Sports Curriculum MBCPR playoffs
- Martinsburg berkeley county parks and recreation has made drastic curriculum changes this fall 2025 season. Canceling playoff games and replacing it with all stars. This information is upsetting to the majority of players and parents, which all expected playoffs just like the past seasons. We should have been notified before sign up concerning changes. If you disagree with u8-u15 soccer, basketball, volleyball curriculum. PLEASE sign this petition so the county can see what its residents desire. BRING BACK THE PLAYOFFS and teach these kids sportsmanship and team work.
- To: Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Youth Leagues
- From: Concerned Parents, Coaches, and Community Members
We, the undersigned, are writing to express our deep concern and disappointment over the recent decision to eliminate playoffs from our youth sports programs. While we understand the importance of inclusivity and participation for all children, removing playoffs undermines the competitive spirit, motivation, and developmental value of youth athletics.
Why This Policy Change Harms Youth Sports:
Playoffs serve a meaningful role in a child’s athletic journey. Their removal creates several negative consequences:
Loss of Motivation: Playoffs give young athletes a clear goal to work toward, encouraging dedication, perseverance, and effort throughout the season.
Reduced Skill Development: Competitive scenarios help build focus, resilience, adaptability and skills that extend beyond sports into real life.
Decreased Accountability: Without stakes, commitment to practices and games can decline among both players and teams.
Unbalanced Sportsmanship Lessons: Children learn valuable lessons from both winning and losing. Removing playoffs eliminates opportunities to experience and grow from both.
Damaged Team Culture: Playoffs help build camaraderie and pride in teamwork. Removing them can diminish team spirit.
Additional Concerns from Parents & Guardians:
Lack of Transparency: Many parents were not informed in advance that playoffs would be eliminated this season.
Informed Consent: Had this information been disclosed earlier, many families might have reconsidered signing up or chosen alternative leagues.
Future Participation at Risk: Parents and players are now questioning whether they will return next season under the current format.
What We’re Asking:
We respectfully request that the decision to remove playoffs from youth sports be reconsidered. We propose:
Reinstating playoffs as they were previously structured
We believe in the value of youth sports and want our children to benefit from a full and meaningful experience. One that includes the challenges and rewards of striving for a championship.
Please stand with us in advocating for a balanced, developmental, and exciting youth sports program. Let’s give our kids the full experience they deserve.
Sincerely,
Parents and Coaches
Coach Polkey u12 soccer MBCPR Contact the author of the petition