Written Analysis 4

Written Analysis #4

            The time clock reads 00:00 and a final score is displayed on the scoreboard.  A reporter waits by the locker room to talk to the star player of the game and at the end of the interview he smiles and says “I love you mom!”

            Most professional athletes have a common story behind their success.  Some enduring hardship to obtain their goal while others travelled a road paved with success from the very beginning.  Everyone started out young discovering a talent and love for their respective game.  As they developed these skills through youth leagues and other organized sporting events, some had coaches or parents who helped them along the way and idolized a former player, wishing they could “be like Mike”.  At some point in time, a professional organization recognized their talents and the individual moved into higher level of athleticism with increased expectations, notoriety and responsibility.

We tell our children to work hard, practice, and stay focused on their dream.  They are also encouraged to view current players as examples of success, study playing styles and even behaviors from which to refrain.  Unlike movies, songs, games or television shoes, there is not a concrete formula for becoming a professional athlete.  There seems to be a basic progression from youth to school organized sports transitioning into college and then the professional level.   

In years past, having a degree or attending college were not required for the pros.  However, this has changed with the NBA and NFL implementing rules that govern age and amount of time after high school graduation before one is eligible for the draft.  The National Football League requires player to have at least three years of college experience, while the basic rule of the National Basketball Association stipulates that only a year must pass after high school completion before entering the draft.  It is noted that athletes are encouraged to spend this year in collegiate level sports.  In contrast, MLB, NHL and ATP players are not mandated to have any additional education before beginning their professional careers. 

I hope that by learning more about the mandates for player eligibility into the world of professional sports, I will be able to see the reason behind these guidelines and promote these organizations encouragements for young people to seek their education while playing sports.