Aug 9th for Fall Sports is ridiculous

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We moved this summer but were aware of the HS tryouts and summer sessions back in late May. Child is going into 9th. While official tryouts begin next week, there has been a summer league, a "camp," and twice-weekly conditioning practices since school let out in June. My child has attended all that were feasible (maybe 5/6ths) and feels like he knows a bunch of the kids and is now familiar with what's expected and how it works before tryouts. While he's nervous about who may show up at tryouts and knock it out of the park (he's good but not an Allstar) he's done all we can. I'd say he has a 60/40 shot, but it would have been less if he hadn't participated in these things.

We managed to get him to practices across town (before we moved) sometimes 4x a week (much easier after we moved in), he was a CIT for 3 weeks, we took an international 2 week vacation, and he's had time to relax. It hasn't been easy. But the sports things were no more exhausting than the trip or the move. DH works hybrid and I am an academic, so yes, I have more flex in the summer (though I work quite a bit at home in the summer).

DH took the lead on this. But the info was well-organized and communicated early. It's a lot, but in no way do I feel like we can't take vacations or our kid has to miss out on summer opportunities like camps, classes, or vacations in the future. We just can't do those ALL summer (but we wouldn't anyway).

Your post oozes of privilege. How does a single working mom handle this schedule you described above?

Talk to the coach, friend or family or Uber. How do you get your kid places normally?

I don’t deny my privilege but I guess I omitted that my kid walked 1.5 miles to a lot of these.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid is already out. Said it isn’t worth it. Her club team is better. She wants the rest of her summer back. The coach has no idea how to coach and just bullies them. Team sucks.

It’s a shame. I remember when HS sports were something to be proud of.

I'm sorry she got cut.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We moved this summer but were aware of the HS tryouts and summer sessions back in late May. Child is going into 9th. While official tryouts begin next week, there has been a summer league, a "camp," and twice-weekly conditioning practices since school let out in June. My child has attended all that were feasible (maybe 5/6ths) and feels like he knows a bunch of the kids and is now familiar with what's expected and how it works before tryouts. While he's nervous about who may show up at tryouts and knock it out of the park (he's good but not an Allstar) he's done all we can. I'd say he has a 60/40 shot, but it would have been less if he hadn't participated in these things.

We managed to get him to practices across town (before we moved) sometimes 4x a week (much easier after we moved in), he was a CIT for 3 weeks, we took an international 2 week vacation, and he's had time to relax. It hasn't been easy. But the sports things were no more exhausting than the trip or the move. DH works hybrid and I am an academic, so yes, I have more flex in the summer (though I work quite a bit at home in the summer).

DH took the lead on this. But the info was well-organized and communicated early. It's a lot, but in no way do I feel like we can't take vacations or our kid has to miss out on summer opportunities like camps, classes, or vacations in the future. We just can't do those ALL summer (but we wouldn't anyway).

Your post oozes of privilege. How does a single working mom handle this schedule you described above?

Talk to the coach, friend or family or Uber. How do you get your kid places normally?

Uber has a policy to not pick up unaccompanied kids under 18 yo.

They've picked my kid up from high school many many times

This is scary. You let your kid in an Uber alone? I guess its a boy but still

I just let my kid take his ebike to practice

This is what I don't understand. I see kids riding bikes, scooters, those one wheeled motorized balls, skateboards and other types of devices to school. These complainers are going to tell me they're too dangerous ( like walking isn't or being SAed by the bus driver) or that those kids have immense privilege because they have a bicycle.

People will find a way to let small pebbles crush them no matter how good things are.

[Anonymous]

My kid reports lots of kids showed up to tryouts that participated in 0 summer stuff, and that many are good and making the cuts. So let’s agree that maybe the summer stuff isn’t necessary for good athletes.

And let’s also agree these MCPS sports teams - teams of 15-30 kids in high schools of 2-3,000 - aren’t for everyone. They’re for very good athletes! Rec and club are there for kids to play when activity buses allow. Kids who are gonna show to all the 10am practices in July are either already committed to this type of schedule or have the initiative and wherewithal to ask the coach for logistical help, which if asked, any coach or AD should provide in the form of a carpool assist or something.

Lots of sour grapes here. I fully respect the challenges of being a single mom. But let’s try to problem solve instead of just complain.

For those suggesting tryouts should be after school starts: you don’t understand how sports work at higher levels. That’s ok. Why would you. But this ain’t it. It takes lots of time and dedication and extra planning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They've picked my kid up from high school many many times


This is scary. You let your kid in an Uber alone? I guess its a boy but still

How old is your kid? I cannot imagine not allowing a 15 or 16 year old to take Uber, assuming the driver will accept them (my son is tall, so never been questioned). The system has a record of who picks your child up and where they are supposed to drop them off.

Uber is not allowed to accept any minors in their vehicles unless they are with someone over the age of 18. You know this. Uber knows this.

I find it fascinating how some people have a rigid idea of how the world works. When we were younger our friends bought cigarettes and beer. It wasn't allowed either.

A main difference in that scenario is that it is doubtful your parents condoned that. These parents are choosing to break a company rule in place to ensure safety for their own convenience.

It's not a company rule in place to ensure safety. It's a company rule in place to limit liability for the company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is already out. Said it isn’t worth it. Her club team is better. She wants the rest of her summer back. The coach has no idea how to coach and just bullies them. Team sucks.

It’s a shame. I remember when HS sports were something to be proud of.

I'm sorry she got cut.

No one gets cut on the first day, but my son admitted many people did not return. If you aren't up for playing high school politics with sub par coaches who are all really just teachers, then it isn't a thing. My kid has plenty of friends on his team or I doubt he would stay and play and give up his last few weeks of summer. I love watching high school games, but I know 90% of the players prefer their own travel teams/coaches over HS. It looks good on college resumes which is why many play. But the politics are next level

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid reports lots of kids showed up to tryouts that participated in 0 summer stuff, and that many are good and making the cuts. So let’s agree that maybe the summer stuff isn’t necessary for good athletes.

And let’s also agree these MCPS sports teams - teams of 15-30 kids in high schools of 2-3,000 - aren’t for everyone. They’re for very good athletes! Rec and club are there for kids to play when activity buses allow. Kids who are gonna show to all the 10am practices in July are either already committed to this type of schedule or have the initiative and wherewithal to ask the coach for logistical help, which if asked, any coach or AD should provide in the form of a carpool assist or something.

Lots of sour grapes here. I fully respect the challenges of being a single mom. But let’s try to problem solve instead of just complain.

For those suggesting tryouts should be after school starts: you don’t understand how sports work at higher levels. That’s ok. Why would you. But this ain’t it. It takes lots of time and dedication and extra planning.

You think MOCO HS sports are higher level? LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is already out. Said it isn’t worth it. Her club team is better. She wants the rest of her summer back. The coach has no idea how to coach and just bullies them. Team sucks.

It’s a shame. I remember when HS sports were something to be proud of.

I'm sorry she got cut.

No one gets cut on the first day, but my son admitted many people did not return. If you aren't up for playing high school politics with sub par coaches who are all really just teachers, then it isn't a thing. My kid has plenty of friends on his team or I doubt he would stay and play and give up his last few weeks of summer. I love watching high school games, but I know 90% of the players prefer their own travel teams/coaches over HS. It looks good on college resumes which is why many play. But the politics are next level

How did pps school aged child pick up on the adult politics during the few hours of tryouts and become so turned off by them that they gave up? Find this very hard to believe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is already out. Said it isn’t worth it. Her club team is better. She wants the rest of her summer back. The coach has no idea how to coach and just bullies them. Team sucks.

It’s a shame. I remember when HS sports were something to be proud of.

I'm sorry she got cut.

No one gets cut on the first day, but my son admitted many people did not return. If you aren't up for playing high school politics with sub par coaches who are all really just teachers, then it isn't a thing. My kid has plenty of friends on his team or I doubt he would stay and play and give up his last few weeks of summer. I love watching high school games, but I know 90% of the players prefer their own travel teams/coaches over HS. It looks good on college resumes which is why many play. But the politics are next level

It's ok, PP. Not everything has to be for you or your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is already out. Said it isn’t worth it. Her club team is better. She wants the rest of her summer back. The coach has no idea how to coach and just bullies them. Team sucks.

It’s a shame. I remember when HS sports were something to be proud of.

I'm sorry she got cut.

No one gets cut on the first day, but my son admitted many people did not return. If you aren't up for playing high school politics with sub par coaches who are all really just teachers, then it isn't a thing. My kid has plenty of friends on his team or I doubt he would stay and play and give up his last few weeks of summer. I love watching high school games, but I know 90% of the players prefer their own travel teams/coaches over HS. It looks good on college resumes which is why many play. But the politics are next level

How did pps school aged child pick up on the adult politics during the few hours of tryouts and become so turned off by them that they gave up? Find this very hard to believe.

I have had 3 kids go thru MCPS high schools. I am responding saying I can understand why club and travel sports players don't stick with high school sports. It's a lot of time consumption for very little practicing/reward. It's a lot of talking, explaining, and standing around. It is a lot of well Jimmy is a senior so he starts even though he sucks compared to 4 underclassman. Well since you are a freshman you ride the bench and learn only. Some of my kids chose club over high school in multiple sports and that's ok. My last son is sticking with one sport for friends and wants it shown he played varsity all 4 years. But the people thinking HS sports is something aww inspiring or college worthy are wrong. Not one college coach cares about high school sports besides football. Otherwise it is very similar to recreational sports with a sprinkle of some high level players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid reports lots of kids showed up to tryouts that participated in 0 summer stuff, and that many are good and making the cuts. So let’s agree that maybe the summer stuff isn’t necessary for good athletes.

And let’s also agree these MCPS sports teams - teams of 15-30 kids in high schools of 2-3,000 - aren’t for everyone. They’re for very good athletes! Rec and club are there for kids to play when activity buses allow. Kids who are gonna show to all the 10am practices in July are either already committed to this type of schedule or have the initiative and wherewithal to ask the coach for logistical help, which if asked, any coach or AD should provide in the form of a carpool assist or something.

Lots of sour grapes here. I fully respect the challenges of being a single mom. But let’s try to problem solve instead of just complain.

For those suggesting tryouts should be after school starts: you don’t understand how sports work at higher levels. That’s ok. Why would you. But this ain’t it. It takes lots of time and dedication and extra planning.

You think MOCO HS sports are higher level? LOL

It's an interesting dynamic....your average rec player will not make the team but your elite player will choose not to play and focus on club....high school teams are for the kids that fall in between. I wish the elite would also play but understand the choice or lack of choice given restrictions from club sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is already out. Said it isn’t worth it. Her club team is better. She wants the rest of her summer back. The coach has no idea how to coach and just bullies them. Team sucks.

It’s a shame. I remember when HS sports were something to be proud of.

I'm sorry she got cut.

No one gets cut on the first day, but my son admitted many people did not return. If you aren't up for playing high school politics with sub par coaches who are all really just teachers, then it isn't a thing. My kid has plenty of friends on his team or I doubt he would stay and play and give up his last few weeks of summer. I love watching high school games, but I know 90% of the players prefer their own travel teams/coaches over HS. It looks good on college resumes which is why many play. But the politics are next level

How did pps school aged child pick up on the adult politics during the few hours of tryouts and become so turned off by them that they gave up? Find this very hard to believe.

I have had 3 kids go thru MCPS high schools. I am responding saying I can understand why club and travel sports players don't stick with high school sports. It's a lot of time consumption for very little practicing/reward. It's a lot of talking, explaining, and standing around. It is a lot of well Jimmy is a senior so he starts even though he sucks compared to 4 underclassman. Well since you are a freshman you ride the bench and learn only. Some of my kids chose club over high school in multiple sports and that's ok. My last son is sticking with one sport for friends and wants it shown he played varsity all 4 years. But the people thinking HS sports is something aww inspiring or college worthy are wrong. Not one college coach cares about high school sports besides football. Otherwise it is very similar to recreational sports with a sprinkle of some high level players.

I apologize, usually I don't comment about typos, but this one is so funny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid is in a travel sport until this weekend. We had a beach trip planned Aug 5-12th and just found out my daughter can't play a Fall sport because an email just came out that tryouts start Aug 9th. 3 weeks before school starts? That isn't even allowed in NJ. Super bummed. She is a top club player too, but she will just stick with club and travel sports. I wish they notified us sooner, but we wouldn't have changed the vacation anyway. She needs the break.

How do kids that play summer sports, go to camps, are camp counselors, have jobs, etc... start that early? Tryouts and Practices are 12-2pm each day until school starts. I work and can't her to them anyway. It just isn't feasible unless you are rich and your kids don't do anything all summer.

Huh? My kid bikes to tryouts and works an afternoon job. Not rich.

BTW -- everyone who is paying attention in MoCo knows tryouts are Aug. 9. People plan their whole summers around it. Sounds like you were disorganized and out of the loop. Next year you can try again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is already out. Said it isn’t worth it. Her club team is better. She wants the rest of her summer back. The coach has no idea how to coach and just bullies them. Team sucks.

It’s a shame. I remember when HS sports were something to be proud of.

I'm sorry she got cut.

No one gets cut on the first day, but my son admitted many people did not return. If you aren't up for playing high school politics with sub par coaches who are all really just teachers, then it isn't a thing. My kid has plenty of friends on his team or I doubt he would stay and play and give up his last few weeks of summer. I love watching high school games, but I know 90% of the players prefer their own travel teams/coaches over HS. It looks good on college resumes which is why many play. But the politics are next level

It's ok, PP. Not everything has to be for you or your child.

Different POV -- my DD and her FH teammates love their HS team and only do club to keep up with the skills. There is so much camaraderie and team spirit. Coaches are great -- not subpar and "really just teachers."

Sorry your kid is so unhappy playing on their HS team. Many kids love it and do it for the friendship -- not for college resumes!

[Anonymous]

I don't know how Moco compares to other areas, but 8/9 does seem very early especially when kids go to overnight camp-most don't end until that very weekend. It is what it is so I'm not complaining but it would be nice if they moved the try outs a little further out.