Somewhere along the line youth sports was hijacked and became about development rather than fun with friends.quote:Originally posted by TPM:
At 9 mine was playing rec ball and I admit he was a bit tall for that age but certainly not the best player. He didn't care and we didn't care. 9 is about having fun, learning the basics. Discussion to follow games was about where to go for hamburgers or wings and ice cream after the game.
I realize that things have changed but sitting down and discussing what work needs to be done next year (at 10), makes me realize that there are too many parents trying to raise ball players, not children.
I learned everything I needed to know about intensity in preteen sports when my son was ten. When the game is over the kids move on. My son is intense on the field. But when it's over, it's over.
The following was after winning a travel (community based travel) s****r championship at age ten. My son's team upset the undefeated team in the championship. While walking to the car:
ME: What did the coach say?
SON: He said congratulations. What's for lunch?
ME: He must have said more than that!
SON: He did. He said we played well. May I have a PlayStation for Christmas?