Realistic Goals

Saw an old friend yesterday with his young Son.  This is a man who I have always respected, and usually takes my thoughts right out of my head.  He told me that he had signed BF up for lacrosse, and what a mistake it was.  BF hated it, and didn't want to play.  My buddies statement to me was, "Hey, don't blame the boy, it was me who signed him up.  It was my fault".
Hugely realistic statement made by a hugely realistic Dad.  Good job TF. 
Point is, know where you are going here with your expectations.  Parents, your Sons and Daughters will be heading off to CIS, OHL, NCAA, or a local competitive camp very soon now.  Summer is now truly in it's final stage.
I'm hoping that all you athletes in your off season, have trained hard.  I'm hoping that you have not disguised hard work with workload, as most athletes do.  I'm hoping that you are physically and mentally ready.  I'm also hoping you are scared stiff.  Yes.  Because that  means you care.
But, I am also hoping that athletes, and more importantly, athletes parents, are realistic with their projections.
If you have been drafted to an OHL team in the 10th round, congratulations.  You are better than I ever was, or probably 95% of males your age.  I truly mean what I just said.
However, when that first pass doesn't connect, and you blow a defensive zone coverage, you're done.  Yes I know, it's not fair.  But it is what it is.
When you show up to a Western Mustangs Football camp as a kid who has been recruited, but played for a small town fotball program, you have one chance to impress.  One wrong route, one dropped ball, and you're done.  The kid that comes from the city, who knows the coach is in.
These two situations happen all the time, and is so discouraging to the athlete because He/She may be deserving of a chance, but it never happens.
Then of course, there are the kids going from a Midget situation up to Jr. A, B, or C.  Unfortunately what happens here, is that unrealistic goals are set.  So many kids are just not good enough.
As an athlete, I always say to my guys/girls to examine the field.  If you truly believe that you are 70% as good as the best person out there, then brutally intelligent, hard work can make up the rest.  But if you're not good enough, hard work, unfortunately cannot make up the difference.
I hope that since April, your 40 time and 20 yard shuttle are down.  I also hope that since April, your 1RM Squat, Deadlift, and Bench have improved along with your anaerobic recovery time. ( I'm talking to all athletes going into their seasons in August and September )
However, athletetes, don't set yourself up for dissapointment.  And parents, don't put your child in a bad position.  Try your hardest, and after that, who the heck cares.
Anyone out there going to camps of some sort, let me know.  It's an exciting time of year.