Investing in Players

Over the course of an athlete's career that are a lot of people that are looking out for them. It usually includes their parents, HS coach(es), and AAU coach(es). Quite a few people are investing money and a lot of time in order for the athlete to succeed. The hope is that everyone works together in order for the athlete to achieve his or her goals.

Parents are investing by pouring time and money into many different ventures. Some of which include traveling tournaments, training, AAU, and team associated events in high school. They want what's best for their son or daughter. Their idea of what is best usually is completely structured around their son or daughter. Yes, they want the team to win but their son or daughter is the number one priority.

A lot of times, parents are spending more time with their kids than they are with each other. Or at least more time watching their kid play than with each other. In some parents' cases, coaching their kid, especially at the youth levels. Many parents have kids that are different ages and/or different genders that are separated every weekend and a lot of week nights because of tournaments and games. Anyway you look at it, it's a lot of time spent in balmy gyms all over the place.

HS coaches are investing by having open gyms, team workouts, working with youth programs, etc. HS coaches could be investing in a player's career for 13 years. That time commitment is unparalleled compared to any other coach. Kids from kindergarten to ninth grade are going the camps and clinics hosted by the high school coach. Yes, he/she wants what is best for their program but they are looking out for every player as well.

A lot of coaches are taking the time away from their own children to help out kids in their program. They generally aren't getting paid to the level that they should considering how much time they put in. Imagine putting in 20-30 hours a week for a job that they get paid less than half of the minimum wage. Most do it because they love it. They want to see the kids they've seen grow up physically grow up emotionally and socially.

AAU coaches are investing by spending their spring and summer time with 13-17 year olds. They usually aren't getting paid much and want to see the kids do the best to their abilities. Many will spend countless hours in contact with college coaches in hopes of helping find the best college for each kid's future.

College coaches invest a ton of resources into potential recruits. It's usually not their money but it is their time. They spend weekends during the spring and summer away from their family. They also spend a lot of week nights during the season trying to lure your son or daughter to their campus. There are times that the coaches are investing time and energy in keeping kids at their colleges. It's almost an every year thing. They not only have to recruit the kid from high school but also recruit them not to leave their college. It shouldn't be that way but a lot of times it is.

The idea of "what's best for little Timmy/Tammy" is drastically different from everyone's perspective. The more everyone communicates, the more likely people will on the same page. It's communication at all three levels.