Join the Club

Enrolling a child in sports is generally a no-brainer. After all, sports are healthy and exciting, and really, you can't beat the twinge of pride when your child sinks her first free throw. Many local parks and recreation organizations provide an introduction into all types of sports, ranging from soccer to cheerleading.  Teams are designed for all age and skill levels, and the focus falls on sportsmanship and low-key fun rather than tracking wins and losses.

But what happens when an occasional baseball game isn't enough for your son, who lives and breathes for his spot at third base? What happens when your daughter's volleyball skills rival those of Kerri Walsh? At some point, many parents come to realize that their child is ready to stop playing games and start getting serious about a sport. When that moment arrives, it might be time to consider club sports.

For decades, club sports have helped thousands of kids hone their skills and become better athletes along the way.  But club sports are not without a large level of commitment, and introducing your child to club play is something to think about before jumping in head first.  Here's what you can expect:

All is not fair in club sports—and that's okay

Your child is no longer in an "everyone wins" league.  Competition can be fierce, participants must work to earn their spot on the team, and not everyone will get equal playing time.

Brad Bolling is a coach for the Park Hill South Club Rugby Team who makes sure his team members understand their responsibilities.

"We explain from the very beginning that skill level and commitment to this team will determine how much you play," Bolling says. "I know these guys have jobs and friends, but working out and their level of fitness hangs solely on them. They have to put in the time and effort."

Explain to your child that all of his hard work and practice still may not result in the position or place he aspires to. It's all part of the competitive world of sports.

Whose dream is it?

Your child may show signs of being the next big thing in basketball, but make sure it is her heart that's really in it, and not yours.

Kansas City mom Erica Rigdon watched her 9-year-old daughter Paige thrive in recreational cheer for three years before deciding to make the jump into competitive cheer in 2012. Despite the amazing season her daughter had in competitive cheer, Rigdon knows Paige's interests are subject to change.

"For the time being, my daughter adores competitive cheer," explains Rigdon. "This is what she loves to do.  If the time comes when she wants to stop, I would definitely understand and respect her decision."

Commitment is key

Club level sports demand a high degree of dedication from everyone involved, not just the child. Brad Bolling's rugby practices are always open for parents to come and observe, and he encourages support from each team member's family.

Along with your emotional obligation, your pocketbook will also make a commitment to the team. Fees, equipment and travel all add up when it comes to club play. On the positive side, some clubs seem to have mastered the issue of cost by being up front with parents from the get-go.

"I am told at the beginning of the year what my daughter's participation in cheer will cost," Rigdon explains. "There are very few surprises, so I can closely budget expenses for the year and then decide if that works for my family."

Keep priorities straight

Club play offers your child the opportunity to excel at a sport and develop a superb work ethic. But before anything else, your child is a student, and that role should always come first.

"We don't brow beat our guys to have perfect grades," explains Bolling. "But we always tell the players that grades come before rugby. We want these men to succeed in life after sports, and grades are part of that."

Friends for life

One side effects of club play also happens to be one of the best: friendships. Teammates spend a large amount of time with others who share together in strengths, weaknesses, successes and failures. A strong bond is inevitable and beneficial for all involved.

"Paige has so many amazing new friends from competitive cheer, and I love that many of them are from different schools," Rigdon says. "A year ago, she didn't know a lot of these girls, and now they're all best friends."

Competitive club play is certainly not going to be a perfect fit for every child, but for those that do fit the mold, club sports can be an amazing source of camaraderie, determination and special memories that will last a lifetime. And those things are worth their weight in trophy gold.

Kim Antisdel is a writer, sales rep and professional klutz. She and her husband live in Kansas City with two cats and two dachshunds, who long ago established that those with four legs run the household.