Remember when the holidays revolved around family?  Having little commitments made it easy to go away, visit extended family, and enjoy a relaxing vacation.  In high school, it seems the value of family and the holidays is somewhat overpowered.

    Winter break can be consumed of early morning practices and possibly even games.  Has the value of family and the celebration of religious beliefs been lost?

    School guidance counselor and parent of a former Scituate High School student athletes, Mrs. Hoffman said, “Basketball definitely got in the way of family vacations, and not only one vacation, but two.”  With her daughters now in college and no athletic commitments, they can now enjoy a family trip this holiday season.

    While for some sports may create difficulty and inconvenience, especially for the family unit, sports are also a commitment you are willing to make at the start of each season.

    “It gets in the way, but sports are fun to play so it’s worth playing and staying committed,” said junior Kate Conley.

    Freshman Ryan Loftus was in agreement when he said, “Yes they do get in the way, but if you’re dedicated then you need to go.”

    Signing up to take part in a sport is more than signing up to play, it is signing up to be a part of a team, which requires total effort, heart and, dedication.  It is frowned upon by coaches and teammates to miss practices, even more frowned upon to miss games.  As much as a sport  is a time commitment for the players, it also requires a lot of the coaches’ time and lives.

    Former girl’s varsity hockey coach and math teacher Ms. McGlynn said, “When you commit to a sport you commit to the vacations.  It’s hard on coaches and players, but it’s part of being on a team.”

    She has now stepped down from the position to spend more time with her family, and have a more flexible schedule, although the decision was not an easy one.  Does the strong commitment have an effect on potential players as well?  Do teams lose players as a result of tough schedules, and lack of free time?

    Sports at the high school level require a certain amount of dedication, competition, and heart in order to build a successful team, but where should the line be drawn between commitment and the value of family and the  holidays?  It is up to you to balance your life, values, and schedule, and it is your decision whether you allow sports to occupy your time and efforts.  High school sports only last so long, enjoy all you can with them while the time permits.