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You’ve signed your kid up for a non-UIL sport. Now what? Here’s what to do when your kid is in a non-UIL sport and needs your help.
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Introduction
If your child is interested in playing a sport that is not part of the University Interscholastic League (UIL), you may be wondering what your options are. There are many non-UIL sports programs available for kids of all ages, from Little League to AAU basketball.
The first step is to research the various programs in your area to find one that is a good fit for your child. Once you have found a program, you will need to sign up and pay any associated fees.
Your child will then be able to participate in practices and games with other children who are interested in the same sport. This is a great way for kids to stay active and make new friends.
Non-UIL sports can be a great option for kids who are not interested in UIL sports or who do not qualify for UIL competition. With so many programs available, there is sure to be one that is right for your child.
The Pros of Non-UIL Sports
There are plenty of great things that come along with being in a non-UIL sport. For one, you don’t have to worry about the commitment that UIL sports require. You can also save money because you won’t have to pay for things like uniforms and equipment. Non-UIL sports can also be more relaxed and fun. Let’s take a look at some of the other pros of non-UIL sports.
They can still compete
Just because your child’s sport isn’t under the UIL umbrella, doesn’t mean they can’t compete. In fact, many non-UIL sports are quite competitive. Some examples of non-UIL sports include Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Trap and Skeet, National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), and many more. These programs hold state and national competitions that your child can compete in.
So, if your child is passionate about a non-UIL sport, there are still opportunities for them to compete and excel at a high level.
They can learn new skills
When your kids are in a non-UIL sport, they can learn new skills that they may not have had the opportunity to learn otherwise. They can also learn how to work as part of a team and how to handle failure. These are all important life lessons that can help them in the future.
Non-UIL sports can also be a great way for your kids to meet new people and make new friends. They can also learn about different cultures and lifestyles if they are playing with kids from different backgrounds.
In addition, non-UIL sports can be a great way for your family to bond and spend time together. You can cheer on your kids from the sidelines and give them encouragement. You can also help them with their skills and strategies.
They can get scholarships
Your child may not be a superstar athlete, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get scholarships for playing sports in college. In fact, non-UIL (university interscholastic league) sports are a great way for your child to get scholarships.
According to the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA), more than $1.3 billion in athletic scholarships were awarded to students in 2017-2018. And of that, $490 million went to students who participated in non-UIL sports.
So, if your child is interested in playing a sport in college, encourage them to explore all their options, including non-UIL sports. Here are some of the pros of participating in non-UIL sports.
They can get scholarships
The most obvious pro of playing a non-UIL sport is that your child can earn an athletic scholarship. While UIL scholarships are more common and tend to be larger, there are still plenty of opportunities for students in non-UIL sports to get scholarships. In fact, according to the NCSA, more than 20% of all athletic scholarships awarded each year go to students who participate in non-UIL sports.
Some colleges are known for their strong programs in certain non-UIL sports, so if your child is interested in a particular sport, encourage them to research colleges with strong programs in that sport. They may be able to find schools that offer significant scholarship money for their chosen sport.
They can still compete at a high level
Just because your child isn’t participating in a UIL sport doesn’t mean they won’t be able to compete at a high level. There are plenty of opportunities for students in non-UIL sports to compete against other talented athletes. There are also many state and national competitions for non-UIL athletes. So, if your child is looking for a challenge, encourage them to consider a non-UIL sport.
They can focus on one sport
If your child is interested in specializing in one particular sport, encouraged them to consider a non-UIL sport. Because UIL schools typically have rules that limit how much time student-athletes can spend practicing each week, it can be difficult for students who want to focus on one particular sport to get the training they need if they’re only participating in UIL sports. However, there are no such restrictions onnon-UIL athletes, so if your child wants to focus on one particular sport, encourage them consider pursuing it outside the UTL
The Cons of Non-UIL Sports
While non-UIL sports are a great option for kids who want to participate in a sport but don’t want the competition or commitment of a UIL sport, there can be some downsides. One con is that non-UIL sports often don’t have the same level of structure or organization as UIL sports. This can mean that practices are less frequent or well-organized, and that there are fewer opportunities to advance to higher levels of play.
They can get injured
Whether it’s a knocks to the head in football or constant shin splints from running cross country, the potential for injuries in any sport is always present. However, because non-UIL sports lack the standardized rules and guidelines of UIL sports, the potential for injuries is often increased. This is due to a number of factors, such as coaches who are not properly trained in injury prevention or lack of safety equipment.
They can miss out on opportunities
Though non-UIL sports are still technically a part of high school, they can often be treated as lesser than UIL sports. This can be seen in the way that they’re funded, how they’re talked about, and the opportunities that are available to athletes in UIL sports. Because of this, your child could miss out on opportunities if they choose to participate in a non-UIL sport.
For example, if your child is a talented soccer player, but their high school only offers UIL football and track, they may not have the same opportunities to be recruited by colleges as someone who attends a high school with a UIL soccer team. While your child can still participate in club or travel soccer outside of school, they may not get the same exposure to college scouts as someone who plays for their high school team.
In addition, non-UIL sports often don’t have the same level of competition as UIL sports. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your child’s goals. If your child is looking to compete at a high level and potentially earn a college scholarship, they may be better off playing a UIL sport. However, if your child just wants to have fun and isn’t as focused on competitive play, non-UIL sports can still be a great option.
They can be left out
Your child could be the best player on the team, but if the sport isn’t UIL, she won’t have a chance to compete for a state championship. In addition, UIL schools can’t offer scholarships for non-UIL sports. So if your child is hoping to earn a college athletic scholarship, she’ll need to participate in a UIL sport.
How to Help Your Kid When They’re in a Non-UIL Sport
If your child is playing in a non-UIL sport, it can be difficult to know how to help them. You may not be sure what their goals should be or how to train them. Non-UIL sports can also be less competitive, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your child’s personality. Here are a few things you can do to help your child succeed in a non-UIL sport.
Talk to them about their goals
You know your child best, so you’ll be the best judge of how to have this conversation. Some parents find it helpful to start by asking their child what they love about their sport. From there, you can inquire about their goals for the future. It’s important to encourage your child to set realistic goals and to talk about the role that dedication and hard work will play in achieving those goals. You may also want to talk about the importance of balance; even though their sport is important, it’s also important that they make time for other things in their life, like school and friends.
Help them find a good team
If your child is interested in playing a sport that is not affiliated with the UIL, you’ll need to do a little research to find a good team. Depending on the sport, there may be different levels of competition, so you’ll want to find a team that is the right fit for your child. You can ask around at your child’s school or check local community sports leagues.
Once you’ve found a team, make sure to attend practices and games to support your child. cheering them on and providing encouragement. You can also help out the team by volunteering to be a coach or team manager.
Help them train and practice
Your support is essential, but so is their need to take initiative in their training. You can offer suggestions and help them find resources, but at the end of the day, they need to be the one doing the work. This will not only help them be successful in their chosen sport, but it will also teach them responsibility and discipline – two essential life skills.
In addition to physical training, mental preparation is also key. Help them set goals and create a plan to achieve them. This could involve anything from studying game footage to learning visualization techniques. Once again, your role is to support and guide – not do the work for them.
Conclusion
So, you’ve decided that your child wants to participate in a non-UIL sport. You may be unsure of what this means for your child and their future. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, don’t worry! Non-UIL sports can be just as beneficial to your child as UIL sports. They provide an opportunity for your child to stay active and healthy, while also teaching them important life skills such as teamwork and dedication.
Second, there are a few things you can do to help your child succeed in their non-UIL sport. Be sure to encourage them to practice regularly, set goals with them, and help them find a good coach or team to participate with.
Finally, remember that participation in a non-UIL sport is not an indicator of your child’s future success. They can still go on to have a successful career, regardless of whether they participate in UIL or non-UIL sports.
