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Politics In Sports

Posted by: Chandler DeWitt on July 25, 2007 at 10:34AM EST

As much as schools struggle to fight rumors about "politics" in sports, it is known to most athletes that politics play a huge factor in the outcome of the team and who plays during the season. As an athlete who has played since I was 4, I have come face to face many times with the parents who constantly try to work the system and make sure their kids play. From personal experience, I feel there is much more self-gratification and fulfillment knowing I have earned something completely on my own rather than another bribbing my way in. Parents who bribe the coaches seemed to be more concerned with their kid's playing time rather than what is best for the team as a whole. Sadly enough, this mentality of "my kid is the best and needs to play the most" seems to be a common factor with many parents, and the struggle to make their kid shine and look the best effects every member of the team. Overall, the impact of "politics" in sports has a huge effect on not only the individual player but the entire team and is not fair to all the players.

(3) Comments

Posted by: Jax on July 25, 2007 12:14PM EST

The cheerleading world is VERY political. You would think you would make the squad if you were the best, but NO! It's about your appearance, how much the coach likes you, and how much influential squad members like you. I've known some girls who are the nicest people and GREAT cheerleaders who haven't made it because of their appearance or because other girls won over the coach. I've also known girls who only made the squad because they are skinny -- they can't cheer or stunt!

Posted by: juff on July 25, 2007 11:37AM EST

Politics in sports makes me sick but it is so real!! My kids play baseball at a community park and I see the politics at work there. It seems that the petitioning from parents for their children to play on the summer teams starts early in the season. I have heard of parents calling other coaches to put in a good word for their children to reserve a spot for them on a summer team. What lesson does this teach? Sadly enough, my children have had their hearts broken from not being chosen for a particular team because my husband and I refuse to promote my children unethically. It is a very hard discussion to have with your child ( who is clearly one of the better players) when they don't make the team. It is ashame that you have to have the discussion of "life is not always fair" with children so young but that is what we do!!

Posted by: BethJ007 on July 25, 2007 11:09AM EST

Unfortunately, politics find its way into EVERYTHING. I was in theatre in high school, and there was so much favoritism and underhandedness. I guess it is good to gear up for the real world though, because I have a feeling it doesn't stop after high school.