A Word to the Wise

Great (and timely) point!

As an extension, players should also understand that their NLI allows the school to cancel if they misbehave.  I've seen NLI's canceled due to DUI's and other crimes, and depending on the school, lesser infractions could also matter. 

In general, remember that the NLI is not your ship coming in.  It signifies a wonderful opportunity you've (thus far) earned.  Whether you take full advantage of that opportunity, or perhaps squander it, remains fully up to you. 

Sometimes I wish every kid out there would read some of what is posted on this site.  Especially when it pertains to things like this and coming from experienced people who only have one reason for posting.  They want to help others!

I printed out the first two posts earlier. They will be given to my son to read tonight. He will be thrilled, I'm sure. Eye will roll

Of course this is true for all seniors.  A bad case of Senoritus can and will result in letters of admission being rescinded or lesser penalties. 

Sounds like...Words from the Wise to me.  Gracias!

Keep your eye on the ball. Sometimes a physics exam is more important than a practice...

Exactly!

I agree with that but at the same time if you don't go to practice and then you get to start in the next game how is that fair to the bench player who busted his tail at practice for you.  I see it more of a reward to the player at practice rather than disciplining the player who wanted to take the physics exam and at the same token physics exams are done during school hours so if a player needs to take a physics exam after school and has to miss practice then that must mean the player was not in class to begin with.  Just saying.

But yes, school is first priority and the great student-athletes find a way to manage their time wisely between baseball and school if they're trying to play in college.  Because in college if you don't manage your time wisely, the next kid is going to take your spot.

As a HS guidance counselor this really hits home.  Currently going around to my juniors and seniors and discussing this exact thing. 

Timely and great advice as usual Prepster!  

JMoff,

While I agree with you in part, I do wish to clarify that I don't think any player should be using upcoming tests as excuses to miss team events.  Part of the deal is for the player to learn how to manage himself, plan ahead, and handle multiple deadlines and requirements.

In my experience, those who learn to forgo FaceBook, TV, and texting as a sport, have no difficulty meeting all their commitments.  If a kid got to the day before a test and had to miss practice to catch up on studying, if I were the high school coach I might well let that happen, but not without consequences.  The player might be benched for a game as a lesson to both him and his teammates about what the expectations for them are.

College players should assume that they won't have even that option, and they should manage themselves with that in mind.