It’s like covering your eyes and pretending the sky isn’t blue, at this point.
“If there is anything we don’t lack, it’s access to information regarding quality youth athletic development models.
What we lack is the courage to stand up to the current matrix so that we can give our kids what is truly best for them.
Don’t submit.
Seek & act on truth.”
-Ray Zingler on X
If there is anything we don’t lack, it’s an abundance of evidence-based information regarding youth athletic development.
The problem is that many consumers don’t care to be educated, or, at least act on the scientifically sound models.
And I don’t believe it’s because these people are dumb or rouge. I know most ‘want’ what’s best.
Now do they act on what is truly best or do they act on their perceptions & information that misguided people with ulterior motives are feeding them?
It’s obviously the ladder, right? But I get it.
I truly believe we are where we are because the matrix that is our current youth sport landscape is already solidified and the subtle (often in your face) FOMO tactics these people use over your children are just too much to bear.
“Life goes fast!” (No, it doesn’t if you use your time wisely.)
“We have no other choice!” (Yes, you do, you have plenty of choices.)
“Little Jimmy will be left out if we don’t!” (Left out of what? A political shit show that takes more than it gives him and is counter to his development?)
And because of these perceptions most wave the white flag and jump on the bus.
Who cares if the bus is on fire, running 80mph, downhill, with no brakes.. Everybody else is on it, so we’re getting on it, too!
As somebody who’s been HEAVILY invested in paying attention and studying the industry every single day of my life with great intensity for the last 15 years without even considering missing a day, it breaks my heart to see these kids playing the 0-sum game.
Many will argue, “it isn’t only about the ball, it’s about the trips, the family time, & overcoming the adversity!” and that’s all well and good.
But is subjecting them to a broken system from the go, the best way to go about accessing family time and overcoming adversity?
It’d be like praising someone for overcoming cancer, after making the active choice to smoke cigarettes for 40 years.
The way it is, isn’t the way it should be.
Most don’t learn this until it’s over.
Take a stand, now.
It will serve your kids and the kids coming behind them.
