[CircletheGlobe]

For the record I don't share the same thoughts, as I have great respect for all coaches regardless of the sport, it is a tough but wonderful job to teach youth much more than winning the district, region, or state. While this should certainly be a goal, providing an opportunity for youth to participate in team skills and life is much great in my opinion. When a team wins a game, district, region or state titles that is great but not the whole world.[/QUOTE]

I do agree with some of your opinions, but not all. As the student players reach high school age, the goal of providing an opportunity to "participate" in team skills, as you suggest, is no longer as important as it was in the elementary and middle school levels. Refining the skills they learned when they were younger only occurs naturally. The high school athletes becomes more focused on improving their game and thus want to be rewarded and challenged with a "win". Therefore, coaching methods should be and are different in high school; however, good sportmanship should never be compromised. Team players only want the best athletes on their team giving them the best competitive advantage. This desire is shown by children at a very young age when they pick who they want on their team and yes I was
picked last sometimes. In high school physical education classes provide the opportunity for participation for everyone.

If winning is not important, then why are coaches hassled to win? Billy Clyde would prob still be with Kentucky if winning wasnt important.

As we get older, the opportunity to be a member of a competitive sports team becomes less of a reality, but the opportunity to enjoy a sport with friends can always be a possiblity where winning is optional.