As Kaden and I continue to dive into the world of youth sports and we sign up for the many different leagues it has been unfortunate to find that they all have one thing in common. Lack of organization. From lack of schedules, to coaches, and practice times…..the list goes on. Leaving many parents frustrated and wondering where their money is going. It may seem like common sense but here are a few things that would make this parent feel that the money was well spent.
1. Jerseys (T-shirts) – At $100 from a eight game season it would be nice if a jersey or t-shirt was included. Where is the $100 going?
2. Advanced Schedule – We live in a fast paced world and parents are busy, a schedule for the whole season at the beginning of the season would be nice. Kaden has now been in two leagues where the schedule for the next game comes out a few days in advance?
3. Practice – One of the leagues that Kaden is in just has games, no practice time. How are you going to learn with no practice?
4. Equal distribution of Players – Kaden typically plays on the house teams and they end of having twice as many players as the rest of the teams, meaning limited playing time. Here is an idea, how about two house teams?
I realize that these leagues are meant to be fun and to help kids get experience, but they also cost money. Furthermore that money is going to the people that are running these leagues, sure there are volunteers, but the head of the league typically isn’t doing it for free. It would be nice if that were taken into consideration and some common sense was used when the planning occurs.
For more on getting organized and what I am seeing in youth sports check back in with Mother and Son Sports.
by Stacey Atkinson