Big handicap events

Originally posted by oldarn [QUOTE=G.R.F.] suggesting to the innocent parents that their average Katie/Johnny could become a Shirley/Ben, then all the well intended money would not have been wasted. Thus instead of destroying thier children's love of friendly Club sailing, Just part of a much bigger subject!

I know plenty of people who were giving it their all as kids and have since
dropped out, but I don't know of a single one of them that regrets what
they did and would have rather spent their time just club racing. I did a
lot as a junior, youth and then when I left that scene I didn't decide
because I didn't make it I'd give up sailing, I enjoy it so I still do it. A lot
of the people that leave sailing that I know seem to go on to windsurfing,
kitesurfing or normal surfing as their main hobby. They all love the water
but they want and all out buzz that doesn't need 20 more people to race
you to create it.

I tell you what, I'll go and ask as many people I'm still in contact with
from the youth scene their exact reasons for not racing anymore, then we
can really get some accurate reasoning.

To what extent parents should indulge their kids is a continually ongoing subject. My four children have all been indulged, within my limited budget. The sailing boy never did squads, thank God, but won a lot and still sails.. The girl made grade 8 clarinet but never played again after starting university 5 years ago. Another boy had a few piano lessons and still plays and my motor racing enthusiastic son now repays my favors to him by taking me to circuits in his car. So, you spend the money give the encouragement and what will be will be. However never apply pressure just provide encouragement.

off subject, RYA coaches are not the problem, parents are.... if you encourage and support that's fine, if you push and cojole, eventually you'll get a backlash... doesn't matter what the sport is; I know quite a few nowadays who moved away from rugby & football into sailing <when teenagers> because they were "sick of hassle" from parents regarding their participation ...

Well, whatever my personal opinion may be regarding squads and the way they douse enthusiasm, they do work, producing stars from a galaxy of average sailors. It's a pity about those left behind with shattered dreams but that is perhaps what it takes?

A mother I know was planning her sons Olympic campagin as soon as he stepped into a Topper, but it all turned to dust. Another boy had to give up sailing when he was 14 because of athletic squad pressure. He is now, at 18, the best GB athlete under 20 in his discipline and looking at the next Olympics. Perhaps these things just have to be done?