Some things about high school sports need to change

Dear Editor: 

Many family members and friends enjoy coming to the school to watch games and programs. Some people travel many miles to do so. It is disappointing to come watch and realize some of the team players are left on the sidelines for most of and/or all the games. 

It is rather discouraging to the students that have worked hard to participated in the sport, only to spend most of their time on the bench. 

Is there some reason why some of these kids that worked hard to play in the games spend most of the time being left out? Most of us watching would love to see all the kids get a chance on the court or the field. Perhaps, if every player got to play during the games, it would help all players be better players. 

Sports are a big part of our youth’s development. It can teach them to be a teammate, communicator and prepare them for life. They can develop discipline, values of hard work, to deal with adversity and life lessons. 

For many of our youth they will probably only experience sports in middle and high school. Not many go on to play in college. Yet, it seems like sports have come down to nepotism and not just in our small communities. It is a nationwide issue that needs to stop. The students that sit on the sidelines most of the time have a love for the game. They constantly practice outside of school and practice to improve their skills, from gym practice shooting basketballs to running to be in better shape. They may not be the fastest, but they never give up. They have the heart and determination to improve. 

Many of these same athletes keep their grades up to make sure they qualify to play sports. Their reward for doing so is to rarely or never play. Something needs to change. It’s not all about scoring or who is the better player. Good sportsmanship is not just on the court or field. It includes fairness and examples from the coaches and staff. 

Respectfully, 

Joan Scott,
a concerned grandparent.