Personally, I think that's the future of high school sports, and maybe it will bleed into college sports as well. At the high school level, it would seem club designation for sports like football would be a tremendous upside--no expenses, no liabilities, all the recognition.

Athletes and their parents pay for participation, just like club. The school then commits their budget exclusively to academic pursuits. 

It already happens, to some degree, with soccer. Most club soccer teams are far superior to their high school counterparts. Many quality soccer players elect to not even play high school soccer because the teams are mediocre at best. 

 

I agree it would not be possible if nothing else changes. But if colleges went to a new "club" system, then all teams would be in the same boat. Plans for travel and tournaments would take into consideration overall costs. Club teams would play geographically close teams first, and would schedule tournaments that make competitive and economic sense. It's happening now with a variety of club-level college teams. It could work with other "olympic" sports as well. 

Would parents support that? I think they would. 



 

I have been advocating for club basketball in the US since the early 70's!  So glad people are finally talking about it.  Check this site out:
 

It's available to everyone. Those who do not have the financial capability are often helped with "scholarships" offered by the club that allow the kids to play. Of course, that varies from club to club, but a kid with talent, who wants to play, will not be turned away.

 

It is available to everyone; it's not guaranteed for everyone. If you don't have the talent, there are many other team options available. 

As for AAU basketball, I call that "club."



 

Pretty much dead. 

Summer ball has very little to do with AAU these days. Semantics I know.... but AAU membership and attendance at championships is not much a part of the bigger scene presently. Out of 10 - 15 events a team plays in a year only one or 2 at most is AAU affiliated. 

To be sure the Club system is alive and well in Volleyball and Basketball but teams like OBC, King James Shooting Stars, Eric Gordon All Stars,Indiana Elite, and a plethora of teams like Long Island Lightning continue to thrive in an active tourney scene while not carrying AAU membership cards. Gym Rats and USSSA basketball started as a direct competitior to AAU lifting the age restrictions and replacing it with graduating class enabling guys like OJ Mayo to play against guys in the O7 class while guys like Greg Oden , Kevin Durant and other in the 05 and 06 classes were younger than he. Truly let him build a legend while playing like a "man amongst boys" 

Teams like the Phiiips 66 oilers which won the National AAU Mens ' ship and UK which won the NCAA in 1948 were combined to become the Olympic Team that went to London the same year 

I think Bean Salad is right and Club teams will be finding a place if the current situation with School Budgets and extracurriculars as well as the controversy with recruiting, parochials dominating class championships and sponsorships and alliances with shoe companies continue to progress. The money in basketball is too big to ignore. OTOH volleyball is a different sport where clubs really serve as vehicles to get exposure and play the whole rest of the year. Clubs like Munciana build the program from the kindergarten level up teaching the game in order to build players skills and manufacture those players in hopes of playing at the next level. Our new coach is a former Munciana Coach. 

the aau situation where everyone pointed toward the State Qualifier and National Championship in basketball is not really present these days. 

 

If I'm in over my head, you'll have to give me another example as to how. I will admit, however, I know nothing about volleyball clubs or what they cost. I strongly suspect you can play club volleyball for far less than $6k. I KNOW you can play club basketball and soccer for far less than that. 

You're throwing the highest figure you can find at me to prove your point, when you and I both know your example is not typical. And, your ignoring my point about "scholarships," which I believe most clubs offer. 

Bottom line is this: Is it expensive to play club sports? Yes. On that we both agree.

Is it exclusionary? No more so than the cost of a Mercedes Benz is exclusionary. I'm not sure what you want here?For it to be free? For society at large to pay for it and permit no entrance requirements?

I feel like I'm arguing with idealism.







 

Alan Swank wrote:

I'm a big fan of regulated scholastic sports.  Granted some of the OHSAA regulations are pretty crazy but sports sponsored by schools with coaches who teach in the building are my preferred way to go.  Every kid has a chance to try out for the team and in some sports such as track and cross country make the team.  There is administrative oversight.  Kids have to perform in the classroom and show up to school to play.  That's a huge carrot.  I'd hate to see club teams outside the school setting replace that.  Sports in my opinion are part of the learning process.  Sports for sports sake or to develop talent for the next level aren't really part of that total educational package.

Last Edited: 6/8/2014 10:34:11 AM by Robert Fox