Why equal opportunity and basketball don’t mix

Equal opportunity is deeply embedded in our work culture in this country. It states that anyone, regardless of their race, gender, or age, has an equal opportunity to apply for any job they want. It also states that, based on their qualifications, they will receive equal opportunity in the position applied for. Not to say that this is a perfect system by any means, but the intent is honorable for all job seekers.

Does equal opportunity apply to the sports field, court, or arena? This is a difficult area and one that the children and parents of our country challenge on a daily basis. Important questions arise here: Is every participant entitled to “equal opportunity” when it comes to playing time on the field? Some say yes, some say no.

It is obvious that simply being on the team allows all young players to experience the joy of team sports. In the lower grades, 1-4, it is necessary that all children have a fair opportunity for sports experiences. This specifically means equal playing time and equal opportunity to hit, shoot, or kick the soccer ball. This IS NOT the time to gear your training toward victory. Surprisingly, many coaches in these grades DO approach every game as an opportunity to win. I have no problem with that, we all want to win if we are going to compete. The problem comes when winning affects equal opportunities and this is destroying the children’s experience. Can you imagine a third grader having to sit out the entire second half because the game is close and her team has a chance to win? Who are we trying to kid here, trainers?

In later grades, 5-8, there is a natural shift toward player development, execution, and playing time patterns. Again, there must be a balance between earning and equal opportunity in these grades as well. An equal division of playing time is not appropriate, but there must be some equality between the best player and the worst.

I’ve often wondered how many young athletes give up playing a sport because they never got a fair chance. The result is a huge missed opportunity to learn all the valuable lessons that sports so freely give away. How sad is this reality when a second or third grader becomes disillusioned that her coach wanted to win a second grade game more than give each player a chance to learn, shine and grow?

The next jump in levels puts us in the high school range of 9-12. Again, I say that winning has become too much of an issue at these levels, as we’ve seen across the country. Although the win/equal opportunity pendulum has shifted further, there still must be opportunities for all athletes to participate. Unfortunately, many JV programs have fallen by the wayside. This is an example of additional opportunity for the young athlete who will not have the opportunity to compete on Friday night in the varsity game.

In conclusion, it is obvious that the older the athlete, the less equal opportunities they will have. The reason is the scoreboard on the wall of every gym in America. Americans love their sports and want to win. As long as games are judged by final score, equal opportunity and basketball don’t mix.