I saw a story on Facebook the other day, it was about high school wrestling in Iowa (I think). I think it was about allowing middle school kids to wrestle varsity in order to be able to fill out rosters. Whatever, it is not really important to this post. Instead, I want you to read this comment…
This is such a typical thing you hear people a little older than me. I am hesitant to say boomers because I know people my age who think this way. The idea that video games cause kids to not play sports. People always want to blame external factors for things changing. They never look at themselves.
Sure, there could be some kids who quit or never go out for sports because of video games and high speed internet. There might be kids who quit because of the prevalence of air conditioning in many homes. Who the hell knows.
But you know what I think? I believe kids give up on sports because of their parents. So many parents want their kids to be the next Bryce Harper or Tiger Woods. Imagine how those kids must feel when they realize they are not living up to their parent’s dream? I bet that just causes kids to hate the sport and want to quit. Parents figure there is no point in continuing to waste time or money on a sport that will not lead them to riches.
I would imagine that is also a reason so many high school sports teams have troubles filling rosters, particularly the depth part. If these parents impressed upon their kids the importance of being part of a team, doing something they enjoy regardless of their skill level, and most importantly to have fun. It may actually lead to more kids in sports, but it could also lead to better adults.
