What's wrong with athletics today?

by Bob McPhee
     
     Take the summer for example. Once upon a time the summer month's was a time to go and play baseball. Yes, America's pastime was played on countless fields through out the River Valley; each town or neighborhood had pickup games and if a playing surface wasn't unavailable, then any cow pasture or sand pit would do.
     In the current society, those innocent days are long gone because when you ride by almost any diamond is deserted; you might be able to see a few individual's playing catch. The biggest gripe expressed is that there is nothing to do. Well, use one's imagination. Where has every body gone?
     There are a number of activities for high school student-athletes to do and some are required. Or shall I say they are "strongly recommended to participate" in other sports during the summer. This is usually necessary in order to be a member of their respective teams in the fall and winter.
     The absence or commitment of individuals - regardless of the reason - usually is looked at in an unfavorable light by coaches and/or parents.
     The common remarks heard throughout every season are a double-edged sword. It is impossible to please every one - human nature - so basically regardless of the decision(s) made there are those who will disagree.
     Henceforth, you are dammed if you do and dammed if you don't...
     Take American Legion baseball, for example. A basic roster is comprised of 13-15 individuals; depending on the interest, or lack there of. The need to try and carry this many players is obvious. This is summertime and not everyone is available, with work schedules and family vacations. So, at the conclusion of every game a head count is taken, in order to see who will be at the next game.
     A common complaint is the lack of playing time by the reserves. A game begins with the best nine players on the field. It is up to the coach to insert others during the game, which is why the free-substitution rule exists. But many observers fail to realize the importance of having the best defense on the field in the late innings of a close game.
     Even a batting order presents a bone of contention. A coach fills one out, prior to each game and based on the talents of the personnel available. Each player usually gets at least three at bats in a seven-inning game. Still, there will be parents who take issue because their son is batting two spots below another. Is the commitment level evident, does junior attend every game or do they just show up when other activities don't interfere?
     On the other end of the spectrum, is it always fair to start a start a less-talented player instead of a regular starter. Cain may show up for every game and display a positive attitude. While the latter may have missed games or exhibits negativity and refuses to interact with team unity. This can and has been done, but rest assured the reasons need to be on the tip of the tongue because a parent will confront you.
     It essentially boils down to what have you down lately.
     So, whenever a parent feels slighted the easiest thing to do is to bad mouth the coach by blaming any shortcomings on them. These words are usually voiced around the supper table and filtered down to junior and his siblings. This creates a degree of animosity and no one wins. Remember, there are two sides to every story.
     A question asked by former athletes is why do coaches put up with it because that didn't exist back in the day. Exactly, hello. This is a different era and in the current "feel good society" that type of stern discipline and taking responsibility for actions, while accepting the consenquenes, are no longer tolerated.
     When mistakes are made - physical or mentally - a coach isn't supposed to get in juniors face or heaven forbid land a clipboard on a helmet. Any action like that would be considered harmful to junior's well-being and might cause lifelong damage, mentally. Bull, give the student-athletes credit and allow them to experience a little adversity because it will only make one stronger. Granted, these instances may be a blow to the ego; however, kids are resilient and better get over it.
     One of the strangest comments has been that Dixfield had no business starting up a Legion team. The reasoning was that it has some how prevented Northern Oxford County from fielding a competitive team. Based on the Post 100 roster, two or three players could have joined Rumford. Let's not forget the objective because if one team only existed in the River Valley then fewer positions would exist resulting in a reduced opportunity to play baseball.
     It is competition and when players continue to reach the next level, simply playing for fun doesn't always suffice. The desire to win takes center stage.
     Nothing in life comes without sacrifice...