I personally feel your pain "everyday". Why?--because I was on the path that your son appears to be on "by your account." I was made to believe that education comes first but in the real world of "high power sports/money/fame"--it just wasn't practical. In my opinion, it is your son who will need to know and believe that his education comes first. This is not to say that all coaches only have "winning" as a priority. I say this wholeheartedly because all it takes is one "serious" injury and your son's future "sportswise" could be over in a flash--just like mine. Everyone loves a star--but only when he or she shines. The point: don't confuse admiration with consideration.

Just my two cents worth and the motivation that keeps me going.

Communication is key to this issue. A good coach will instill that the childs education should come first. As the parent you should also instill that a talented player, will only go as far as his/her talent will take them...BUT, an educated / talented player can go even farther.
It is a mind-set....one that need to be reiterated.

I just wanted to comment on your refreshing question. A lot of people are always focused on getting their child to the next level. I'm glad to see your priority is education. Good for you.

As a coach myself, that is not an issue. I would imagine if the sports are school related that the coaches get some type of report from the school for academic eligibility. I coach for a community league so I don't, but if a parent were to come to me during the season and let me know that their child was having problems with school, my policy is that they would not participate. I extend that policy for behaviour issues as well. If it is important for the parent(s), then it is important to me to support them. Fortunately I have only had to sit one player ever. I make sure that my players and parents know my policy at the very first practice and have them sign a player contract to that effect.

I'm sure if you talk with the coach they will understand and work with you. Most of us are more concerned about our players becoming responsible young adults. Hope that helps.

The main thing that all parties involved need to realize is that we (coaches, parents, role models, teachers, instructors...etc..etc) are the ones who need to be proactive. All parties need to communicate, so that nothing is neglected.

Everyone who has responded on this question has added something of value. I write this second time to make my intentions clear. That is, education is king! I'm 55 and have spent over half my life in school. In fact, I finishing my last class in law school this very moment. That being said; I also intend to bring an element of realism to this board. Sports are not all fun and games 'although, that should be the intent!' There are sharks out there waiting to bait your child for "monetary gain" only! The NCAA has just made it "legal" to recruit your child as early as the 7th grade. I was recruited in the 6th grade over 40 years ago. Child actors get paid and no one is sqawking about that. However, your child will work his fanny off for the love of the game to make some fat cat a big pay day. I'm for these kids getting paid ALONG WITH GETTING EDUCATED....period. Believe me, they didn't lower the "tampering" age because the NCAA wants scholars...it's all about dollars. We need to understand that. And--of course, I'm only speaking to those with the aspirations of going pro. Yes, education is king because the average CAREER last somewhere betwee 5 -10 years if you're lucky.

Peace.

The simple answer is it starts and ends with you and what is important in your home. Coaches are charged with teaching the game they coach and instilling values accordingly. While we would love for all coaches to hold academic education above results on the field, personal integrity happens at home.

What the coach isn't telling you "outright" is: "In his/her judgment," he/she considers the ones on the varsity team to be better suited for the job "currently." If you have a great attitude then it's your skill level that probably made the difference. If there are truly too many guards, then someone did have to go and the coach had to make a choice....unfortunately. My advise is to prove him/her wrong by having a great JV year. It happened to me: recruited to start 4 years varsity as a freshman for Verbum Dei High but was FORCED to play freshman for Serra High who couldn't even beat Verbum Dei--the CIF Champions 4 years straight! DON'T GIVE UP....WORK HARDER AND GET BETTER. I got the last laugh--sort of: 8 tournaments 8 trophies (mvp or all tournament) and MVP of my lousy team as well. That would be the last full year of competition (age 15). The next and last time I was able to play again (an entire season): age 21 (sophmore for Long Beach State JV team)...then i retired!

Again, I intend to bring only the truth here and nothing else...the things young athletes need to know before its too late and, hopefully, stress the importance of their education! As Ron Espinosa said: personal integrity happens at home "unless the home has no integrity!"--that's another real story..............

Peace