Parenting When Your Child is Cut from a Sports Team
Basketball, baseball, softball, cheerleading, volleyball and football normally have a limited number of positions on the team. If your child was intending on playing basketball and got cut from the school team, they may be faced with some difficult emotions. When I was in high school, I remember being cut from the softball team. I had played softball for my school for more than two years prior and considered myself a somewhat decent player. I assumed that since I had made the team before, I would again this year. You do not want to discourage your child from becoming excited about trying out for a sport; but, you do want to keep them realistic. Before I was guaranteed a spot on the team, I convinced my mother to buy a new glove, bat, and cleats. After I was cut from the softball team, I was upset and had all this new gear with basically nothing to use it for.
Some coaches use different methods of informing your child that they will not be able to play for their team. Typically schools used to hang a public list of every student who had made the team. There are some schools that still do this; however, many coaches have starting giving one-on-one meetings. Many times when a child is cut from a school sport, they fell upset, mad, and embarrassed. If you child seems embarrassed or mentioned being picked on because he or she did not make the team, you may want to contact the school. Some schools only resorted to individual meetings once parents or student complained about the posted list. This meeting will also allow the coach to give your child areas to possibly improve on for next season or encourage them to try other activities.
One of the most common mistakes that parents make when learning their child has been cut from a sports team is becoming angry. Many coaches would probably tell you how tons of angry or upset parents have contacted them. A parent needs to help keep their children focused on the positive side of the situation. After being cut from a team, many children may not think there is a positive side, but there really is. Although many kids have dreams of professionally playing sports, the truth is that very few succeed. If your child wants to obtain a college degree then they will need to work on their academics and the hectic sports schedule may prohibit them from doing so.
If you are a parent who has a child who did not make the school team, you should try and encourage them to play individual sports. Many coaches and school officials state that cross country, track, golf, swimming, and wrestling rarely cut students. Each school may be different, but most schools will allow you to participate if you are willing to learn and want to succeed. There are also other school organizations that need student volunteers to keep the program running. These activities will look just as good as sports on a college application.
If you believe that your child is truly good at the sport they were cut from, do not let them give up. Your child may of not made the team this season; however, they have one year to improve their performance. You could sign them up for lessons or just encourage them to practice in their free time. Help your child realize that being cut from a school sports team is not the end of the world.
