|
To: Parents and Concerned Citizens:
We the undersigned believe that if a student tries out for a Junior High or High School athletic program and is chosen by the teachers (coaches) to participate in the program, than that student should have at least a minimum amount of competitive playing time in each contest or game. A minimum amount of competitive playing time does not mean an equal amount of time.
As an example: in a timed sport of 40 minutes, a player would compete for a minimum of 5 minutes (12.5 %). In a sport like baseball, the student would get one at bat in one game and play 3 outs in the field in the next game, alternating each game.
As competition is the only real “test” in sports, the goal of this reform is to ensure that all student athletes have a chance to experience and display what they have learned, by competing in game situations. To do otherwise would be synonymous with students being accepted to a high level academic course and then denying that student the right to be tested and evaluated on what he or she has learned.
Although having a minimum playing time requirement might seem to some to alter competition and the results of games, the playing field will be level. All coaches will have the same requirements to get all the members of the team into each game for a minimum amount of time. This reform would help insure that coaches develop all the student athletes on the team because all the athletes will compete.
Those athletes chosen for a team that participate in practice only, do not experience the test of competitive game situations and are thus denied an important part of the athletic experience, as well as their opportunity to grow and improve.
Their hard work and dedication in practice should entitle the student athletes that “make” the team, a minimum amount of competitive playing time in each game to compete and test their skills. This is what school is supposed to be about.
Thank you for reading and considering this petition.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned |
