[devil58]

Don't worry "D". Remember every coin has two sides and it will go back to Middle School ball in a few years. JFL has been down this road twice now and when the numbers fal again then it will look at the Middle School program. But then they might not be able to get in a conferance to play. But them are harsh words from 58 to critique your parenting . Might need to talk about the weather ?????????? Just kidding. I know you have broad shoulders and don't wear your feelings on you sleeve. The days where every kid gets a trophy needs t be over. :devilflam:devilflam:devilflam

I'm pretty sure "D" understands exactly what I meant...Read my response to him and you will see as well...My concern, as stated above, was in simply saying the final decision is in the hands of a 12 year old...I agree with the response he sent and had he stated that in the original post I wouldn't have said a word...

This is an opinion board and , right or wrong, we all have a right to give ours...You don't have to agree with me...I'm fine with that but I will always feel free to say what's on my mind because it will always be from the heart and not my emotion...

As for the trophy comment...You are absolutely right!!! It's not about trophies its about development...Do you really think that the majority of the kids are playing for the "participation" trophy they get at the end of the year?? If some are, should that really be a problem??? Remember, it is youth sports...It's for DEVELOPMENT...Everybody does get to play...Is that so bad?? Trust me, reality will set in when we get them in high school...

I know we have always had school teams in basketball in middle school but we wouldn't care if they scrapped those and went to league play IF we had the gym space & could get enough qualified coaches to coach that age level...Get about 60 kids per class playing on teams of 8-10 players...You could potentially develop a lot of depth at each position...Not necessarily all superstars, but solid fundamental players...What we have been lacking at the high school level in recent years is depth of solid fundamental players...Because you have smaller rosters you can't just roll a ball out there and have them play games in practice...You would have to teach fundamentals...They'll be able to dribble with both hands, even the big kids, because they will have to in practice...

In a typical 2 hour varsity practice we will work on skills & drills for 1:30 - 1:40 mins...If we scrimmage we do it in the last 15-20 mins or so and its mainly for conditioning...

If a youth program is done right it will continuously feed your varsity programs...Sure, you'll have some years where there is less "talent" but you should always have a solid base...There's a reason why we have very few losing records year in and year out in football...It's the JFL program...

End of rant #2... LOL