Explaining lack of playing time

[Anonymous]

Not knowing the sport, but you often have statistical data that you bring to the table (touchdowns, goals, and assists). If you are not playing, how can the college get a sense of your child’s ability and potential?

[Anonymous]

My kid was in a similar situation for his HS team — HS coach recruited an entire starting lineup of nationally ranked transfer players by the time DS was a sophomore. We spoke to college coaches about what to do, and they were unanimous that DS should transfer high schools.

We looked around a bit, but the only realistic options were an out of state public or a boarding school, and DS didn’t want to move just to play his sport. But I think that’s what we would have needed to do for DS to really be recruited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Great player + great attitude but doesn’t get to play in high school or club? Someone sounds like they are deluding themselves, OP. Maybe the coach is your ex and still bitter about the breakup?

NP. Come on. This is almost absurdly idealistic. There are many terrible reasons this happens, including racism, bias against the kid for reasons totally out of their control, classicism, etc. I’ve seen coaches blackball a kid because a sibling ten years earlier was not good. I’ve seen coaches refuse to play a kid for reasons that in the employment context would be overtly illegal.

I have one kid who is a current college athlete and another on the way. I have been through it. You people who believe in the myth of meritocracy in youth sports are ridiculous.

+1
Thank you stating this and doing it in such a non-inflammatory way. We know a D1 recruit who never got playing time on a team and no one ever knew why.

[Anonymous]

If he's that good can get guest play on a third team?

[Anonymous]

It's hard to get recruited if you're not playing, no matter the reason. If he really wants to play in college, or even have a shot at it, he needs to get off the bench and play. Even if it's for a lower level club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid was in a similar situation for his HS team — HS coach recruited an entire starting lineup of nationally ranked transfer players by the time DS was a sophomore. We spoke to college coaches about what to do, and they were unanimous that DS should transfer high schools.

We looked around a bit, but the only realistic options were an out of state public or a boarding school, and DS didn’t want to move just to play his sport. But I think that’s what we would have needed to do for DS to really be recruited.

This is the answer. This is also why full pay parents should be furious when it happens

[Anonymous]

My son hasn't been able to play since August due to growth-related injuries so he missed all of Fall/winter both high school and Club team.

We also have no game tape because of it. Worse, he's just slowly going back and now there are no more games because the rest of his team plays spring high school soccer (his hs soccer was in the Fall) and the Club team is in a dead zone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Great player + great attitude but doesn’t get to play in high school or club? Someone sounds like they are deluding themselves, OP. Maybe the coach is your ex and still bitter about the breakup?

NP. Come on. This is almost absurdly idealistic. There are many terrible reasons this happens, including racism, bias against the kid for reasons totally out of their control, classicism, etc. I’ve seen coaches blackball a kid because a sibling ten years earlier was not good. I’ve seen coaches refuse to play a kid for reasons that in the employment context would be overtly illegal.

I have one kid who is a current college athlete and another on the way. I have been through it. You people who believe in the myth of meritocracy in youth sports are ridiculous.

+1
Thank you stating this and doing it in such a non-inflammatory way. We know a D1 recruit who never got playing time on a team and no one ever knew why.

Happened to my son. He got so much great feedback from college coaches and international coaches and then the dipsh*t club coaches played the kids whose dads would hang out at the field every practices and send him emails and the ones that were on the board and donated.

It's actually very common in my son's sport for this to happen. But, only 1 out of the 6 kids headed to play college ball next year even played for the high school. A lot had to do with this BS.

[Anonymous]

High School is notorious for selections that having nothing to do with talent, as well as who plays. It's rather comical.

I know a full-ride D1 kid that was cut from the team his Sophomore year and was a college all-American this year. I also know many great Club players that ride the pine over kids that don't even play the sport in the off-season or much at all (and it shows on the field). Lol

[Anonymous]

What sport? Each sport is different. But most mean you have to change teams. There is very little chance of being recruited if your kid isn’t playing. Like next to none.

[Anonymous]

Lack of playing time can be explained only if you are behind and competing with/learning from stars in practice.

[Anonymous]

Is this field hockey? It’s notorious in certain DMV clubs and many of those clubs also run HS programs.

[Anonymous]

This happens a lot. Coaches often have ulterior motives. Best thing to do is find another school or club where the kid will get playing time. Remove your kid from that situation because you can’t get recruited if you aren’t playing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Change clubs?

If your kid is good enough to be recruited anywhere, then surely there are clubs where they'd get playing time, unless the issue is an injury.

As to how to explain it, it would depend on the explanation. What is the reason?

The HS and clubs are affiliated. So if we leave one, it affects the other. So not an option unless we leave both.
I won't get into the reasons and all of the circumstances. I will say it is not ability, and that is per neutral parties.

What year in HS? If not a senior next year then leave both HS and the club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid is going through recruiting, how does he/she explain this? My kid is approaching peak recruiting time (not saying kid will go to a top program, or even D1 at all, but kid is very good wants to try and see what happens. Is open to other levels). This upcoming season DC will not see much if any playing time at HS or club (same coaches). We have our own views about why this is but it is irrelevant, frankly. We have not control here.

So if you've gone through this:
-what did your kid say to coaches? How was this addressed/explained? (Clearly, will not mention our opinions as to lack of time. We have never brought up our concerns, complained to coaches, etc. We know we cannot.)
-How did you get film and exposure when the kid isn't playing?

My kid is truly going to get screwed, losing an almost entire year of meaningful play time. And this is going to really affect the process. How can it not? It's disheartening to see this playing out. Leaving our club isn't an option.

I mean, if your kid isn’t good enough to earn playing time for coaches in HS and travel, they probably aren’t actually being recruited for college, right? Or is this another delusion by the parents?