When Lakes High School coaches, players, and fans were asked about their perspective on coaches playing favorite in sports- there was a wide variety of answers on the topic. I got a lot of feedback that I agree on and discovered other people’s point of view.
Defining Favoritism
When Coach Kory Eggenberger was asked how he defines favoritism he replied, “I define favoritism as not being fair to everyone and they are not being fair compared to others.” One way he tries to make things fair during football season is to, “make sure everyone has an opportunity to show what they can do,” explains Eggenberger. “We have different stations in front of coaches to show what students can do.”
And then I asked him the big question.
“Have you ever show favoritism in sports?”
Coach E shared that this question gets asked a lot. “I do play favorites in sports. My favorites are the ones who get their work done in class, who are respectful in the classroom always on time. So, yes, I do play favorites,” said Coach E.
I really liked how he put this, and it made lots of sense to me. I can also agree on the perspective that the students who are respectful inside school and on the field would be my favorite too.
“Can you define favoritism?” Lakes High School parent, Evone Jones was asked. “I define favoritism as how much more somebody likes somebody compared to others,” she responded. Jones’ son, Deonte Jones, is a player on the Lakes Football Team and shared about her son’s experience.
She described seeing their son experience favoritism at school. “I haven’t personally gone through favoritism, but my son comes home and tells me about the coaches and what they do and to him, yes, favoritism has happened.”
Does Favoritism Cause Students to Want to Quit?
When Jones was asked if her son ever wanted to quit after experiencing what he felt was favoritism, she responded. “Yes. My son did. But he had a conversation with the coaches.” Jones explained that after her son spoke with coaches, things did change.
Now, after hearing the point of view from a parent and a coach, I have thoughts on this are the complete opposite from being on the field and seeing from the stands. Me personally, I do not see there being a change between the parents and coaches point of views. Because coaches will coach, and parents and fans will have to watch.
