Catching my consistency, Hurst???
The answer is yes, Phil Savitz at Irmo, Finotti at Riverside, Frederick- Irmo, Hiller - Chapin, Heise - BC and others.
My point was not to state that they should not play JV because the coach is horrible (and I think you would agree that capable school coaches are not the standard at either JV or Varsity). My point was to agree with Coach P that it is too much to ask of a 7th and 8th grader.
The issue is who it affects and how it is presented.
Who does it affect- 7th and 8th graders who are SKILLED soccer players. Lets face if the numbers are available, you will select the best player ...PERIOD.
How is it presented - the most stated reason told me - "I want to play for my school". This is not true, they are not playing for the middle school they are playing for the high school with the majority of the players not even in the same social group.
So what is the problem with this? - 2 issues
1- if it is a contact sport at the varsity level, what is different in the game at the JV level?
2- if you made the JV team it is because you are capable of playing. A concept that will not escape the Junior playing JV on the other side of the ball who is tired of being made to look stupid. Simple math - Junior is 5'10" 150 lbs the 8th grader 5' 4" 120lbs (wet).
Lets use the example a couple of seasons ago when Jamal blew out his knee. He did it playing an overzelous inferior player on an inferior team. All the player was trying to do is win the ball because he was tired of everyone laughing.
ON THE OTHER HAND - if there are Middle school teams (so called C teams) then no I would consider the coaching.
How about asking the question like this.... If johnny/sallie can play varsity soccer at 12, why not play U18/17 club ball?
