It has become an autumn ritual in the United States: each week, high school and college students flock to football fields to watch their teams compete. Often they are joined by parents, who are less interested in the game itself than in the exploits of one or two particular players. This year my son Brandon, a ninth grader, decided to go out for the JV team; so I am now a far-from-impartial observer of the strategy employed by his coach during the games.
I have been able to attend two games so far this year. In the first, the opposition piled up an insurmountable lead, and Brandon got to play the last series (merely watching the other quarterback run out the clock). The second game was much more evenly matched; his team won on a last-minute touchdown. But Brandon didn't get into the game at all. Earlier in the game, when the other team was ahead, I actually found myself hoping they would increase the lead so Brandon might have a chance to play. Admittedly he is not a great athlete. However, it seems to me that anyone who takes the time and effort to attend practices should be allowed some playing time, especially at the high school JV level. How is a player supposed to enjoy a victory if he had nothing to do with it?
Vince Lombardi once said, "Winning isn't everything -- it's the only thing." That may have some validity in the pro ranks, where the team's income depends in large part on their won-lost record. But schools are supposed to educate and train their students, not exploit their abilities. It doesn't take much coaching skill to select the best players and use them for the entire game. It's more difficult, and much more rewarding, to find ways to substitute less-gifted players into the lineup while remaining competitive. (And this can be done with careful planning. For example, if the new offensive line has trouble blocking, keep your best receivers in and use short, quick passes. If the new cornerback is slow, be sure there's a fast man on his side to provide double coverage.)
Our society has become obsessed with winning, not realizing that in any competition there will be as many or more who don't win. I believe a high school coach should be an educator first and a competitor second. And if that's the case, what lessons should that coach try to impart? Life lessons, I would say. In your job, your family, and your community, you will often be part of a team with strengths and weaknesses. Instead of complaining about the weaknesses, try to use the strengths to best advantage. Be appreciative of individual achievements and forgiving of mistakes. Then you won't have to win in order to feel good about the outcome.