I don't know how common it is outside my school, but in school, it's like, a very important aspect in almost all the sports we play. =D
I remember when I signed up to join the school Basketball team a couple of years ago, I thought I was decent enough and could help them, but when it came to our first match, I was overwhelmed, so I said I needed to get a drink, they let me for some reason, and then I ran off and didn't come back. So, I commend you if you see something through to the end. =D