default
Member
I'm sure that in some cases, the parent is the reason some kids are not asked to return. I can't speak for the original poster, but I know in my DDs case, my spouse and I behaved ourselves to a "T". We sat back, watched the game, cheered for the entire team (even when our DD was on the bench) and NEVER spoke in a negative way about the coach to any other parent or our DD. We didn't want to be "those" parents. If we had something that we didn't understand/agree with, we discussed it between the 2 of us and if we felt the need, my spouse would contact the coach at some point during the week. I believe this happened only 1 time the entire summer and the coach agreed with us and admitted that he had been wrong, but had been feeling pressured by another parent to play their child. Keep in mind, we were not addressing playing time, we were addressing a strategy issue (see topic on how many pitchers to use during a game).
As far as my kid goes, anybody that has ever coached her (including her coach this past season) will say that as far as attitude goes, they wished they could have 12 of her on their team. She's always positive, upbeat and if not in the game, she's the loudest one cheering them on from the bench. She's not a stud player - just a good kid who gives 100% all the time and loves the game....and she's pretty decent on the diamond.
The organization that my DD played for last year has a pretty good reputation and we were very happy when she made the team last year. She really enjoyed herself, she liked her coach, and the other girls were great. She was really looking forward to playing with them next year, but thanks to the politics within the organization and the need to put the kids of friends on the team regardless of ability, those hopes were squashed (she was told at the tryout that there MIGHT not be a place for her this year).
The sad thing is, the coach doesn't have the guts to call and give her a definite yes/no (we know others who tried out who have been called). He's just leaving her hanging with a little shred of hope even though we know it's a NO.
My request to coaches is this.....grow a pair and be honest and upfront with your players. If you know they aren't going to be welcomed back the following season - tell them before they waste their weekend at your tryout when they could be going somewhere else where they may be wanted. Don't be cowards and sit back and just hope they don't show up so you don't have to deal with it.
Sorry for my rant...Can you tell I just hate it when the so-called adults screw over the kids.
that is Just DIRTY Pool !! Hanging onto a Kid ...But found something else he liked maybe ?? sad...