Basketball - Reality and Sports Parenting

View on Threadse 

Like Jamal Wallace in Finding Forrester, I often use others' words to start mine. Perspective on sports parenting never gets old. 

Advocacy

Irrational is believing that parents won't or shouldn't advocate for their children. The issue becomes "degree." Parents may want minutes, role, and recognition for their child even more than players. They've invested their lives, time, and treasure to support them. Coaches are transients along that journey. When disagreements arise, that doesn't mean parents have failed. 

Crazy Costs

In the 40 billion dollars youth sports industry, "tuition and fees" have become incendiary. Atop the sundae, the "cherry" of game admission prices has risen to unthinkable amounts. Pay full freight and then get taxed again to watch your child play...or sit. 

Accessorizing

In addition to participation fees (often thousands of dollars), uniforms, sneakers, and 'swag', a host of other expenses arise - travel, lodging, road trip meals, additional medical costs (injuries happen), sports club or gym costs, personal trainers, et cetera, et cetera. 

Truth Telling

There's always an "inside" and an "outside" view. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - scholarships, NIL money - greets a tiny percentage of athletes. Many athletes and parents hold unrealistic expectations of their talent and potential. I played against two future NBA first rounders in high school - Ron Lee and Bob Bigelow. Nobody on our team approached their level, especially I. My daughters played with a future WNBA player - Shey Peddy...and they weren't near her level. 

I coached two women who played in the A10 this year - Sam Dewey and Cecilia Kay - and they were far above their local teammates. "Many are called and few are chosen." Coaches have to be realistic, too. 

"It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll." Build a positive experience for players and they'll have something good to remember. 

Lagniappe. Reducing injuries is a primary concern for both coaches and athletes.