Does your Rec sports team play to win?

[Anonymous]

Or do they rotate through all the positions for “fairness” even if that means giving up any chance of winning a game?

If they do this, is there a certain age group where they stop doing this? Is there a certain age where the kids want to win more than they want to rotate everyone through the “good” positions fairly?

Just trying to get a sense of what’s typical here. We really don’t want to switch to travel for many reasons but I feel like our Rec team isn’t really giving us another option. This is for older kids btw, 12+.

[Anonymous]

i have coached 4 Rec sports - ages 4 to 14. I have always played to win, but will always play every kid who shows up to practice and games and tries their best. That is what Rec sports is about.

I also never allowed kids to focus on one position each and every game ( i.e send THAT kid tot he outfield). Much better that all kids have an opportunity to plan sports at a recreational level. Travel and high school teams should have a different philosophy.

I’m sure if you try you will find people who want to win every game, though those coaches will often play their DC first and foremost also IME.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i have coached 4 Rec sports - ages 4 to 14. I have always played to win, but will always play every kid who shows up to practice and games and tries their best. That is what Rec sports is about.

I also never allowed kids to focus on one position each and every game ( i.e send THAT kid tot he outfield). Much better that all kids have an opportunity to plan sports at a recreational level. Travel and high school teams should have a different philosophy.

I’m sure if you try you will find people who want to win every game, though those coaches will often play their DC first and foremost also IME.

Have you ever allowed kids to choose their one positions at the beginning of the game “just for fun”? Because Rec doesn’t have cuts, there are definitely kids who aren’t great at any position. You don’t put those kids in the outfield? What if your team is losing and is trying for a comeback?

[Anonymous]

Of course

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i have coached 4 Rec sports - ages 4 to 14. I have always played to win, but will always play every kid who shows up to practice and games and tries their best. That is what Rec sports is about.

I also never allowed kids to focus on one position each and every game ( i.e send THAT kid tot he outfield). Much better that all kids have an opportunity to plan sports at a recreational level. Travel and high school teams should have a different philosophy.

I’m sure if you try you will find people who want to win every game, though those coaches will often play their DC first and foremost also IME.

Have you ever allowed kids to choose their one positions at the beginning of the game “just for fun”? Because Rec doesn’t have cuts, there are definitely kids who aren’t great at any position. You don’t put those kids in the outfield? What if your team is losing and is trying for a comeback?

NP here. Yes, of course rec is going to have kids who are playing for fun and aren't that good -- that's the point of rec. And they should be able to play as fully as anyone else -- go to a competitive team if you don't like that philosophy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i have coached 4 Rec sports - ages 4 to 14. I have always played to win, but will always play every kid who shows up to practice and games and tries their best. That is what Rec sports is about.

I also never allowed kids to focus on one position each and every game ( i.e send THAT kid tot he outfield). Much better that all kids have an opportunity to plan sports at a recreational level. Travel and high school teams should have a different philosophy.

I’m sure if you try you will find people who want to win every game, though those coaches will often play their DC first and foremost also IME.

Have you ever allowed kids to choose their one positions at the beginning of the game “just for fun”? Because Rec doesn’t have cuts, there are definitely kids who aren’t great at any position. You don’t put those kids in the outfield? What if your team is losing and is trying for a comeback?

NP here. Yes, of course rec is going to have kids who are playing for fun and aren't that good -- that's the point of rec. And they should be able to play as fully as anyone else -- go to a competitive team if you don't like that philosophy.

OP here. I guess that’s what will sadly have to do. I just don’t want to hear any more lamenting and handwringing from our league commissioner (as we have heard many many times) about why “so many kids leave for travel.” Like it’s some mystery. It’s not a mystery - this is why. I’m fine with the not-so-great kids being on the team and having a spot. But they shouldn’t be playing catcher or first base if they can’t throw or catch. It’s not fair to the other kids.

[Anonymous]

PP here - it depends on the age and position. No one likes to be in the outfield more than 2 or 3 innings at ES ages. I may not put them at first, but maybe at 3rd or catcher.

It was always interesting to watch basketball parents. Early on it seems the smaller, faster kids rule the game at point guard. As time goes on, the taller kids grow into their legs and start to dominate the shooting/ rebound game down low. Unfortunately, all to often, taller kids in Rec aren’t able to develop good dribbling skills b/c of the first dynamic.

So give it time. If you are committed to Rec only, your kid can develop their own skills and hopefully some good friends.

Lastly, IMO more kids drop out b/c they are made to feel they aren’t good enough. Thank you don’t care that people leave to play travel. Honestly, that is wonderful and good for them. Leave Rec be, as a place that everyone can be part of a team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i have coached 4 Rec sports - ages 4 to 14. I have always played to win, but will always play every kid who shows up to practice and games and tries their best. That is what Rec sports is about.

I also never allowed kids to focus on one position each and every game ( i.e send THAT kid tot he outfield). Much better that all kids have an opportunity to plan sports at a recreational level. Travel and high school teams should have a different philosophy.

I’m sure if you try you will find people who want to win every game, though those coaches will often play their DC first and foremost also IME.

Have you ever allowed kids to choose their one positions at the beginning of the game “just for fun”? Because Rec doesn’t have cuts, there are definitely kids who aren’t great at any position. You don’t put those kids in the outfield? What if your team is losing and is trying for a comeback?

NP here. Yes, of course rec is going to have kids who are playing for fun and aren't that good -- that's the point of rec. And they should be able to play as fully as anyone else -- go to a competitive team if you don't like that philosophy.

OP here. I guess that’s what will sadly have to do. I just don’t want to hear any more lamenting and handwringing from our league commissioner (as we have heard many many times) about why “so many kids leave for travel.” Like it’s some mystery. It’s not a mystery - this is why. I’m fine with the not-so-great kids being on the team and having a spot. But they shouldn’t be playing catcher or first base if they can’t throw or catch. It’s not fair to the other kids.

Once you leave, you won’t hear it.

[Anonymous]

Wow, OP. That is the point of rec sports. Join a club if you want to be competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, OP. That is the point of rec sports. Join a club if you want to be competitive.

Disagree. Not by age 12. The kids actually want a fighting chance to win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here - it depends on the age and position. No one likes to be in the outfield more than 2 or 3 innings at ES ages. I may not put them at first, but maybe at 3rd or catcher.

It was always interesting to watch basketball parents. Early on it seems the smaller, faster kids rule the game at point guard. As time goes on, the taller kids grow into their legs and start to dominate the shooting/ rebound game down low. Unfortunately, all to often, taller kids in Rec aren’t able to develop good dribbling skills b/c of the first dynamic.

So give it time. If you are committed to Rec only, your kid can develop their own skills and hopefully some good friends.

Lastly, IMO more kids drop out b/c they are made to feel they aren’t good enough. Thank you don’t care that people leave to play travel. Honestly, that is wonderful and good for them. Leave Rec be, as a place that everyone can be part of a team.

Catcher is arguably the most important position. Especially at this level where most runs are scored not on hits but on steals.

[Anonymous]

My daughter is in 6th grade and all rec teams have been playing to win for years now. They have their positions in every sport. Yes, they sub in and out so everyone gets at least 50% playing time by rec rules. Certain girls play the entire game or almost the entire game. It’s always been this way. My daughter has been on both sides of that depending on the sport. The only time I have seen coaches completely switch up positions is when it is a blow out game.

But if someone really wants to play a different position and asks they usually accommodate for at least part of the game unless we are really behind. No, all positions are not completely rotated. We had one coach who tried that for one season last year in 5th and the girls were very upset.

[Anonymous]

17:58 again. To add to my post, this has been my experience with all of my kids and they have played rec basketball, soccer, field hockey, soccer, football, flag football. Different kids and seasons.

[Anonymous]

Largely agree with PP. Starting around age 10, there is more emphasis on winning, but all do play & playing time rules are followed. But some kids play more than others and not everyone gets a chance at key positions.

Sounds like your kid plays baseball. Most common scenario on rec teams is 6 kids who play full time (mostly at key positions), 6 split time 50/50 and are more limited in what positions they play. The nicer coaches flip things around during scrimmages and blowouts - sitting starters and putting weaker players in full time. So- everyone plays- but they do try to be competitive as well.

Travel teams are far different, especially at ages 12+, so make sure to do your homework if you go that route. I have two sons that play travel (12u and 14u) Many teams at the older ages play to WIN, period. Especially on Sundays/bracket play. It depends on the team, but - on some teams- there will be kids that see shockingly little playing time. Basically the opposite of what you are seeing now in rec. So be prepared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i have coached 4 Rec sports - ages 4 to 14. I have always played to win, but will always play every kid who shows up to practice and games and tries their best. That is what Rec sports is about.

I also never allowed kids to focus on one position each and every game ( i.e send THAT kid tot he outfield). Much better that all kids have an opportunity to plan sports at a recreational level. Travel and high school teams should have a different philosophy.

I’m sure if you try you will find people who want to win every game, though those coaches will often play their DC first and foremost also IME.

Have you ever allowed kids to choose their one positions at the beginning of the game “just for fun”? Because Rec doesn’t have cuts, there are definitely kids who aren’t great at any position. You don’t put those kids in the outfield? What if your team is losing and is trying for a comeback?

NP here. Yes, of course rec is going to have kids who are playing for fun and aren't that good -- that's the point of rec. And they should be able to play as fully as anyone else -- go to a competitive team if you don't like that philosophy.

OP here. I guess that’s what will sadly have to do. I just don’t want to hear any more lamenting and handwringing from our league commissioner (as we have heard many many times) about why “so many kids leave for travel.” Like it’s some mystery. It’s not a mystery - this is why. I’m fine with the not-so-great kids being on the team and having a spot. But they shouldn’t be playing catcher or first base if they can’t throw or catch. It’s not fair to the other kids.

I agree with this. Does your team have willing catchers? Our team is lucky because we have a few who love catching but some teams have to force kids into it. Our coach is excellent at balance IMO (but my son often plays catcher or 1st base )