Some Volleys in the Debate Over Year-Round Sports

It should not be too hard to imagine that our competitive edge in scientific and intellectual endeavors would be enhanced greatly if children like Annabel Dostal would spend the time she spends practicing soccer studying and preparing for an academic scholarship. Not only would she come out with a usable degree, but her future would be much more assured and not dependent on staying uninjured and not fading too early.

Does one really wonder why we are so far behind in the world race?

Sports are fine, but to invest so much of a youngster’s time in such an iffy endeavor seems ill thought out at least and borders on criminal when pushed too hard by ambitious parents.

HARALD R. BECKER, MD, Orange