This is a very important message for your child’s future. A new rule change by the NCAA means your child, with a little pushing and probing from you, can become a collegiate and possibly professional athletic star.

A few days ago, the NCAA changed a rule that will now allow college basketball programs to begin officially recruiting kids as young as 13.

So when you drop little Sparky off at school and see grown men in collegiate shirts talking on cell phones, know they’re scouring for talent.

And if young basketball players are any good, they’ll head to the NBA at a young age too. The top players in college only stay in school for the mandatory one year before jumping to the pros.

But it’s not just basketball teams that are going younger kids. Gymnasts start trying out for the Olympics at 12 (and if they’re Chinese, competing in the Olympics at 12). Tennis players are considered old by the time they’re 25.

So I’ve decided to help those who want what’s best for their child in an athletic sense.

First, process the sex of your child.

I have three daughters, which puts me behind the 8-ball right from the start.A female athlete’s earning capacity is not near as high as a male’s. That brings me to step two.

But I’ve made up for quality in quantity. I’ve got three girls, ages 4, 2 and 6 months. Three girls should equal one boy if they all turn into pro stars, which they will.

Next, identify their athletic skills. My 4-year-old is tall and lean and loves to dance. There’s no money in dancing, but I think she’ll be a good gymnast, and there is definitely money in that at the Olympic level. I’m thinking Mary Lou Retton.

My 2-year-old is a firecracker, into everything. She’s quite aggressive and loud, perfect for a softball or soccer player. I see the Mia Hamm route for her.

I’m a little disappointed in the 6-month-old. I just can’t get a good read on her — she is too sweet and quiet. I hope I can pigeonhole her into a sport before it’s too late.

Now my work is done. Using my method, you now should be able to determine the gender and number of children you should have to maximize earning capacity. You should also be able to determine which sport to push them into.

The second part of the program will be directed by Marv Marinovich, the father of former USC and Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Todd Marinovich. I encourage you to look him up to see how to properly groom your child prodigy towards greatness.

Jeff Edwards is the Sports Editor for The Democrat. He can be reached at sports@natchezdemocrat.com.

mocrat. He can be reached at sports@natchezdemocrat.com.