With the new classifications coming out, there is some talk of how participation numbers affect a schools decision on where they classify. I guess I'd like to get some discussion going on what is effecting schools participation/numbers. Is it lazy kids/video games or are you guys seeing other factors. In our case here in western nebraska (class D2), our numbers are down a little, but look to hold steady for coming years. We have been very fortunate to get nearly all of our kids out each year for at least the last 30 years. We did have a couple not go out this season and a couple run XC, but I feel we are very fortunate to get 26 out of 30 out for football. I guess I'd say our tradition is what really helps us out. What are others people's issues or things that help them out. I will say, the kids now seem to be a little different than the kids from 10 years ago...or maybe I'm just getting old!
Football Participation Numbers
- Thread starter Power_I_82
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its not so much as kids are different but demographics have change a lot in Nebraska, in areas such as occupations, income, family statues and ethnic groups and these things all have effects
I also see a lot more specialization, especially among the elite athletes. Many, many years ago when I was in school, kids went out for multiple sports. We didn't have coaches asking our star basketball player, to go to 2 camps, and play in a summer league, and get on an elite traveling team that travels inside and outside the country. And therefore we didn't have mom and dad saying, I have invested x amount of dollars in basketball, so you are not going to screw that all up by playing football. In the past, he would have been a wideout in football, a high jumper in track, and a first baseman in baseball. And unfortunately, especially in the lower classes, teams need everyone to play as many sports as possible. And be on the speech team, singing in choir, and playing in the band
sounds like more of a your school problem with a coach but I see what your saying and disagree
Open a newspaper nut, or google any top college coach of any sport, and you'll see specialization is a problem sweeping the United States....not just one school in Nebraska. If you want to stay close to home on the subject, both Coach Frost and Coach Cook have been on record as saying specialization is a problem, and does not benefit the student-athlete.
Specialization, work/effort required, outdoor climate, concussions, parent decisions, competitiveness, increasing number of identified disabilities, lack of motivation........just to name a few reasons.
Specialization is also leading to more serious injuries at young ages. It's also my opinion that some kids are not participating in some sports anymore because they get burned out.
I agree totally. While some kids love the opportunity to start early, others get tired of it before they graduate high school. Especially the kids who were smaller or less coordinated at that early age, get labeled as "not athletic" so they pursue other interests. Then hit a growth spurt as a freshman or sophomore, but are no longer interested.
