Coach O, I highly doubt that was directed at you.

I think it was more of a vent on some administrators and coaches at the youth level.

Looks like I may have misread it. I thought Administrators was being referred to as Administrators of the web site as opposed to youth b-ball leagues.

I think a lot of the folks who run these leagues are just volunteers doing their best and don't really put a lot of thought into all the dynamics that go with young kids and how they fit developmentally with the size, rules and structure of basketball and don't think to make the adjustments that would make it a better a fit for the youngest kids (and wouldn't necessarily know what those adjustments would be). Then you have others in the more competitive leagues with the mindset of this how we did it when I was a kid, the kids will adapt, the more competitive kids will emerge, this is how we separate ourselves from the rec league, etc.

To get a lot fo the changes that folks on this site advocate for, what is really needed is for some of the leading lights in the game with stature and a public forum to go out on a limb and say this how it should be done for the youngest kids.

Knowing Coach Mac, I doubt that he was directing that at you... he doesn't mince words but I know we have gone round and round on different subjects that revolve around youth sports.....

They DON'T think about the kids, thats the problem. Your last paragraph says it all..... and I think Jeff and Joe are leaning towards doing something like this. I hope they can get something done... we need some young guys like this that are willing to push for adapting the game to the younger kids.

Coach O: Joe and Coach Sars are correct, the comment was not directed at you in the least. this topic has been bounced back and forth since I have been contributing to this site and frankly, it seems as if most of our suggestions, in this particular topic, fall on deaf ears. This game is not about the adults or administrators, its about the kids and their proper development. These suggestions and comments come from highly respected and experienced coaches and i simply want leaders of leagues to listen to their rationale. If I offended anyone, accept my apology. Coach Mac

Its too bad that ALL the administrators of youth sports cant read some of our suggestions... (not the ranting lol) Sometimes I wonder what they are thinking about..... sure isn't about kids.

Understood, Coach Mac. I misread your email.

I originally came from coaching soccer where there seems to be a much better understanding of how to develop youth players and scaling the game according to their age and athletic development. So a lot of the suggestions on this site just make good sense.