I have to get off of CoachT and stop reading all of this nonsense. Each one of you gave your opinion on what you personally want to see kids do, not what's probably actually best for each individual kid.
How about we just let kids play what they want. Let them go after their dreams and do what they feel is necessary to accomplish those dreams. If they want to focus on one sport, then let them. If they get hurt because of over-usage then that is on them. If they want to play multiple sports and they do not sign a scholarship because they did not focus on one sport then that is on them. I knew when I was a freshman in high school what my dreams were and I set goals and I focused on that. I stayed injury free by the way. I also played a secondary sport that did not take away from my primary sport. (And before you say kids don't know what they want or what is good for them at that age, these kids are on their phones with social media everyday making decisions that can help or hurt them. Some are behind the wheel of a car everyday and the wrong decision could hurt themselves or someone else. So, if they are making these decisions everyday, they can decide what sports they really want to play.)
Parents don't force them or push them in a certain direction. Let them tell you their dreams, goals and then help create the best path for them to succeed at that! Don't try to relive your glory years through them or try to create glory years for yourself because you weren't good enough in high school. Be there to support and help, that's it!
High School coaches don't push them in a certain direction and fill their heads with lies! Every coach in every sport is out to win because they are judged on wins and loses. I get that, but, if you are truly for the kids and what's best, support them in their decisions. Don't try to talk them into coming and playing for you just because YOU think they will help you win. I'm sure there are athletes at every school that could help another program win, but if the kid doesn't come and try out or comes to you and asks about playing, then leave them alone!
If you are truly about the kids, then truly be about them and help them accomplish their goals. Not yours!