What does "getting them outside" have to do with playing multiple sports? Can't they mountain bike? Hang with their friends? Have a girlfriend? Oh, you haven't gotten to that stage yet? That also varies kid to kid.
At a certain age, you don't become a better hockey/lacrosse/football/baseball/soccer player by playing other sports. Doesn't mean you can't.
At a certain age, if your kid aspires to excel at one sport, they will need to focus on that sport. That is the current philosophy. Fight it if you want. It is cyclical, you can wait out the cycle. But, your kid's still gonna grow up.
USA Hockey won't allow their "properties" to play other sports. So, the argument that other sports benefit their hockey clearly stops.
At a certain age.
Apparently we're in the remedial dboard for the pompous folk. What do you think get them outside means. This must be the same 06 parent that can't figure out what a money grab is. Apparently you got the gist of the outside thing because it would be pretty hard to mountain bike in you're basement, cool but not too productive I'm afraid. I'm sorry I failed to list every sport known to man so please feel free to use your imagination. Go mountain biking, mountain climbing, cliff diving, sky diving or whatever you're little heart desires. If you don't, It's more than likely that "At a certain age" your kid is going to realize that the hockey dream was yours not his, and then what do you have left. Let them play 2,3,4 sports and any other phsyical activity they choose to partake in. (Don't you remember the old Bo Jackson commercials?) The goal here folks is to raise well rounded student athletes. If it becomes apparent that your well rounded student athlete is a high school hockey stud as a freshman or sophomore and the college scouts are calling, then clearly it's time to focus on one sport. Until then...and oh yeah, make sure you have "the talk" with them before you let them hang out with their girlfriend in the basement..."At a certain age"
My oldest is that kid you describe - Keller Div player, having those conversations about hockey after HS. And, as a prep school athlete, he is required to play three sports, and excels at two. But he chose - HE chose - to stop playing "multiple sports" - or at least the sports you mean - a few years ago. Instead he chooses - HE chooses - sports that do still directly benefit his hockey. But, really, only because he's required to. And, he trains specifically for and plays hockey year round.
I also know a bunch of other families with boys my kid's age and older that are draft picks of the various leagues. I've had the opportunity to see the choices that they have made, or have been required to make. I've asked them about the reasoning behind their decisions, and I've been able to observe the impact.
When your little spawn gets there, you'll understand more about how much boys of that age think independently and insist on input into the decisions that affect them. If you raise them right, it's amazing how well they can think for themselves, and how critical that is to their maintaining their focus and energy.
But, keep fighting change. I'm sure he'll make a fine team manager in HS.
And, yes we did have "the talk."
????
Are you saying you're son is a multi-sport athlete who's now a year or two into the high school experience and he's going to choose to focus on hockey? If so, good for him! That's the point of this whole thred. Encourage them in all of their academic and athletic endeavors and let THEM make the choice in high school. My little spawn, as you say, is also enjoying his high school experience playing three sports. HIS choice as long as he keeps up his GPA. Sorry to disappoint you about the manager thing. Nice try though.
????
Are you saying you're son is a multi-sport athlete who's now a year or two into the high school experience and he's going to choose to focus on hockey? If so, good for him! That's the point of this whole thred. Encourage them in all of their academic and athletic endeavors and let THEM make the choice in high school. My little spawn, as you say, is also enjoying his high school experience playing three sports. HIS choice as long as he keeps up his GPA. Sorry to disappoint you about the manager thing. Nice try though.
No, I pretty clearly said that he chose to give up other sports a few years ago, trains for and plays hockey year round, and only is continuing in other sports because he has to.
Hate having to repeat myself. Maybe I should use all caps and skip every other line for you?
????
Are you saying you're son is a multi-sport athlete who's now a year or two into the high school experience and he's going to choose to focus on hockey? If so, good for him! That's the point of this whole thred. Encourage them in all of their academic and athletic endeavors and let THEM make the choice in high school. My little spawn, as you say, is also enjoying his high school experience playing three sports. HIS choice as long as he keeps up his GPA. Sorry to disappoint you about the manager thing. Nice try though.
No, I pretty clearly said that he chose to give up other sports a few years ago, trains for and plays hockey year round, and only is continuing in other sports because he has to.
Hate having to repeat myself. Maybe I should use all caps and skip every other line for you?
Did you not say he's in prep school playing multiple sports. Doesn't matter what they are. Prep schools espouse the student athlete theory. There's a reason for that. Tell him to enjoy it.