Playing Time – What Should I Expect and How do I Get More of It? (for players)

            Nobody comes out for football for the joy of practicing.  It is a physically demanding sport that requires a higher ratio of practice time to playing time than most team sports.  And, while practice is a great time to bond with your teammates, the prize for working so hard is playing in a game.  So, how do you get (earn) playing time?

            Playing time is sport’s version of a pay check.  If you work hard and do everything your supposed to do, you’ll get a raise (more playing time).  If you do the bare minimum, you won’t get a raise, or may even a pay cut (less playing time).  Initially, those people who get the most playing time will probably be those who worked hardest in the off-season.  The coaches will know them the best and will have developed trust in them.  It will take time for coaches to get to know and trust those who haven’t been around as much.  If you think you’ve been working hard and haven’t gotten the playing time you deserve, you should ask for it (just like asking for a raise).  The coaches will listen, but they will also tell you exactly what they’ve see from you.  Generally, if you care enough to ask, a coach will try to give you a shot.  At that point, though, it’s up to you to produce.

            Freshmen should expect to start either offense or defense in every freshman game.  That is the only guarantee, though.  If you don’t perform you may not get much playing time after that first series.  Play well and you could end up seeing some JV playing time.  All freshmen, regardless of playing time in JV or varsity games, will play in freshman games.  It is important to the program for each class to play as a unit on the underclass levels.  Is there any other sport where you are guaranteed a starting spot?  What you do with it is up to you.

            Sophomores should expect to start either offense of defense in every JV game.  Just like the freshmen, sophomores have no guarantee beyond starting.  You must perform once you’re given the opportunity. Again, is there any other sport where you are guaranteed a starting spot?  What you do with it is up to you.

            There are no playing time guarantees for juniors and seniors.  The coaches will determine varsity playing time based on factors that we feel will provide the team with the greatest chance of success while also upholding the tenents of our Mission statement.  While earning a black jersey may earn you a spot on the Varsity team, it doesn’t necessarily earn you a spot on the field.  But, those who work hard will always beat out someone of similar talent and skill level who didn’t put in the extra time to improve.  Black jerseys make it pretty obvious who is most deserving.

            Freshmen and sophomores who earn a black jersey should understand that the rewards for their hard work is the varsity uniform they get to wear, the pasta meals they get to eat, and the enjoyment of being part of the varsity squad.  There should be no expectation of varsity playing time from freshmen and sophomores, no matter the score of the varsity games.  Varsity starters must play a significant portion of every game to fine tune their skills and the skill of the unit as a whole.  Since varsity games are the only chance for juniors and seniors to play, non-starting juniors and seniors will probably play the remainder of any game in which the starting units are brought out.  Any playing time that a freshman or sophomore receives at the varsity level should be considered "icing on the cake."  

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Playing Time and Other Parental Concerns  (for the parents)

The following playing time issues are discussed at the August parents' meeting:

1. All freshmen will start one-way in freshmen games.  All sophomores will start one-way in junior varsity games.  Any positions not filled by one-way starters in those games will be filled with the player who will give the team the best chance at success, regardless of the player's age.  

2. On the varsity level, those who worked hardest in the off-season will get the first look, but the best will play, regardless of age. However, being the most talented does not always equate to "being the best."  

3. If your son is not getting the amount of playing time he would like (his opinion, or yours?), has he discussed this with the coaches?

4. Issues and concerns should not be brought to coaches following games.  If there is an issue or concern that needs to be discussed with a coach this request should be sent in an email (not a text) and it will be resolved the following day or soon after. 

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Questions that should be discussed with your son if he is concerned about the amount of playing time he is receiving:

• Does he know why not?  Did he ask why not?

• Did your son ask for more playing time (beginning with special teams)?

• Does he understand / have you discussed with him that this is a team game and that being part of the team, not individual accomplishment, is the goal of team sports?

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It is always necessary to remember that playing time is not a parental issue.  It is a player/coach issue.