I'm just wondering how many parents are upset at the way things went today with Haysi's little league football games at Ervinton? I, for one, am outraged, and in talking with other parents, I know I'm not alone in my anger. To make a long story short, it appears that no matter how hard the children practice, in 95 degree weather for the past 2 weeks, even if they attend each and every practice, as well as football camp, even though it's not their first year playing, they are still sidelined throughout all but 3 plays of the entire game. It's not just my child that went through this disappointment today. There were several other boys in the same situation. But I did notice one thing....all the coaches kids got to play the entire game, regardless of whether they have any talent or not. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Little League supposed to be about teaching the children (ALL the children) how to play the sport, as to better prepare them for sports careers in high school, college, etc.? I didn't realize that philosophy only applied to the kids who have fathers who happen to be coaches.

I understand that each and every team wants to win the game. But in Little League, coaches are supposed to look beyond reliving their childhoods and remember that they are put in the coaching position to help teach and shape our children for future sports careers. It's not just about winning, but more importantly about being fair and letting each and every child, no matter how talented they are or how small they are, to have an equal chance to enjoy the sport and reap the rewards from all their long, hot hours of practice. Not to mention the devotion the parents have to the team by traveling up to two hours each way to games every fall, only to see their kid put in the game for one or two plays. It's very upsetting to get your child in the car after the game and see them cry and be disheartened because they know they put in just as much effort as all the other kids, only to be shown that it doesn't count for anything when it's gametime because the coaches care only about taking care of their own.

Some thing needs to be done to regulate the favoritism shown to the children of the coaches. These are wonderful kids, just like all the others. But they all should be given equal playing time. I'm sure if you took a survey of all the boys on the team and asked them which was more important...winning or getting to play in the game, they would all choose getting to play, hands down.

I am with you on this. I think Little League should be for everyone to play an equal amount. It is a learning experience and should be fun for the kids. I'm afraid Haysi has always been like this where only a chosen few are selected to play even as little kids. I have 2 children who both love sports. One child happens to be naturally talented in almost all sports while my other child is not as talented but loves all sports with a passion and has a strong desire to participate. I have watched my first child be selected for "all star" teams while my other child has been heart broken due to limited playing time. This has happened to him even at a young age. Who is to say that he will not grow up to be every bit as talented as my first child is? I wish the coaches would give ALL children a chance. Even Michael Jordan was cut from his 8th grade team and look how he turned out. Let's give all kids a chance, not just the ones who have parents as a coach or who come from families who are traditional Haysi athletes. Who knows, the kid on the bench might just be a future star. Give them ALL a chance.

what happen to dividing and playing each other and then picking an allstar team to play other schools? that when kids learn the most.

I agree with you all on this subject. In LITTLE LEAGUE all children should play as close to an equal amount as is able. In LITTLE LEAGUE no one should be left out. That is just ridiculous. These children all deserve the right to play.

I was told that they were going to divide into two separate teams and play each other. But then someone decided to enter them in a league with Twin Springs, Rye Cove, Ervinton, etc. Which would be fine, except that only select boys get to play each and every game, leaving the others who work just as hard, attend just as many practices, etc., standing on the sidelines, watching and wishing they could get some playing time. It puts us as parents in a tough position. Do I let my child quit because he is just wasting his time working his tail off in practice and then getting his hopes squashed at game time? If I let him quit, then I'm teaching him to be a quitter and not support his team. If I let him stay in it, then we go through this same heartache game after game. It's a tough situation.

Even in practice, they leave several kids (mine included) standing off to the side while the privileged ones get special instruction and one on one time with the coaches. I'm tired of my child being humiliated by begging the coaches to put him in. It breaks my heart. And he is not the only one in this position. There are several boys who are treated this way, not just mine. Don't get me wrong, we appreciate the volunteer efforts of the guys who devote their time to coaching these children. But they need to remember that they are supposed to be coaching ALL the boys, not just their own children and their selected pets, leaving the others aside as if they are useless. It really messes with a childs self-esteem. The coaches need to realize that they are playing a part in shaping these young boys' lives, and they are ruining their self-esteem by treating them the way that they are. I've tried talking to a couple of the coaches. They just brush me off, saying "Oh, he will get to play a lot next time." But it never happens.

The kids need to learn the game of football, if they don't get to play they will get discourged and quit. The coaches and parents need to realize the kids aren't going to get a full four year collage deal from little league football. They need to play a offense team and a defense team so every player gets to play close to or equal playing time.

I am going against my better judgement by responding to this stuff, but I feel like it might explain some things plus it is hard to be accused of purposely hurting kids that you give up your time to try to help without saying something. I help coach the 4th and 5th grade team so that is all I can respond to. In our game yesterday we put our 2nd team offense and defense in on the second possesion of the second half. Rye Cove refused to substitute, so that makes it a lot harder for us. You can say it is only like that at Haysi if you want but these other schools don't bring in 2nd team until the game is all but over. I do think that we can do a better job than what we did, and monday I will take the 2nd team off myself and work with them, I had already planned to do that by the way. We started substituting a little on defense in the first half but of course we didn't get everyone in. And just so you know my boy was the first starter I took out. The whole fourth quarter we played our second offense and a lot of second defense against Rye Coves starters, remember this was an 8 to nothing game so this is not garbage time. There were a couple of boys who didn't get to play as much because they just weren't paying attention when we called for the second team and didn't come out. I had talked to everybody about this myself before the game, but some boys still lost some playing time from just not paying attention when it was their turn. I can only promise you that I will look at myself and see what I can do better. I could give a crap less who these kids parents are, and if I make a mistake with your boys playing time it is NOT because of favoritism. I have volunteered with football at Haysi 14 of the 17 years that I have been out of school as a little leauge coach and doing the varsity strength and conditioning program, which is 8 months a year, 3 days a week 1 to 2 hours a day.I am not what some of these posters appearently think of our coaches and if you have anything to talk to me about I will be glad to, find me monday. If you don't know who I am just ask for Boog.

You have got to be joking? Having a 1st and 2nd string in youth football is ridiculous. These are children!! How has their talents and abilities been showcased except through practice? I am from Clintwood, so no, I do not have a child playing, but I have had. These youth programs are for all children. Get it, ALL. Put a mixture of the less talented in with the ones who have athletic talent, and rotate for all, so no child feels like 2nd string or worse, the pine rider.

The reason that you have a designated first and second string is so when you call for one group or the other everyone knows where they should go and who they are playing beside. This is especially helpfull in coaching younger or less knowledgable kids. And as I said we moved people in and out on defense early but on offense it is harder. Look, in basketball you take out a better player the other team gets some points. In football if you replace your offensive linmen not only do they get crushed by better players but the kids they are blocking for get crushed. There is a physical element to football and sometimes a safety concern that doesn't exist with other sports. If you don't believe that then explain to me why football is the only high school sport with division one and two in each group. Even in college there are different divisions in football that don't exist in basketball or baseball. You can pick apart everything I say if you want but my nephew played youth football at Clintwood and he was very aware that he wasn't a starter along with all the others that weren't, and he got to play about 4 plays a game. Being second is not degrading, my son played basketball and he was awfull. But it didn't damage him in any way to not start. As I said if I can help any HAYSI parents that have a concern or if you just want to chew my butt feel free, and I am not saying that being smart.

My post is addressed specifically to you because you were the only coach who responded. First of all, this “stuff” that you are responding to is serious to me, and most importantly to my child and to the other parents and children who are unfortunate enough to not be in the group of coaches’ sons and favorites that get to play the majority of the games (and yes, there has only been one game so far this year, but we went through the same thing last year as well). This “stuff”, as you call it, is something that will be in the hearts and minds of these boys for the rest of their lives. I’m TIRED of watching my son, as well as several others at football practice and at the game pulling on the coaches’ shorts begging to be put in the game or into the practice plays, only to be brushed off, sometimes very rudely, and told that they will get to play in a minute, when in reality it almost never happens. And not once have I said this only happens at Haysi. But Haysi is what I am concerned with, not Rye Cove or any other school. My child is on Haysi’s team, so that is all I’m addressing.

I appreciate the fact that you and the other coaches spend your time coaching this team. But I don’t honestly think any of you would be coaching this particular team if you didn’t have children that just happen to be in this group. How is it that, for example, in Football Camp this year, out of all the boys who paid their fees to come out for camp, that only 2 kids in the entire group were worthy of being coached and taught how to play the quarterback position? And is it just coincidence that these 2 boys happened to be coaches’ sons? I think we all know the answer to that. How is it that it just so happens that the first string includes all the coaches’ sons, regardless of how talented they may or may not be? Why is it that in practice, the coaches’ sons are in on every play and get special treatment and instruction, while plenty of other kids are there begging just for guidance and to be put in on a play? Tell me this…..if your child was put in a classroom where the teacher chose only to instruct a few select kids, who happened to be related to her or they were family friends or whatever, and your child was left to the side and included only occasionally, wouldn’t you be furious also?

I’m not saying that my child should be quarterback. All I’m saying is that this is Little League, not the NFL. I’m sure winning is everything to you coaches. And you’ve passed that mentality on to your boys as well. I’ve seen you put so much pressure on your son and yelled at him when he messed up, that he looked like he would love to die. These are kids who are there to have fun, be taught the fundamentals of the game, and get to apply that teaching during a game. The kids who are being left out put in just as much time and effort in practice, both at home and on the practice field, as the kids who are getting to play the entire game, regardless of how talented they may or may not be. It’s unfair, and if it was happening to one of your kids, you would fight for them too.

You mentioned in particular that a couple of the boys didn’t get put in as much because they weren’t paying attention when you yelled for them. It was DOWNPOURING rain and storming during almost the entire 2nd half of the game. Maybe they didn’t hear you. Or maybe they had just had their hopes squashed so many times during that game that they felt as if their was no point in listening for you guys to call them in, because they felt in their hearts like there was no hope of being put in. When you put your son in, you call his name directly. And scream at him if he doesn’t move fast enough. Maybe these boys (and I’m not sure which ones they were) were just tired of waiting for their name to be called, because they knew it probably wasn’t going to happen.

I’ve talked to all but one of the coaches about my child not getting to play, both last year and once already this year. But each time I feel like he gets penalized more because I speak up for him. So that is why I won’t be speaking to you guys personally about it again. It’s pointless and only serves to get him less playing time, not more. I’m sick of it, and I know there are other parents who have the same issues, because we all have talked about it several times. I put up with it last year, because I kept getting the excuse that it was his first year and was told repeatedly that this year would be different. Well, it’s not. We invited family from out of town to come to the game yesterday. Imagine how humiliated my son was when they left at the end of the third quarter because it was downpouring rain and THUNDERING AND LIGHTNING (during which time the boys were still on the bench and on the field, which is a whole other issue) and they hadn’t even seen him on the field even for one play. It is unfair, and all of you guys know it, but you all still get away with it.

Does it feel good to squash little boys’ dreams? Does it feel good to make them feel unworthy and as if they aren’t good enough? Does it feel good to call them second string, as if they aren’t ever going to measure up? To the coaches, it’s all about winning and making sure their kids have all the fun and get all the glory. What about those who are talented as well, or may need some extra guidance but aren’t getting it, even though they are there for all the practices, all the games, etc.? It’s WRONG, and if it were your kid, you wouldn’t stand for it either. I know.

So what do I do? Have my son quit the team because none of the coaches really want him there to begin with? You see, if he quits, that’s one less kid you all have to force yourselves to work with and find a play or two to put him in during a game, just so you can boast that every one got to play. That’s one less kid that the coaches have to worry about, just giving them more time to focus on their own kids. Or do I let him stay on the team, even though the humiliation never ends and his self-esteem is being crushed at every practice and every game? Either way, he loses. What would you do if you were in my shoes and it was your child who was being treated this way?

I think you should also start coaching.

Although I am not a Haysi parent, please humor me. I fail to understand why one child has to be singled out with 1st or 2nd string in youth football. Do they not have a name? Can rotations not be done by a parent on the sideline for each child to have their playing time? I understand that "little Johnny" may be better at running the ball, and "huge Johnny" can tackle like no other, but who cares? These children are not in Division 1 or Division 2 in high school or at the college level. These are kids wanting to play, and I'm sure their parents want to see their child on the field also. 4 plays in a ballgame is inexcusable no matter what team or town that the child plays for. I am not trying to argue Mr. Turner, because I personally know how tough it is for volunteers. I just feel for that "little Jimmy or Jennifer" who has to watch. Thats all...

First I want to say that I admire Mr. Turner's volunteer spirit. It's a thankless job and I don't doubt there are times when he considers chucking it all because who needs the grief?

Folks, safety is always the biggest concern of a youth coach. If you have a child who is hesitant, not aggressive enough, or afraid of getting hurt, they're gonna get hurt. If you have a kid who wants to stand up on the line instead of staying low, they're gonna get hurt. If you have a kid who is not 100% focused on the game, he's gonna get hurt. Now, I know this leaves me wide open for the "but they're kids" argument. Yes, they're kids -- kids who signed up to play a full-contact sport. Believe me, folks, the other team is not going to care whether your tackle or your lineman or your end is paying attention or not. They're going to drill the person they're supposed to drill, whether he's coming full-speed or standing there like a statue. Then, as Mr. Turner points out, they're going to cream the next kid too.

Someone made the comment about how are kids supposed to showcase their talents -- the fact is, a 9, 10, 11, 12-year-old with talent worthy of showcasing, well, that's an exception, not a rule. Sure, there are kids who are naturally athletic from the get-go, but don't be planning on a scholarship or a pro contract based on what a 5th grader or even a 7th grader can do. Youth sports should help prepare kids for high-school sports. It's supposed to get tougher as they advance through the levels of youth play. At some point they have to realize if they don't produce the desired results, they're not going to see as much field time as the kid who does produce results. Do you think that in a few of years when some of these kids hit JV ball they're going to be put in so they can get their "playing time"? Do you think a high school coach is going to be concerned with damaging a kid's self-esteem?

If a kid's self-esteem rests solely on the amount of playing time they're getting in a youth football game, something is terribly, terribly wrong. If your kid has the talent, the work ethic, the desire and the heart, the coach will see it in practice and he WILL make use of it. If he comes to practice unprepared, shows up late, doesn't give 100%, and doesn't take practice seriously, that will be noticed too.

It sounds like Mr. Turner has the right idea - 2 offenses, 2 defenses. They should know who they are a be ready to go in when their group is called on. If they're not, the coach has to think quick and fill that hole. He doesn't have time to stand around looking for the #2 defensive lineman. The #2 lineman should be standing there, ready to go the very second he's called upon.
He shouldn't have to look for his helmet; it should be on his head or in his hands. His job is to be ready. If he's not, there's no time to wait for him.

It also sounds as if Mr. Turner is willing to spend a lot of his free time helping out a whole lot of kids. He seems to be willing to try to make things as right as he possibly can, and has a plan to work with the #2 squad. How many of you who are so eager to complain about how things are can say that you'll give up your evenings and weekends to do what he does? His job doesn't begin or end when practice starts and stops, or when the game is over. He's probably spent a good part of today thinking about yesterday's game and what he could have done differently, what he needs to work on in practice, etc.

Life is hard and it ain't always fair. The sooner kids learn that lesson, the better prepared they will be for life in the real world. It may sound harsh, especially for a 10yo, but sending a kid out into the world thinking he's supposed to get special consideration just because he shows up sets a kid up for a world of hurt.

You imply that I think my child should receive special consideration just for showing up. That is not true. My child is always there, always on time, always suited up and ready to go. He knows the game and has been commended by two of the coaches, including Morgan, to me this year at practice for being ready and willing to do anything they ask and for always doing exactly what they say and doing it exactly as they tell him to. In no way do I want Morgan to take his son out and put mine in. My child is only about 1/3 the size of Morgan's child. But there are other positions that my child is suited for and is very skilled at. Unfortunately, some of the other coaches boys hold those positions. And will continue to do so, because their dads are coaches.

I also commend Morgan, as well as the other coaches for dedicating their time to the team. But we, as parents, are there also. I never send my child to practice. I take him and stay with him the entire time. The same with games. And there are lots of other parents who do the same thing. We devote at least 3 evenings a week to being at practice just as long and sometimes even longer than some of the coaches. Not to mention the long trips we make to games in Rye Cove, Twin Springs, Castlewood, etc.

Morgan has stated that he had already planned to work extra with the second string on Monday. That is probably true, given the number of parents who were furious after the way things were handled at yesterday's game. My original post was not directed just at Morgan. There are several other coaches, not just Morgan. I appreciate his response to this issue, and hope that he holds up his end by doing what he says he is going to do.

As for whoever had "some thoughts on this thread", elementary school sports leagues are supposed to be for teaching the fundamentals and techniques for these sports to the kids, then letting them apply and hone these skills in games. Sure, winning is great. But the focus in Little League should be about all the kids, not just the ones whose dads coach. My child's father is deceased, and I'm a female. I know the game, but would never be put in the position of coach. If, as you say, only a select few should be put in the game, then the coaches just need to stop wasting the other kids time, as well as the parents' time, and just look them straight in the eye and say "We don't want you or need you." Wouldn't that be what a real man would do, instead of leading these kids to believe that they are going to get to play, when in reality they know they never will?

I will respond to a few things and let this drop on my part. I was too hard on Wade last year, but I saw that, asked him for his forgiveness for yelling at him too much and then asked him to give me another chance to be his coach. I also went to the varsity coaches and told them what I thought about my performance and how I planned to change some of my mistakes. I held my child to no different standard than anyone elses saturday and I am proud of myself for seeing a weakness in myself and working on it. I said I had coached little league before, I have coached coached 8 years. The first 2 I had no family or friends playing, the next 2 my little brother played then the last 2 no one again. This was from 1991-1996. This year and last my son has played. That is 8 years. 6 of them with no special interest such as my kid playing. From 1999 to 2004 I did the weight program for the varsity for free. It is much more time intensive and lasts 8 months of the year. At no point during this did I have a friend or family member involved in varsity football. I simply gave of myself. I posted this under my name not my normal alias knowing it would open me up to a lot of pot shots but was somewhat surprised to actually find some support. I take my responsability to your child as serious as I do to my own. PLEASE come and talk to me if you would like, not to argue but to voice your concerns. I am less involved in things this year than I have ever been but I will still be glad to talk or listen.

You have explained yourself extremely well, only problem is, it's not what some want to hear. As I was taught in Little League (way back in the day), yes, everybody should get to play, but that doesn't mean everybody gets equal. While the last kid off the bench may want in there, there may be a reason they are the last kid on the bench. Also by sticking them in there as much as the others who may be working harder or better, you end up penalyzing them. If the scores didn't matter at all, nobody would keep them. Some of my best memories are being on winning teams, even when I didn't contribute. Some of my worst was being in the game more and being on losing teams. That all being said, I was absolutely horrible my first few years. The coaches tried to work with me, but there was limits. I knew I would get in the games, but I also knew I was only going to be in there a handful of plays. If I wanted more time, I had to earn it. Most of the improvment that I had came from me working, not just during the season but the rest of the year to get better. When I got better, amazingly I got more time. Coaches don't often want to spend their free time and then try to lose. You can say it doesn't matter to kids, but while some kids get upset by lack of playing time, the ones out there who are playing more, want to win and they get just as disappointed. Yes everybody should get to play, but to say there shouldn't be a 1st team or a 2nd team is crazy. You're dealing with kids and while some understand the game, lots don't know the difference in their left and their right, let alone being stuck in somewhere with people that are in different places than they were the other day. Part of the teaching of fundamentals is teaching them fundamentals and that involves people knowing when they are going into the game, etc. You can set your second team defense in then send in a kid or 2 at a time, switching things out. Like Morgan said, you're also subject to rules that little league has (weights at various positions) and you have to deal with what the other guy is doing. The coach gets fussed at for not playing kids, and if they stuck a kid in there who was clueless or not paying attention and the kid got hurt, the very same people who complain to the coach about their kids not being in there would complain about the coaching having their kid in there.

It is a thankless job and honestly, the parents saying they go to the practices is a bad thing in my opinion. Showing your kid you are interestes is fine and dandy, and that is great. It also creates a distraction. My parents dropped me off at practices, picked me from practices, maybe showed up a few minutes early to see how I was doing, showed up at games and supported me, but they let the coaches coach. Too many parents want to show up to watch practice just so they have something to complain about, and judging by some of these comments, count every play that their precious child is in there. You know who focuses more on kids actually getting a certain amount of playing time? The parents. The kids are happy to be there with their friends, goof off some, play some and at the end of the day, if they get an ice cream on the way home from a horrible game that they never saw the field in, they consider it a good day. The ones who don't consider it a good day are the parents.

is stop lying to the kids and telling them they are doing a great job. Stop lying to the parents and the kids by telling them that they are going to see a lot more playing time in the games. Tell the kids that they don't need them and don't want them there. Then everyone will be happy. It's very simple.

what are you talking about!!!! You think that is the answer and that people are out to hurt your kid. If you think you are so great, become a coach. If not of football then of something you know how to do. If you don't given your "free" time and volunteer then shut up about the people that do. PS- I am not a coach.

The worst part about coaching (on any level) is having to deal with parents who think their child isn't receiving enough playing time. No matter what the child's sill level, the parent can't see it objectively (usually, there are exceptions).

Anyway, coaches are out working with these kids every practice, yes parents may attend the practice, but they are usually not dedicating 100% of their attention to the team or other players on the team, so they are not qualified in making playing time decisions.

I do believe that little league's primary purpose is to instruct, develop, and facillitate a love for playing the game. You can do that with productive practices and equitable playing time. However, without knowing the situation, football is very physical, and if the other team isn't substituting, then it would be very unfair to less talented or developed children to put them in against someone else's first team.

Anyway, kudos to you Boog. It's a tough job, thank goodness you step up and do it.

Wonder how many of these coaches will continue to coach this age group once their sons move up to the next level......

Is that not the whole Idea you make out like that he does it just because his child is there and he wants him on front string. My parents done it with both me and my brother, and it was done because they were good parents not so that we could play and be #1. Has anyone ever took the idea that most Coaches kids are good players because they are coached alot and they play alot. my Brother is now the coach of his childrens baseball and they have been playing and learning since they both were in diapers. YES they are good and yes they are both 1st stringers if you will but that is because they have spent most of their youth working very hard at learning and becoming good at the sports they play.
Everyone takes the idea that it is so easy on the coaches kid.... Yeah right that is not the case, Because every screw up that you make the coach sees and know that you knew better or what was you thinking. Personally I think that it is harder on the Coaches kid because people have to assume that they are getting treated better so a point has to be made that they are not.
IF the whole idea is that a child only plays if their parents are the coach then go and VOL. and I am sure that you will realize that is not the case.

then let them be substituted out every now and then. It they are the ones having such a hard time, let them sit out for a while and see what it feels like to be one of the other kids.

And even if you coach just because you have a kid playing, it's still a time consuming job. These volunteers should be commended.

My original post was never directed at one particular coach. You guys who don't have children who are playing don't seem to understand that there are at least 3 other coaches working with this group. And one more thing that I should point out....when I stated that things went unfairly at the games on Saturday, Morgan knew exactly which group was being talked about. There are 3 age groups in Haysi's Little League this year. He knew exactly in which age group there were lots of kids who received little playing time and were treated unfairly on Saturday. But he was the only one who was man enough to publicly address the issue. I never intended to publicly attack any one coach. The post was directed at them as a group.

The bottom line is this....if the coaches intend to keep using the same kids game after game and are only going to allow the second string children to get in on two or three plays per game, they should be man enough to tell the children and the parents whose children aren't going to be getting to play. Stop giving these children false hope and stop bragging about them to the parents. It's very hypocritical. If they aren't going to be allowed to play, tell us now so they can quit and be put out of their misery. These are young children with feelings. You as coaches are in a position to make a real impact on these young lives. If you're not interested in being a positive influence, just let us know.

You publicly bash a coach, tell him what he should and should not do, and post under a fake name. HUH, that sounds odd to me? I have nothing to do with this situation, but I personally feel I would tell you since you have all the right answers and obviously feel you could do such a better job at coaching (even though you are female, there are female coaches out there, I am one)than him have at it............. Let's see how you like the time involved in coaching, going home reviewing ideas or plans for the games, the phone calls and scheduling, the headache of pain in the tail parents who think sports is supposed to be equal from everyone, and do it for FREE.

All she asked for was equal playing time for all the kids, not just hers. Coaches aren't gods, even though they sure like to pretend they are.

When children are this young, they all deserve play time. They put in so much effort and what do they earn by doing this, sitting on the sidelines. This is sending a negative message to these children. I agree, coaching is not easy and their time is donated, but the self-esteem of these kids are at risk of being hurt. Being part of a team is a big deal when you are a child, and feeling left out of that team (staying on the sidelines)does in fact impact ones self worth, even with the most postive and support parents.

I played a variety of sports in elementary school. I did not get to play that much in little league. I remember as a child that it made me work harder when I sit the bench at every game. I do not remember crying or wanting to quit, "I wanted to do better". I made my dad buy me a basketball goal and I would spend every afternoon shooting hoops. My dad never coached or was in any way affiliated with the school. Because of my effort and love of the game, I played more than some of the kids whose parents were teachers. What I am saying here is, it is not who the kids parents are but that they have real talent. If you child is not talented at football, find his/her talent. Every child has a special talent, may it be band, basketball, softball/baseball etc.. By my junior and senior year in HS I was first string due to hard work and the willingness to work my way to the top. If you speak with most HS teachers they will tell you that children master learned helplessness in elementary school. They are given rewards for bringing in homework etc.. When they get to HS, O boy does reality sink in.

You say for the coaches to be honest and tell you that your child can't play - well, actions speak louder than words. Take him off the team. If I felt that my children were treated "unfairly", then I would not subject them to that treatment. Your child may not be a great football player - not all kids are. Find something else for him to do. If you want him to have a lot of time in an activity, why not let him cheerlead? That way he can be on the field the whole time.

I know that this post sounds harsh, but I get so tired of reading posts on the boards about how unfair their child is being treated in sports. Then you read posts of parents being so angry because their child's team is not winning.

And another thought...you are such a concerned parent for the wellbeing of your child (of course this has nothing to do with parents wanting any recognition themselves for the status of their child - not), then what about when your child hears what you are saying. If he does get more time, will he think it is because he is doing a good job or because his momma threw a tantrum to get her way? What kind of messages are being sent to the child???

As for the coaches kids getting to play a lot - well, just call it a perk and get over it. Life is not fair no matter what age you are. I love my children dearly and would love to take all of the pain that they may have to endure upon myself so that they would not have to feel it. But guess what? It isn't going to happen. And how would that prepare them to face life when momma is not around?

My advice to you is get over it and either quit or continue with the program and see if your child learns to play football (the purpose of football, not based on playing time). And don't hassel the coaches. Let them do their volunteer job. I am sure they know more of what they are doing than you do. But please don't volunteer to coach - football is based on knowledge, skill, and experience, not emotions.

that people who actually care about their children and take pride in loving and taking care of them carry the same label as sorry, lazy people like you who happen to have children to call their own.....unfortunately, both groups are called parents. But there's a world of difference in the two groups.

For those of us who were there last night, which obviously you werent the coaches must have took notice and realized they were treating a lot of the kids unfairly because they played everyone the entire time and a lot of the kids who havent been getting much play time showed some great talent. Its easy for you people who arent involved in this situation to post opinions but the facts stand as they are. thankfully the coaches stepped up and fixed the issue. Kudos to the parents who voiced their opinions. They got their points across and it made a huge diference. Thanks to you coaches and also to the parents!

I'm glad that the children got playing time - it seems to have made the parents very happy for themselves. Now the parents can do some bragging like they wanted to do all along.

Oh, BTW, I am not a sorry parent. (Nor am I lazy - I work for a living and have never, ever, ever had to rely on welfare.) My children are very active in school activities of their choice. But you know what? Whether they excel at what they do or whether they really stink at it, we will always be there to support them and give them encouragement. Activities are for them, not for me. People shouldn't lose perspective of that and unfoturnately, it happens way too much. Maybe the coaches' children are better at what they do because they work with their own children, not rely on someone else to teach them to excel in life.

Isn't it funny that when someone has an opposing opinion on this board, they are lazy, sorry, thieves, no good, etc...??? I agree with you - there is a world of difference between groups of parents. I teach my children to do their best, not whine about life, not to rely on others for their happiness/wellbeing, and stand up for themselves. And you know what? They are honor roll students, do well in school activities, have good friends, and are happy children. I don't pressure them in doing things they don't want to do. I let them live their lives for them, not for me. Some parents should sit back and think about that.

why don't you coach this level!!!

I will not try to defend myself to anyone over the internet. If you can say that I don't have enough guts to respond, then you should be able to have the guts to come to me in person and express yourself instead of bashing me for all the county to read. If I am short with you or in a hurry, then you stop me and tell me that you want a few minutes of my time and I'll be happy to talk to you. Otherwise, you'll just have to type your fingers off complaining about me to everybody else because I will not respond on this topic anymore.

You shouldn't have to respond to this topic on a public forum (I feel sorry for you Kenny, I sure you have only good intentions for your team and son). As for the comments about self esteem. If as a parent you are concerned that by playing a competitive sport it will lower your child's self esteem, then you need to reconsider letting your child play. Regardless of whether any of the parents feel it should or should not be, football, basketball and baseball are competititve sports. People play to win, thats a fact of life. To me, if you can't take the heat, get off the porch.

My child plays on the K-3 team, and I can say that the coaches, Kenny, Shane, Scotty, Johnny Paul, Johnny, Randy (and many more that have helped with this group)have been great! They have made a point to make even the most insecure boys feel in place! These guys have given their time, when most of them do not even have kids in this group, to coach them.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS - DON'T THINK TWICE ABOUT THESE PAST POSTS.

I think you guys are doing an excellent job. I can tell you have put a lot of time into what you are doing and we need more people like you all that are willing to do that. Keep up the good work and thank you for all you have done.

I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH THE LL COACHES. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE COACHED BASEBALL TEAMS IN THE PAST IT IS HARD WORK TO HELP KIDS. THEY DON'T LISTEN BECAUSE YOUR NOT THEIR PARENT. AND THEY THINK THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU SAY. SO I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE WAY THESE MEN HAVE HELPED MY SON AND OTHERS.

I THINK THE LL COACHES ARE DOING A GREAT JOB. MY SON HAS PLAYED SINCE HE WAS IN THE 3RD GRADE. THEY HAVE WORKED VERY HARD WITH HIM AND HE IS NOT A COACHES SON. THEY DEDICATE THEIR TIME TO HELP THE KIDS AND HOW MANY KIDS OR PARENTS HAVE EVER WALKED UP AND SAID THANK YOU TO THEM FOR WHAT THEY DO. SO TO ALL THE COACHES THANK YOU AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

didn't just start. My son was treated the same way when coach Compton was basketball coach at Haysi.This was years ago. His boys got to play EVERY game . There should NOT be first string or second. There should be everybody gets to play. But they want to win so bad that they don't care whose feelings they hurt. Also if the grades are not up to snuff they fixed them till they were. So they could play. NOT FAIR!!!!!!

Who was the good looking coach at the game? I hadn't seen him down there with them during practice. All I know is he can coach me anytime.

Both Compton boys I know were excellent students, they also put in the time and work to deserve playing time. As far as everyone should get to play, we don't live in a la la la society. Life's not fair. Some people are loaded with money, and others barely get by, that's not fair. Some people are born with disabilities, others are not, that's not fair. THAT'S LIFE GET OVER IT!

I went to school with both of those boys. I have to say that Brett Compton was one of the best B-ball players to ever play at Haysi. Jason was an excellent quarter back! They both had a lot of talent not special treatment.

I vote for Gereral Patton to take over the LL program

I vote for General Patton to take over the program so it would be done right