default
Member
I'm still trying to figure out what kind of team you are coaching. Is this a rec league team or a select/travel level team. If rec, what is the philosphy of your rec organization. I've coached in rec leagues where the league wanted the players rotated through different position so they can get experience as all positions. I don't agree with that completely, but I do think if a player has had a chance at playing all positions, they will have a better understanding of the game when they finally settle into their 1/2 primary positions. That should probably start happening by 12U. If rec....you have to follow the philosophy of your league. Communicate that to the parents and let your league coordinator know what you are dealing with. That should help keep you coaching with the league
If this is a select/travel level team, I would talk with your parents one on one. Pull the ones aside that you believe have issues and simply talk to them about the team and your philosophy and their daughter. They may not like what you have to say, but it will give you piece of mind and help you get through the season. I've coached a couple teams with horrible parents. Trust me, it will start to grind on you if you ignore it and eventually you will find yourself dreading practices and games. I'm a big believer in communication. I would rather over communicate than under communicate....especially when it comes to expectations!
For travel ball it's nice that the tournaments are primarily set up with round robin games the first day or so. Our parents know that more players will get more playing time during these games. Our parents also know that when we get into elimination play, we will play the best 9 girls on the team and sub when needed, but we play to win. Our girls know that they have to earn their spots on the field and that means working hard in practices and showing improvment.
If this is a select/travel level team, I would talk with your parents one on one. Pull the ones aside that you believe have issues and simply talk to them about the team and your philosophy and their daughter. They may not like what you have to say, but it will give you piece of mind and help you get through the season. I've coached a couple teams with horrible parents. Trust me, it will start to grind on you if you ignore it and eventually you will find yourself dreading practices and games. I'm a big believer in communication. I would rather over communicate than under communicate....especially when it comes to expectations!
For travel ball it's nice that the tournaments are primarily set up with round robin games the first day or so. Our parents know that more players will get more playing time during these games. Our parents also know that when we get into elimination play, we will play the best 9 girls on the team and sub when needed, but we play to win. Our girls know that they have to earn their spots on the field and that means working hard in practices and showing improvment.