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Why Equal Opportunity and Basketball Do Not Mix
By Coach Randy Brown

Equal opportunity is deeply entrenched into our work culture in this country. It states that any person, regardless of race, gender or age, has an equal chance to apply for any job they desire. It also states that based on their qualifications, they will receive an equal shot at the position applied for. Not to say this is a perfect system by any means, but the intent is honorable to all who seek employment.

Does equal opportunity apply to the athletic field, court, or arena? This is a sticky area and one that is challenged daily by kids and parents around our country. Important questions exist here: Is each participant entitled to "equal opportunity" when it comes to playing time on the field? Some say yes, some say no.

It's obvious that just being on the team allows all young players to experience the joy of team sports. In the lower grades, 1-4, it is necessary for all kids to have a fair shot at experiences in sports. This specifically means equal playing time and equal opportunity to bat, shoot, or kick the soccer ball. This IS NOT the time to gear your coaching toward winning. Surprisingly, many coaches in these grades DO approach every game as an opportunity to win. I have not problem with that, we all want to win if we are going to compete. The problem comes when winning affects equal opportunity and this is destroying the experience for the kids. Can you imagine a 3rd grader having to stand on the sidelines the entire second half because the game is close and his team has a shot to win? Who are we trying to buffalo here, coaches?

In the later grades, 5-8, there is a natural shift toward player development, execution and patterns of playing time. Again, there needs to be a balance between winning and equal opportunity at these grades levels too. An even split of playing time is not appropriate, but some equality must exist between the best player and the worst.

I've often wondered how many young athletes quit playing a sport because he or she was never given a fair shot. The result is a major missed opportunity to learn all of the valuable lessons that sports so freely give away. How sad is this reality when a 2nd or 3rd grader becomes disillusioned because his coach wanted to win a 2nd grade game more than giving each player a chance to learn, shine, and grow?

The next jump in levels puts us into the high school range of 9-12. Again, I say that that winning has become too big of a deal at these levels as we have seen all over the country. Although the winning/equal opportunity pendulum has shifted even more, there still must be opportunities for all athletes to participate. Many JV program has gone by the wayside unfortunately. This is an example of added opportunity for the young athlete that will not get a chance to compete on Friday night in the varsity game.

In conclusion, it's obvious that the older the athlete is, the less he or she will be granted equal opportunity. The reason is the scoreboard on the wall of every gym in America. American's love their sports and want to win. As long as games are judged by the final score, equal opportunity and basketball do not mix.