Educational sports

Dear Editor,

The 2005 season of Rawlins County Girls Junior High Basketball has just been completed.

As a concerned parent and spectator, I felt compelled to voice my opinions and observations. To be specific, this is based on the seventh grade team, but in general could be applied to a wide variety of sporting events.

Seventh grade is the first step in possibly six or more years of sports. The kids who choose to participate want to learn, have fun and be part of the group.

As the season progressed, some kids got more playing time than others.

To a point, this is understandable. It was the end of the season, the tournaments, that prompted this letter.

There were 10 girls on this team. Three tournament games were played, with a total of 72 minutes playing time. Of that 72 minutes, roughly one third of the kids got to play approximately one-half minute each!

Basically, they didn't get to participate. What was equal was the long hours and late nights of practice after school.

What if a nice big trophy is won? Is that of more educational value than al players getting experience and confidence for the future?

The day that trophy is given and pictures taken, it won't mean much to part of the players. In a few years, it won't mean much to any of the players. Someone will just have to find a place to display it and keep the dust off.

This is a critical time for positive reinforcement for our youth. They won't all be athletes or follow it, but they will never know or make the correct decision if they are knocked down before they ever get started.

As educational value, let's put this in quick comparison to seventh grade band. All the kids practice together preparing and learning so they can compete in the music contest at the end of the year.

When it comes time to take the stage, the music instructor gives these directions and points: "You, You, You and You. Take your seats with the rest as you normally would, but when it comes time to play, lay your instruments down to your side."

This doesn't happen. The kids get to try, regardless of talents. Some will decide not to pursue band in future grades because they maybe don't have the desire or can see they don't have the talent, but they can decide this for themselves without the outside pressures or circumstances beyond their control.

In closing, I'm not condemning sports. Participating in all sports was a big part of my school activities that I enjoyed. Used as a tool the right way, it can have many benefits to the kids' education. Building one's self-confidence can be most beneficial, and that can't start by staying on the bench.

I spoke to the coach, and although I expressed my concern for personal reasons, I'm not blaming him.

As responsible adults and educators, we need to be more aware and encouraging in all aspects to help prepare our young citizens for their future.

Sincerely,

Brad Williams,

Herndon