# 1

The first post I would like to make revolves around the pursuit of the title. The #1 status many parents and coaches are trying to achieve at early ages is destroying any developmental progress needed to reach this significant status.

Most recently, I was fortunate enough to speak before a local Little League organization about different concepts regarding the development of their athletes and in particular, how a long-term approach is superior to "early success" models. I was quickly confronted by a parent-coach that asked, "How do I deal with the parent complaints because we are losing games by developing fundamental physical and sport skills over a long period of time?"

My response was simple--"are you coaching for best interest of the kids or for the parents?"

Our country is so fixated on early success that in many cases, parents and coaches are willing to risk long-term success to gain the short-term, #1 status. The reason why more than 70% of Little League kids don't play baseball by the time they are 13 years-old is attributed to this ideology. Sadly, it's not for the benefit of the kids' but, it's for the benefit of all the sports moms and dads cheering loudly at each game, vicariously trying to live out their own childhood dreams' through youth sports---in some instances, parents have resorted to violence against other parents, fans, officials, and participants for these and many other reasons. Again, is assaulting another person at a youth sports competition in the best interest of the child or the parent? ...is it in anyone's best interest?

At the next practice or game, look for the parent(s) that boast how their child is going to be moved up a level, or how their child will be getting a scholarship some day to a Division One school.

Try explaining to that parent why playing on the "best" travel team when their child is only 12-years old doesn't guarantee future success. Or, try explaining how approximately 1 in every 20,000 athletes will earn scholarship money (not just a full-ride but, any money at all). Afterwards, if you don't get assaulted or screamed at for being "wrong"...find a seat as far away from this parent as you can.

**Under no circumstances am I recommending to anyone that you confront the parent if these or similar comments are witnessed. My comments are meant to open up greater awareness to all readers of this post about this issue.**

These comments are just a taste...stay tuned as I will continue to dive into these concepts and many more.

Will Haskell
siriusperformance@yahoo.com


Coming up next: Youth Sports are behind the times....