Amid downturn, a rally to save youth sports

I agree. I wish my daughter was in a more affordable sport. It may have to go, but it'll be the last thing to go. One of my sons was a 4 sport athlete and those were our best family times. Another son did not like sports and I feel like we missed sharing a large part of his life. I would have loved to cheer him on, discuss performance, and just chat to and from games but he preferred just hanging out with his friends. It was much harder to get into his life.

Interesting...this is the same town where only a month ago there was a published story on MSNBC trumpeting the public outcry because parents couldn't afford High School graduation cap/gown fees...

Does anyone else remember the time when the teams did not have big-league uniforms? I can. At that time, all you needed to play softball or baseball was a bat and glove and ball, cups for the guys, 4 bases and a couple of umps. Batting helmets are a plus, now, and needed, but I see no need for the fancy uniforms - jeans and t-shirts with the team names on the shirts used to be sufficient.

Have we gone too far overboard trying to imitate the pros? If we eliminate some of the fancy stuff the games will still be great for parents and kids, and the parents will not have to struggle to come up with money for frills. In these economic times of woe, it would sure seem to be a sensible way to go.

Both my kids play/played dixie youth baseball...We have had a lot of good times at the "ballfield" & late nights!!! But I have loved every minute of it & so have my kids. They even help out with cleaning up & re-stocking concessions. My husband & I have put in alot of hours keeping our fields, etc. in good shape. the ballfield going. I don't think everyone realizes how much work is put into keeping a ballfield up, there's cooking, food prep., cleaning, working concession stands, mowing grass, picking up trash, chalking the fields, keeping up with equipment, etc. There's alot more to playing ball, than just playing ball. I do feel more parents should volunteer time, etc. to help out. Playing ball, all the interaction is great for all kids!!

Utahreb, you've nailed it. We don't need ultra-organized leagues and play-like-the-pros competition. The only time the ball fields in our town are used are on days when there is either practice or a game. When I was younger, it was common to agree to meet at a ball field (or an open field) at a specific time so as to play ball. I've encouraged my own kids to try to get their friends to join them, but it just dosn't happen.

What's the point of organized sports for the youngest of kids, anyway. Sure, teamwork may be learned, but it may be learned in other contexts and is a lesson better learned by older kids. As kids age and move up through the programs, fewer and fewer get any significant play time. The competitiveness (which, by itself, can be a good thing) is often out of proportion--it becomes too much of a big deal. Parents (especially among the older kids) seem out there for the win, rather than for the enjoyment of the game. I've kept most of my kids out of the formal t-ball leagues and let them play with a few recreation center teams because I could not stomach the way some parents yelled and screamed at the kids and the coaches (I'm not talking about "Way to go!" or "Nice hit!").

Unfortunately, many in our society seem to value sports above almost anything else in life. Those are the ones (imo) who push for the emulation of the pro teams, and who have dreams that their kids will be the next major league player. Just back off, people, and let your kids be kids. Let them learn how to fill their own days with activities of their own choosing, not just a fixed schedule of play dates and practices. I'm not saying that any of those things are wrong when used wisely. It's just that too many parents today treat their kids more like projects than like kids. Give kids the freedom to play and live and learn and you will be amazed by how it affects them!

Boo hoo. What happened to art and music classes. I could care less if these things go. You can do them on your own time and at the park. Things like art and music need to be taught because it enriches the mind. Sports are good too, but this is just whining.

It's funny how these people find the money for sports but in every research that's ever been done kids in music and the arts do better in school and go farther in their chosen career yet those are the first things to go

This is true !! We need to make sure our children are the last ones to have to suffer through these hard economic times !

There are many things that can enrich the minds and bodies of children , we choose ball playing because of the physical and mental enrichments they provide !

100 degrees or 32 degrees it doesn't matter , because a strong path to adulthood is being laid out. I've sold some nice collectibles to make sure the fees were paid to play ball !

Plus Sports can be a very good way to "Have A Good Time" too ! Win or Lose ! "Have Fun"!

When I was a kid we play with friends, for sports and goofing off. We did not need all this fancy stuff.

Seems to be the parents that enjoy this and train their kids to like it. How about a book club?

Team sports whoopeeeee!!! When I was growing up ther was no such thing! Parents did not have to pay to have their kids play sports. This is ridicolous!!!! For the money they spend on 2 or 3 and in some cases 4 different sports they can buy the kid a bike & some in line skates & away we go TOGETHER as a FAMILY!!! This recession is a good thing to much emphasis on sports & not enough on EDUCATION!! Sports will not get you a job & certianely not a diploma. Most of these parents are living vicarousley thru their kids. Get over it already!!!!

Great! Now, I'd like to see them rally for math and science and foreign language instruction too.

Most High School Athletic Associations require that the students have to be passing in all classes to participate. They also have to have a good attendance record. If you miss school you miss practice and can not play for that week's game. Students also have to follow training rules. For some kids this is a great tool to get them and keeep them eligible.