Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

Time to grow up

Re D. Banks letter, "Less favoritism needed at SJHS," Oct. 21:

I am a parent of a child who has played football since he was 6. My son is 17 now. I have heard parents, friends and relatives complain about their child's playing time since that first day we stepped on the field. My child has not always played, and many times he has had to earn his place and learn to be patient. That, my friend, is part of life.

Recreation ball days are the days when everyone plays, when kids are learning the game and learning whether they really want to work hard for it. However, even then some people think it is never enough playing time.

In school ball, we as parents do not know or see what the coaching staff of an athletic team sees at practice, games, etc. You hear what your child tells you and you think you know how well they do at practice. You as parents, or whatever your connection may be to these "forgotten players," need to accept that these kids are in high school now and the best athletes will play. How do you think the state champions became champions?

As a matter of fact our children are lucky to be wearing jerseys - I remember when I was in school, they cut many kids who just didn't meet the standard. There were very few who made the football team. Now these coaches bring many different types of kids onto the team, give them a chance, teach them the game and the coaches may find a hidden gem. Then again, some kids are not meant to play football, even if we want them to.

As with every story there are two sides - there may be a side you don't want to hear. You are not a coach, you don't manage 40, 50, 60 kids. You obviously don't realize that school ball isn't about equal playing time; those days are over for a reason. It is time for our kids to grow up, face the world. School ball is about hard work every day - on or off the game field. Sometimes it is just about doing the above, having patience and striving to stand out - which again takes hard work.

I was embarrassed that one of our St. James High School fans wrote that letter. I was embarrassed that the writer would discount the kids' hard work and talent that is displayed weekly. It was tough to explain to my son someone would go so far as to embarrass their team, school and coaches. Whoever you are, what a poor example you have set for our youth.

If you aren't a fan of the team, just a fan for one child, then perhaps you shouldn't attend the games. You, the "letter writer" are not helping the kids you referred to as "the forgotten" - there will be a lot of times when they won't receive equal "playing" time in their life.

The question is, have they been taught to sit back and let it come to them - "they deserve it - it's only fair" - or will they step up and work hard to achieve a high goal?

I am proud of SJHS, proud of the staff and proud of the students and teams at the school

The writer lives in Murrells Inlet.