Fun Leauge -VS- Competition leauge?

[SJane01]

Would you prefer your child to play on a fun league or a competition league?

Our DS recently switched to a competitive league for baseball, but still plays in a fun league for soccer in the fall. We have always let him take his pick on it and he chose the competitive league as he is a rather good catcher and hitter, and can pitch also. But he's not that good at soccer so he wants to play in the fun league so he doesn't have the competition there.

What would you do? How would you do it? Would you let your kid play in a competitive league? Would you let your kid do both a competitive league or just a fun league, or do you want your kids to just play fun leagues?

[MyNameIsBen]

Well, I would be uncomfortable "letting" my child do one or the other. I would let them decide. I am not competitive at all, and my partner is, so it'll be interesting to see which side our still-growing baby takes after more.

[sevenkids]

It sounds like your son knows where he excels (baseball) and knows what he enjoys even though he's not that good at it (soccer) and chose his leagues accordingly. He's a smart kid!

My kids play competitive sports, and it's been great for them, especially ds who will be 12 in a few weeks. He plays football, basketball, and baseball and loves it. He's learned a lot about team playing, good sportsmanship, discipline, and dedication, discovering his weaknesses and working hard to improve, or learning how to focus his energy in other areas in which he is stronger.

[irinam]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsBen

Well, I would be uncomfortable "letting" my child do one or the other. I would let them decide. I am not competitive at all, and my partner is, so it'll be interesting to see which side our still-growing baby takes after more.

: Only it's me who is competitive and DH is not

[SJane01]

my question isnt letting him decide what to play in it, but I have gotten comments as to .. "why do you let him play in that league its sooo competitive and all it does is focus on winning and not fun."

Thats my primary question.. Do you agree with 11,12,13 year olds in very competitive leagues?

Dan's very happy with the leagues he plays in, we have pushed him a little bit to join the more competitive soccer league, but we have completely left the choice to him.

We have always thought that since he's always been a smaller kid, that he would do better in soccer, but that doesn't seem to really make a difference to him. Because of his birthday he's eligable to play in U12 (12 and under)... We want him to play in U14, but he wants to stay in U12 because of size

[Maggi315]

I don't like the competitive teams for my own selfish reasons. I don't have the time or energy or money to spend all my free time running them around to practices and games. Now, if my child was exceptionally good and committed to the sport, maybe I would be willing to invest more. But with 5 kids and work, I have to pick and choose what we do.

We like the YMCA soccer teams. Practices and games are on the same field, all the teams play at the same field which makes my life easier for me and practice is only 1-2 times per week.

[sevenkids]

Originally Posted by SJane01

my question isnt letting him decide what to play in it, but I have gotten comments as to .. "why do you let him play in that league its sooo competitive and all it does is focus on winning and not fun."

Because he enjoys it? That's a good enough reason for me.

Thats my primary question.. Do you agree with 11,12,13 year olds in very competitive leagues?

Yes, if they enjoy it and want to play. I don't agree with forcing kids to play in any league if the don't want to.