Difference between JV and Varsity

Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity are two different terms or categories for athletic teams. These athletic teams can represent high schools, colleges and universities. To know the real difference between these two terms, you need to understand that these two have evolved from the United States and Canada. Varsity teams have more skilled individuals while JV teams are considered slightly less skilled. Usually Varsity teams are comprised of 11th and 12th grade students while JV teams include sophomores and freshman. For anybody that plays on a team in a particular sport it is considered an honour to be selected to play for a Varsity team. This gives the player much better exposure to potential scouts that are always looking for skilled players. Also, in a Varsity team the competition is much more fierce and the exposure is greater for the players as compared with Junior Varsity.

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    Varsity

    Varsity teams have more skilled individuals. Best players from schools and colleges usually represent Varsity teams. Many top professional teams often have A teams which are usually designated as reserve. As Varsity teams are made up of the strongest players, top teams often call their individuals to be part of their unit. It is also encouraging for Varsity players to show off their skills to get a chance to play in a professional team. You can also say that Varsity players are considered amateur yet fit and strong enough play in the professional teams. Usually players are taken from 11th and 12th grades. However, in college teams, players can be also be taken from freshman or sophomore levels. All the players in Varsity teams are also considered the best in the school and always represent different teams of the institution.

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    JV           

    JV stands for Junior Varsity and the teams are considered slightly less skilled. These teams are comprised of secondary rung players and include sophomores and freshmen. Individuals, who also do not find a place in Varsity team, end up with JV teams. These JV teams and their players are basically trained to join Varsity teams as the other players move on and graduate. They get enough training and experience to play in Varsity teams which are considered more strong and skilled in all areas of a particular sport. Different slang names are also given to JV teams such as mop up players, bench warmers, and second stringers. Their play is described as garbage minutes. Coaches in JV teams play a vital role as they have a responsibility to give confidence to a particular player to grow and play later in Varsity teams.

    - Image Courtesy: metrowny.com

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