What to Give Up

When it comes to top level athletics kids are faced with many issues. One of these issues is time management. So often we hear about what it takes to get to the next level on the physical end, but do we truly know what it takes on the emotional and social end. When athletes show exceptional ability in 1 or more sports it becomes harder to balance out the schedule and social time. Top level athletes practice, train, travel, and don’t forget school and study These are stressful factors that have to stay balanced at all times. This does not take into consideration the time necessary to manage or rehab any injuries. What a young persons life becomes is like that of an adult with multiple full time jobs. The only difference is the emotional development of that athlete.

What I suggest to parents for their athletes is to develop a plan that details out all the activities for the year. Include all big dates such as birthdays, family trips and important family social events. Once completed look at the whole years school schedule with starting times, ending times and expected school trips and social events. Look at what classes are to be taken and make sure to have an estimated study time for each class and add in if that course is difficult to arrange additional study time or tutor help. Make sure if your committed to school social clubs and performing arts such as band or choir. After these start to add in all the sports the athlete is going to play. Look back at the year before or discuss with other parents what the tryout and practice schedule is going to be. Make sure athlete is prepared for tryouts so put in schedule pre-season conditioning. Anticipate the game schedule including all travel dates for this sport. Research what training is involved and the necessary additional things that goes along with the sport. After completed for one sport repeat for additional sports and activities. Be as detailed as possible for each athlete in your family if you have more than one child.

WOW! As you can see there are many things in an athletes life and nowhere did I include time with friends, chores, doctor appointments, family emergencies, or a job for the older athletes. The view of all this can be overwhelming at first but with good time management skills and a solid priority list you can achieve a balance in the schedule. Each family and each athlete has to look deep inside because it is very difficult to do all the things stated above well. Somewhere along the line good athletes have to sacrifice some of the things that are discussed. For older athletes it may be prom or even graduation. For younger kids it just may be a field trip or band concert. All the choices on what to give up are personal and should be discussed thoroughly within the family. What you can not do is take back the things missed, so make sure your decision is solid and for the right reasons. Take your time in the decision making process and ask quality people and family members what they think. Its important to get a mature outside opinion and another persons personal experience in the matter. So many times others see whats best much better than our own clouded predetermined judgment. We never want to look back with the resentful attitude of what we did not get to do. If we make the decision to be a top level athlete we have to know that there will be things missed.

Being a top level athlete requires many things on and off the field. Having a good support group and family is an invaluable asset in times of difficult decision making. Do not go at it alone, ask for others help. Remember its valuable to spend time alone in prayer also to seek spiritual guidance from GOD in all this.