Anonymous wrote:You don’t know sports politics until the all district teams are being picked. That’s when your kid’s (and let’s face it your family’s) relationship with the coach really comes into play. The sad truth is that politics are part of competition- it’s better for our kids to understand that in high school rather than figuring it out on the job.

It's also part of the beauty of sports. At some point there are just undeniably great players. The ones that run into political trouble and end up playing up a year instead of with their grade level or red shirting "to play with their friends" and to look good when they aren't.

You don’t know sports politics until the all district teams are being picked. That’s when your kid’s (and let’s face it your family’s) relationship with the coach really comes into play. The sad truth is that politics are part of competition- it’s better for our kids to understand that in high school rather than figuring it out on the job.

Anonymous wrote:Our high school coach went on game changer after games and changed stats to make his favorites look better.

Ugh. That still goes on in high school?! 🙄 I have an 8th grader and was hoping I was near the end of that….

So glad I ran track. A 4:06 mile in high school (this was the 70's) spoke for itself. I was a good 400 meter runner too (48 sec). Had lots of black competitors. I know this speaks to a stereotype but it is a positive one. Black parents and coaches were great and respectful - none of the antics described here. They were a welcome influence. My mother was a referee to make extra money, She was doing the long jump at a national high school meet. Carl Lewis swore when he hit the sand. He just jumped 25 feet off the wrong foot! Mrs Lewis was in the stands and dragged her son out to apologize to my mom for swearing. My mom truthfully responded that her sons routinely behaved a lot worse! I instantly had the cool mom! Every time I saw the Lewis' at a meet in college I always made a point to thank her for the kindness she showed my single mom. I know an anecdote but it was why I liked the sport.