Tag: Equal Playing Time

Entitlement has Become Part of Equal Playing Time

horvath Leave a comment

In its most pure form, the concept of equal playing time (EPT) has merit as a means of helping young athletes improve their skills. Unfortunately, there are unintended consequences associated with EPT.

Parents and players have forced their own EPT agendas on some school, club, and recreation programs. As a result entitlement has become part of the EPT mindset in these settings. For example,

  • Some players feel it is not necessary to show up for practice. When they grace the team with their presence they don’t feel it is essential to focus and work hard. EPT is guaranteed during competition.
  • Some players don’t feel the need to practice the way the coach wants, nor do they choose to execute the coach’s strategy in competition. They know they are assured as much time on the court as the players who are more talented or dedicated.
  • It is not important for players to abide by team rules because EPT policies mean their court time is guaranteed.
Equal Playing Time - Entitlement
For some parents, entitlement is part of the definition of equal playing time

Entitlement has become part of EPT.

In some cases the definition of EPT has been extended to include equal everything (EE).

The following examples illustrate how the entitlement mentality has adversely affected EPT.

  • Some parents think players are entitled to play where they want to play a portion of the time. The problem is that not all players have developed the skills to play in such positions as a baseball catcher, first baseman, hockey goalie, or center in football. Players should not be allowed to play positions where they may be a hazard to themselves or others on the field. EPT policies should not force coaches to put players in positions that may destroy the playing experience for all other players or risk damaging the mindset of the player being put in that position. Mental and physical safety of all players should trump EPT.
  • Because some coaches have been forced to adhere to EPT policies, they have created specialized roles for the weaker players so they will get “equal” time on the court. For example, in 12U volleyball, a player who can’t serve or pass may be designated as a hitter or front row player. Players who are forced into specialized roles because of EPT policies will often fall further behind the curve even if they are getting “equal” time on the court.
  • Some parents have carried the “EPT=EE” mindset so far as to expect that kids should have equal time on the bench sitting next to the coach or that players should be allowed to be team captain an equal number of times. In extreme cases, some parents feel it is important for the coach to make sure that team members get to be first in line an equal number of times for the for post-game high-fives and snacks.
  • It has become easier for parents and coaches to measure EPT with spreadsheet and apps for mobile phones. With entitlementThat should add an interesting twist
  • In an effort to adhere to EPT policies coaches may allocate playing time based on the number of minutes in game. Some parents feel that EPT should be based on the amount of quality time played, the number of points played, or the number of minutes played as a starter.

Because entitlement has become part of EPT implementation, EPT policies will often send the wrong message to young athletes. Weaker players who have shared equal time on the court with superior athletes may wrongly think they are as good as their peers. They may also feel they will always be entitled to EPT. In these cases, they failed to learn the valuable lesson that all players must work hard, have discipline, and God-given talent to improve their skills.

Do these shortcomings with EPT suggest it should be eliminated as a guiding philosophy for younger level sports programs?

NO!

There can be problems with EPT policies, especially those in programs hijacked by the personal agendas of parents; however, EPT is a reasonable philosophy for sports programs for young athletes, especially those under the age of 14.

Athletic and club directors need to review their EPT policies and understand the extent that entitlement has crept into the implementation of their EPT policies. This will allow them to understand whether their EPT policies are having their desired impact on the players. Such a review should prevent a good idea from going bad.

Key Search Terms – Seat Size, Playing Time, Pro Sports

horvath Leave a comment

It is a common practice to use website tracking tools to identify search terms that drive people to a website or blog. Such an analysis was completed for this site as part of a move from a previous service provider.

The terms were grouped into categories and the top three search term concepts were:

  • Equal playing time.
  • The purpose of professional sports.
  • The size of stadium seats.

These search terms may not be representative of the beliefs of society as a whole; however, they are clearly issues that are relevant to society. The irony is that only a small portion of articles on this site address these topics.

Equal playing time has been a hot button for a number of years. Some parents feel equal playing time is necessary so their children, and all kids, can have an equal opportunity to improve. At the same time equal playing time prevents better and more dedicated athletes from getting the playing time they have earned though hard work. Parents are interested in understanding the arguments that can be made for and against equal playing time.

The purpose of professional sports is questioned by society every day. A look at attendance and revenue figures for professional sports teams shows that Americans love sports, yet they have become concerned about the purpose of sports because there is never ending media coverage of issues such as substance abuse, the concussion epidemic, compensation that seems to be exorbitant, cheating, scandals, and poor sportsmanship. It is difficult for some to come to terms with the fact that professional sports are the ultimate form of entertainment.

Seat size is obviously a major topic for the owners of arenas, stadiums, and event centers. Over time the weight of average Americans has increased significantly and stadium seats have been made wider to accommodate spectators. Has this gain in weight and the accompanying increase in the size of American derrieres caused a greater interest in the size of seats at local sports arenas?

It is understandable why the first two topics were included as hot topics in website searches; however, the volume of searches for seat size is more puzzling.

What search terms/concepts are going to be at the top of the list during the next year?

Stay tuned. It should be interesting.

Is it Necessary to Have Equal Playing Time in Youth Sports Programs

horvath Leave a comment

Should participants in youth and recreation sports programs have equal playing time over the course of a season? There are a number of justifiable reasons for not giving young participants equal playing time and the definition of unequal time on the court varies from coach to coach.

The following reasons are based on past experience, a review of literature on the topic, or discussions with other coaches, parents, athletes, or experts in the field.
• Winning is the top priority. In other words a coach makes a decision to play the strongest team in hopes of maximizing the number of wins.
• It is fair to give more inexperienced players playing time after the outcome is determined.
• There are many life lessons to be learned from unequal playing time – one of them is that the team takes precedence over the player.
• Unequal playing team teaches players that you have to earn when you get. In other words, the better players often work harder than the benchwarmers.
• Playing time is a privilege that is earned, not a right.
• The majority of learning occurs during practice. Unequal playing time is a non-issue.
• Organized sports are not designed to facilitate equal playing time. Equal playing time is more likely to occur in unstructured play.
• Unequal playing time teaches players to appreciate teammates with stronger skills. As well it provides them with an opportunity to learn to respect those with lower skills.
• Volunteer parent coaches often have difficulty monitoring and ensuring equal playing time. They shouldn’t have the burden of equal playing time placed on them.
• Playing time should be allocated based on attendance at practice.
• Players who show the strongest commitment or hustle should have the most playing time.
• Injured or ill players should be rested until they are well enough to play.
• Players who have violated team rules will not have equal playing time.
• Playing time may be awarded based on classroom performance.
• Players who are not emotionally or physically developed should not play as much.
• A player who is not in condition may not have the stamina to play a full game.
• At some point, kids note that they have inferior skills. Inexperienced players are not likely to benefit from situations where they are getting beat soundly.
• Team chemistry is essential; the group of players that produce the best team chemistry should play a majority of time.
• In individual sports, league rules may dictate that players must play a certain number of matches at their level to qualify for a conference championship at that position. This may be relevant in individual sports like tennis.
• Players may be specialists, which dictate they only play in certain circumstances. For example, a linebacker may be most effective in passing situations and play primarily on third downs.
• Players who have demonstrated poor sportsmanship will receive less playing time.
• Players may be required to play a minimum amount of time to receive rankings or be acknowledged for awards or statistics.
• Playing time may be determined by head-to-head competition (individual sports), skills tests (team sports) or some other type of selective process.

There are successful programs with varied philosophies about playing time. For a look at the justifications for equal playing time go to the post on July 23, 2011, entititled “Should Participants in Youth Sports Programs Have Equal Playing Time?”

 

 

Should Participants in Youth Programs Have Equal Playing Time?

horvath Leave a comment

Should participants in youth and recreation sports programs have equal playing time over the course of a season? There are a number of justifiable reasons for giving young participants equal playing time. Among those who believe in equal playing time, there is a consensus that it should be a part of youth sports until the age of at least 12.

The following reasons are based on past experience, a review of literature on the topic, or discussions with other coaches, parents, athletes, or experts in the field.
• Players best learn the technical and tactical fundamentals of the game by playing it.
• The only way to learn to win and deal with mistakes is to be on the court or field.
• Players will learn the true meaning of teamwork when they find they can perform (and win) when the better players are on the bench.
• When you give kids a chance to play, inevitably they will make a big play that wins a game.
• The only way to learn the love of sport is to play the sport.
• Players must play to learn to perform under the pressure of competition.
• Some believe that practice is a necessary evil and the game is the icing on the cake that is the reward for putting up with practice. All should enjoy the rewards.
• Equal playing time reduces conflict between coaches and parents.
• Some parents expect a return on their investments or contributions, which may mean they expect equal playing time. Comparable playing time may reduce conflict between parents.
• Equal playing time may reduce conflict among players.
• Players are less likely to become exhausted or hurt.
• Team depth is improved when all players are given an opportunity to gain playing time.
• A team may value a win more if everyone participated in the process.
• Coaches who can develop all the players on a team are recognized as the top coaches.
• Because all players contribute, team chemistry is improved.

There are successful programs with varied philosophies about playing time. For a look at the merits of not equal playing time go to the post on August 4, entitled, “Is it Necessary to Have Equal Playing Time in Youth Sports Programs?”