transfering

This is one of the best, most balanced threads I've read on this topic; and, I couldn't agree more that (1) an individual player's/family's circumstances can make either direction valid and (2) as long as what they do falls within the rules, they're "answerable" only to themselves. In other words, it's their business, alone.

I decided to toss my two cents in here only because the thread prompted the recollection that when my son was about to enter high school, we had several people whose baseball views we respected suggest to us that we should consider enrolling him in a different high school; one that historically had fielded a better baseball team than the one at our "home district" school.

In the end, we left him in the school he was slated to attend. We did so for three main reasons: (1) We felt that academic considerations needed to come first, and our perception was that his "home district" school was somewhat better in that regard. (2) We reasoned that the baseball development program that fielded his travel team would account for about 80% of his baseball experience; diminishing the significance of the high school decision. (3) His older brother attended the "home district" school, causing us to already know a number of the teachers and administrators.

Finally, any discussion of high school considerations for the recruited baseball player compels me to speak out (for the umpteenth time) about the extraordinary value of academic achievement. While there will always be a handful of exceptions for exceptional players, the vast majority of college players have to measure up to essentially the same academic standards as all other students. The typical college coach has a very limited number of "chits" he can redeem with the admissions office; so, the combination of good grades and acceptable test scores becomes a huge benefit to the recruited player. Since grades in the 9th grade count every bit as much as those in later years, it's never too early to be aware of this and start achieving in the classroom.

 

Be a parent. Your kid has enough friends and enough coaches pressuring him. And is it someones business if a kid is playing on a team and is playing as ineligible. It sure is your business when your team has to forfiet because of some greedy parent that thinks is kid is above the rules.

 

Payitforward:

I don't know whether your post was specifically directed at mine or not; but, if it was, evidently, I wasn't clear. First of all, no parent should shun his or her responsibility to "be a parent." These are family decisions; requiring input and responsible direction from the parents.

Secondly, anything done along these lines ought to be done within the applicable rules. The last thing a player should do is jeopardize a team's (or his own) eligibility. We happened to live in Charlotte, where transferring without penalty was done relatively easily at the time.

What I don't consider my business are those valid...and legal...decisions made by other families once they are made.

 

Yep, it is the business of the AD's and the coaches. If they are too lax in not following up on their players eligibility, then consequences will happen...but it is not the responsibility nor the business for any other parent to stick their nose in other people's business.

This thread has gone on way too long and has served its purpose.

 

It was not directed at you as I appreciated your post. I should have stated that. Im with you that trasnsfers within the rules are fine and sometimes necessary within a family. Any time someone makes a change within the system legally I Ihave to respect them because there are alot of changes that occur within the family to make a better place for their kid. That cant be easy. But whe it is done outside the rules , that was discussed in the article, its another story.
My post just followed yours and was just adding to it in agreement.

 

I agree with you 3play. It's a tough situation because if words get mixed up then it could be bad for the player/family/schools. It's best to not say anything at all and just let it go.

 

The facts of doing things correctly and double checking has became a reality in Charlotte. Kid and Family does everything the right way (they thought). Missed the fine print of the state rules. It is very important for coaches and Ad's to check and double check this to insure that the team as a whole is not affected.

 

I also read the article in the Greensboro paper on Sunday and I don't see what is so surprising that kids transfer for sports. Many of the kids coming through now (mine included) are of the AAU explosion. Showcase is also rapidly expanding. Parents are just doing what they think is best for their child. What's wrong with that? As long as everyone complies with the rules when there is a transfer then it's really none of our business. I can't see where anyone can be surprised by this. Parents have always done what they think is best for their children, especially when it comes to academics. Isn't that our job as parents?. The only thing that has changed is that same thought process is applied to the athletics as well as academics.

My family is no different. My oldest also transferrred in 7th grade. And get this, he did it for SPORTS and we are not ashamed of it. He was at Caldwell Academy in Greensboro. A really good academic private school but with weak sports teams (with much lower fees than the ones's aguyyouknow speaks of in Charlotte, 4-5K per year). We transferred in the 7th grade for the sports programs. He wanted to play football plus we have a fantastic middle school baseball coach (unusual to have a MS baseball coach as good as we do; Buddy Jones, brother of Rick Jones at Tulane). While we miss the morals and ethics of a christian school, Ragsdale has been good and there is a good education there for the taking if you want it. Nobody is going to hold your hand. You have to go get it and i would have it no other way. All my son's friends are there, he's making good grades and has exceptional teachers, and very good coaches. We made the right call.

And get this, my 7th grade son will most likely transfer going in to the 9th grade. Not sure where but he also wants to play football as well as baseball. He'll probably end up at Bishop McGinness or Ragsdale. He's at Wesleyan but they do not have football. He'll probably never play in college but so what? He just wants to play HS football and baseball. He makes straight A's. That's not an issue. What's wrong with wanting to play the game? He says his number one dream is to play on the same field with his brother (he would be a freshman when his brother is a sr.). As long as the academics are there, how do you tell him no?

TBR is a great site. I've learned so much here in one year and I appreciate everyone's advice and help. The sports advice is much appreciated. However please don't tell me how to parent. I spend all the free time I have with my kids. Nobody knows their non-sports needs better than their mother and I.

 

First of all let me say for the most part, this topic in this thread has been discussed in a respectable manner and it can be a very 'heated' discussion..so for that !

Just my conclusions and .02, for what it's worth...

It seems that everyone agrees that as long as the transfer is legal, it's not an issue. I agree 100% that it is a parents responsability to determine what is best for their child and their family.

I also think when someone comes in or out of your program, no matter if you think it is right or not, or if you would make that same choice, they should still be treated with total respect and kindness.

With that being said...I do believe that when you do something that effects me or my family, it does become my business. Example: If someone comes in illegally it is the AD's and coaches job to handle it, but if they don't do anything about it and it can jeopardize my son and his teammates chances at getting into playoffs, winning a state championship, etc. and then having it stripped away...it is my obligation as a parent to advocate on the behalf of my child who would have everything they had worked hard for,stripped away because of the actions of someone else.

A comparison: If you drink in your home, it's none of my business...if you drink and drive, it becomes my business when you share the road with me because of the danger you put me in.

I am well aware that life/death are much more important than baseball, but I think we would all be kidding ourselves if we said that our sons having a state championship taken away from them because of someone elses illegal actions would not bother us a great deal.

Bottom line...keep it legal and there are no problems. Breaking the rules has consequences for everyone involved (coaches, school, teammates, etc) and so if that effects my son..., it becomes my business.

 

Sportmom

Let me agree with Braves. It is great to have your opinions and respones on the board. It is great to see and hear the mothers veiw. As for you last post. Outstanding. I do not think it could have benn said any better.