By Lizzy Tsuang
Circulation Editor
On the court, swish. Off the court, buzzers.
Costa students have found an alternative to playing the game they love while still being involved in the same community through scorekeeping for Manhattan Beach Youth Basketball.
MBYB is a recreational basketball program for boys and girls from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are over 2,000 participants, volunteer coaches and around 60 scorekeepers, most of whom are Costa students.
“We wanted to further involve kids in the program, so we offered the scorekeeping jobs to local kids,” scorekeeper advisor Ross Kay said. “It was a much better alternative to hiring parents or a third-party company, which we had done in the past. The kids are compensated, and they learn teamwork as they are always working with partners and take on a great deal of responsibility.”
For many students, this is their first job experience. Students apply online, and there are no requirements. During games, students work in pairs with one person controlling the scoreboard and the total score and the other keeping record of individual points and fouls in the books. The scorekeepers are assigned to games of all ages.
“It’s just nice to know I’m helping out in some way,” sophomore Holley Osborne said. “I’ve gained a sense of responsibility and urgency because my tardiness can affect the game.”
According to senior Erin Winnett, scorekeeping has not only improved her work skills, but it has also provided her with a new perspective on the game. She has been scorekeeping for two years.
“The best part is watching the kids get intense during the games and realizing how much it means to a lot of them,” Winnett said. “It has made me more responsible and focused, and I appreciate the fun that the kids have. I want to make sure these kids get the credit they deserve for scoring.”
Angry parents and irritated crowds come along with the work, but Kay believes that it is beneficial to expose the scorekeepers to the working world, an opportunity they would not be able to attain otherwise.
“Youth sports sometimes bring out the worst in people, so the scorekeepers have been confronted with adversarial people,” Kay said. “While we hope it doesn’t happen too often, those situations do provide some life lessons.”
Senior scorekeeper Devon Feaster learned about the people who make games possible for the players.
“I have a newfound respect for referees,” Feaster said. “I no longer argue with them during my own games.”
To senior scorekeeper Alex Graves, the benefits of scorekeeping stretch beyond the court and affect students in school and extracurricular activities. Not only do scorekeepers have the opportunity to be involved with a sport they are passionate about, but they also connect with the community.
“I love basketball, and MBYB has always been a part of my life,” Graves said. “I enjoy working for the MBYB community. I have gained a lot of responsibility, and it keeps me on my feet in school. I also learned to be professional, which will help in the future when I have a job.”
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