Letters to the Editor - August 20, 2008

From staff reports
Published: August 20, 2008

More than winning

The start of Little League football is upon us once again and as usual, problems. Some changes need to be made in how they manage the kids who do not make the team, and it is long overdue. Do they have any idea as to how cutting them after tryouts really affects them? I don’t think they care. It is all about winning at any cost. It is a sport people, and as such should be more about teamwork and building character in the kids. Winning should be looked at as a “reward” and not as something you must do at any cost. It is not a life and death situation.
If you have a large child, use them in an offensive tackle position instead of a position that requires a lot of speed. You do not make excused for cutting them by saying they did not get their physical on time, when one child’s was obtained the second day of tryouts or using some other lame excuse not to make them part of the team.
Coaches need to boost these kids’ confidence and let them know they can do anything they set their mind to, but a little help might be needed. Create practice sessions for those who do not make the team and groom them for next year. Take them to all the games as a member of a future team. They can learn a lot by watching. Do not just toss them aside.
This is no different than tossing them out like the garbage. Sorry, you’re no good, out with the trash. Think about these kids for a change and their feelings, our future leaders, and not the almighty glory of an upcoming win. Put a program into place to build these kids up, not tear them down. It is time to do something for the kids who have had their dreams shattered. They are just as important as those who make the team.
The county should be ashamed, heck, all of Little League should be.

Wendy Nash
Amherst