Making_the_Cut

Making the Cut She tried to prepare mentally and physically for the week of tryouts, but her fears remained profound. There was a nagging in the pit of her stomach which refused to go away. She breathed a sigh of relief with every layup and foul shot made. In the end, the court stood before her in all its polished wood floor glory. This is what she had worked so hard to accomplish; the opportunity to stand on the court and play her sport. She would not have gotten this chance had she been cut from the team. Making the cut was the doorway to endless possibilities, both on and off the court. This scenario is a true depiction of life as it relates to the topic of sports tryouts. They are something every player dreads, and the cause of much controversy. There are few experiences comparable to the anticipation athletes feel while looking for their name on the team roster posted upon the coach’s door. This can be a painful experience for some, yet exhilarating for others. Tryouts should be held because they separate the strong from the weak, the serious from the jokesters, and give players a sense of what true competition is really all about. On the other hand, tryouts are not always a good thing. For example, middle school sports allow all who wish to play a sport the opportunity to do so. This program is a starting point which permits players to determine if this activity is one they would like to continue with in the future. In other words, it gives them the chance to get their feet wet and learn more about the sport before moving on to more competitive levels such and Junior Varsity and Varsity. Without the pressure Martin 2 of tryouts, many will experience being part of a team for the first time. While middle school opens the door to all, making the leap to Junior Varsity and Varsity requires higher skill levels. This requirement dictates a return to the process of competitive tryouts. Only the strong will survive is somewhat of a cliché, but it is quite true in the area of sports tryouts. The weakest links need to be weeded out so the team can be the best one possible. Players participating in competitive sports must be able to hold their own. It is essential for them to perform to the best of their ability when needed. If they are unable to do this, they should not be a part of the team. As cruel as that statement sounds, it is only fair to both them and the other members of the team. If unskilled players are kept on the team, they would most likely sit on the bench much of the time. Coaches trying to get everyone in the game would find it necessary to pull skilled players out of the game to allow playing time for those less skilled. This often causes conflict for players, coaches, and parents. Some coaches choose to discuss the issue of limited playing time with their weaker players. This allows those players the opportunity to decide if their time would be better spent doing something more closely suited to their individual talents. An article entitled, Basketball Training Aids to Improve Your Game, states “This game seeks dedicated players who are involved in the game with their soul.” (Basketball Training, 2010) This statement is true of many things in life. Players who work hard can and will reap the rewards of their efforts. Tryouts are not to be taken lightly. Even though a player may have made the team the previous year, they are not automatically entitled to a place on the current year’s roster. Players must earn their spot on the team. They must remember it is an honor to wear the uniform representing their school. Coaches notice the efforts of players who strive for success. Often times the most important attribute players bring to a team is not simply their athletic ability, but their heart. Players who possess the will to succeed can improve their skills. Those with lots of Martin 3 ability may contribute to the final score, but heart is the true measure of a team’s success. Players who give one hundred percent effort should be proud of their accomplishments, regardless of time played or the number of points scored. Sports tryouts should not diminish a player’s confidence. A positive coach can make sure this does not occur. Executive director of the Positive Coaching Alliance, Jim Thompson, states “Winning is important, but…helping players learn ‘life lessons’, is more important.” (Double Coach Goal, 2010). Nearly every aspect of the world has an element of competition attached to it. Sports tryouts are just one small example of this concept. Many children have grown up playing recreational sports in their communities. Most of these programs do not require tryouts. Not only do all participants make the team, everyone is also required to play in the game. This has created a sense of entitlement in many of today’s young athletes. Rather than earning their spot on a team, coaches are required to play them because they signed up and paid their fees. This perception must be dismissed, however, when athletes enter the real world of school sponsored sports. Players must work hard to get that cherished open spot on the team. There should be no entitlement standard in Junior Varsity and Varsity sports. Entering the college and career world, individuals must compete for admission, advancement, and all available opportunities. Perhaps sports tryouts can provide a foundation for such life lessons as these' Getting cut from a sports team is a disappointing event, but it can also prepare an individual for other disappointments in life such as not getting into that dream college, or not being selected for that perfect job. There are no guarantees in life; nor should team membership be guaranteed. Competition is an essential part of human growth and development. It should be embraced, not excluded. Mary L. Gavin, M.D. proposes “Competition can make sports more exciting; but because somebody wins and …loses, competition can also make [players] feel pressure.” (Gavin, 2010)