life. Most people do. I will tell you what is sad, is when you GIVE kids the opportunities and they squander it. Kids have tons and tons of opportunities and many of them squander it. The real problem today isn't the lack of opportunity it is the lack of effort by those to whom they are given.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Lots of kids don't want to put in the GRIND of practicing, staying in shape, listening to coaches and applying and giving 100% efforts in practices and games. The opportunity alone isn't enough to change anything. Individuals have to put forth the work. Honestly, it's much easier to twitter on your phone or pretend to play the guitar on Guitar hero rather than go thru the efforts of learning a real instrument. You can play sports on an app instead.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

NOBODY has the SAME opportunities as anyone else. NOBODY. I really don't see what constantly bemoaning that does for anyone? If anything, you are discouraging them from trying at all.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Tignanello wrote:
It is, yes. It's sad that people lose valuable opportunities.

What do you mean "lose" the opportunities? They, the kids, have the opportunities to play either on rec teams or in school. if the kid has talent it will be noticed no matter what team they play on.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Tignanello wrote:
It is, yes. It's sad that people lose valuable opportunities.
What do you mean "lose" the opportunities? They, the kids, have the opportunities to play either on rec teams or in school. if the kid has talent it will be noticed no matter what team they play on.

I have a lot of kids come into our gym. Usually you see the following: Kids with innate talents, kids with no or very little innate talent. And, i am talking about raw athleticism. There are kids who have that naturally in droves and some who simply do not. IS that "fair"? It is what is is. Then of that group, you see Motivated and hard working and Not so Motivated or hard working. Some of the kids with innate talents do not feel they need to try as hard. And, some of them don't. They still wind up better than some of the others but not as good as they COULD BE if they APPLIED themselves. Then, you have some of the lesser innately talented who fall in love with bball and they work hard. I had one player a few years back who had very little skill. But, she came to practice and worked her butt off. She was in at the bottom of the roster. By the end of the season she was one of my starting 5. And, then the cherry on top is the innately skilled player who works hard and applies herself and those players usually become the stars of the team.

I coach my kids to come to the gym and give 100% on every drill, every play, every practice. Their development hinges on THEIR efforts. All the drills in the world will not make anyone better who doesn't really try.

-- Edited by Lady Gaga Snerd on Monday 19th of August 2019 07:21:07 AM

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

When it comes right down to it, life is about the EFFORTS one makes. Life is about effort and enthusiam. It's about being in the moment with whatever you are doing. Whatever it is, give it your effort. Be it cooking a wonderful meal for your family or cleaning the bathroom. The efforts of life is where life really is in my opinion. When I cook, i think of that and how can i make this meal tasty and attractive. But, i guess it's not fair that I cannot cook like Gordon Ramsey and never will. I don't know.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Tignanello wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Then you play school sports, oh well.
This is my point. If you don't come from an affluent family you don't have the same opportunities at sports careers or scholarships.

I'm actually talking about school sports. Even those get pricey and too time consuming.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Lawyerlady wrote:
Tignanello wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Then you play school sports, oh well.
This is my point. If you don't come from an affluent family you don't have the same opportunities at sports careers or scholarships.
I'm actually talking about school sports. Even those get pricey and too time consuming.

Sorry - I was too, with the addition of hockey. We only have school sports where I'm from. But we have AAA, AA, A. Although technically, the bigger the school the higher the rating because of the larger pool of players. These other things are in addition to school sports? Travel teams and such? All of our teams traveled.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

There are booster clubs out the wazzo for every sport.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

We had bake sales. Or car washes.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

All our school teams traveled, played others in their division. We have the same divisions, A, AA, AAA, and AAAA. My kids and I attended a quad A.

Travel teams are different. They are made up of players from all over the state.

They may only see each other at games.

These are players who, not only have the money, but skills to play on at a semI professional level.

My cousin, for example, is a world series championship winner several times over.

She plays on a different level than the average high school player.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

People do what they want to do. Seems most parents manage to buy their kids all kinds of things if they choose too.