are politics a big problem at the high school level?

I am not going to use names but I witnessed a JV Player who was confirmed to be a freshman play and dominate the other day, then we watched the varsity game and thought she would have been among the top 3 players on the team, 2 other freshman were on the varsity team and they could not even touch this other girl and it made me wonder just how much does politics play a part in deciding who makes it and who doesn't?

 

This questions is hard to answer as each school is so different. My experience is that some places things are done right and some places they are not. There are school programs, TB programs and rec programs that are run first class. They work hard teach the game and prepare their players for life not just softball. Then there are other programs in each category that are run by individuals that just don't know what they are doing. They may have great intentions but dont have proper knowledge. Then there are the worste case scenarios in my mind, the selfish ones. These programs are run just to help certain players and or make certain people happy. I don't think you can cast a broad net on school ball, rec ball or TB. There is good and bad example of all. Not trying to start anything just what I have seen. This applies not only to softball but all sports in my expereinces.

 

I will say the player looked perfectly content dominating, I know she went 4 for 4 with 2 triples and 2 doubles and honestly covered all 3 outfield positions from center, her parents on the other hand didn't seem to share the enthusiasm and as soon as the JV game ended they pulled her while the rest of the team sat in the bleachers to cheer on Varsity....

 

It all depends were you are and what you expect from high school. Even some of the top programs in the state have issues. As a friend of mine and I discuss, remember it is high school ball.

 

Not only HS but even at some collegiate programs.

 

are politics a big problem at_________?

HS? College? State Games tryouts? The office? Church? In Washington? The answer is, “It depends.” Perspective is often skewed by which side you are on and when you end up on the short end of the stick, it isn’t always fair. But, you usually don’t have much control over that. Therefore, I have always tried to teach my kids (and myself) to focus on what you can control and to work your tail off. When it comes time to perform, if you consistently “hit homeruns in life”, you will be very successful and people won’t be able to hold you back for very long.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.

And one last thought below...

 

Well you shouldn't have done that, she probably wanted to be with her friends!