Question:
My son is in the 10th grade and on the JV football team. he has played for his school for the two previous years. He isn't an all star, but has always enjoyed being part of the team, and telling people that he was on the team. He attended summer workouts consistantly, and trained for his position with another coach (he's a kicker) He is frustrated and wants to quit the team, since he doesnt seem to get much playing time.I'm ok with him not playing next season, but I think he will regret quitting mid-season. He thinks it's just a waste of time and wants out now. There are six weeks left of games. How should this be handled?
Answer:
ParentingTeensOnline expert, Mark Fuerst , fields questions about sports and competition. Mark is a health and medical writer based in Brooklyn, NY. You can read more about him at MySteps, his blog. He responds:
There’s a lot to be said about perseverance in team sports. A friend of mine who played high school football started out as the 5th string linebacker as a freshman and ended up a starter as a senior. Your son might not get much playing time now, but he still has two years to show the head coach that he can be a starter. If your son still enjoys being part of the team and known as a football player, then he should consider continuing to play.
To become a starter, or get more playing time, your son could talk to the coach outside of practice and ask what he needs to do to become better. Maybe he can do extra practice with the position coach to show the head coach he is willing to work hard and improve. This will help build a better relationship with the coaches and gain their respect.
For many high school athletes, this is their only chance to participate in high-level organized sports. Practicing together, sharing the locker room, and being on the field during games are rare opportunities to build camaraderie (outside of the military). Most high school athletes look back fondly at this time. Your son will never what could have been if he decides to quit now in mid-season.
On the other hand, football is supposed to be fun. If your son is playing just to say he’s on the team and is not enjoying it, then he might consider another sport, say, soccer, where he can use his kicking skills, stay physically active, and feel he is more part of the team.