An Observation of High School Sports Programs

Anyone who has followed high school sports would understand the typical frustrations associated with the programs. All too often it is almost impossible to tell exactly what the goal or purpose of the programs might be. It seems to me that at a minimum the student athletes and parents should be made aware of a programs objectives. More often than not, we leave an event wondering what just happened.

Many would concede that in high school sports, winning isn’t always possible and may not be the primary objective in certain situations. Some programs might find guaranteed playing time for all players of greater importance than winning, while winning is the primary goal for others.

I have been following a team at the local high school that I simply cannot figure out what is going on. There seems to be no clear cut objective from what I can tell other than to leave us all confused at the conclusion of each game. Winning is clearly not the primary goal of this very talented team with 2wins and 18 losses. Getting playing time for all the players isn’t it either, because good player’s dressed and ready to play often never get in the game. When a player in the game seems to be getting hot, you can expect that player to be pulled. Simply a very confusing situation, especially with the amount of talent this team has.

I think sports programs ought to have a clear mission statement available for all who participate and follow to review. We don’t need to agree with it, but at least student athletes, parents and fans would know what they were getting into. As it is, not even the student athletes are clear on what they are suppose to be accomplishing; which leads to even greater frustrations for them and their parents.

Many athletes have worked very hard for many years excited to compete at the high school level. Coaches need to honestly evaluate their ability to develop their players and the programs they seek to lead. Additionally they should love and respect the sport and commit to learning everything they can about the game.

All too often it seems that positions are taken to increase their salary and the basis for their retirement incomes. While I would hope this isn’t true, the degree to which some coaches are incompetent makes many of us suspicious.

I think sports programs at the high school level need to seriously define their goals and objectives. Coaches should be qualified to coach their sport in the same way teachers should be qualified to teach their subjects.

I would love to hear your positive and negative experiences and suggestions on what might be done to improve the experience for all involved. Thank you for taking the time to read this Hub!!