daboss
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Rather than refer to a specific team, organization, or player/parents let's make the entire thread to look at this issue as hypothetical. I know this rings clear that others have mentioned bits and pieces be hypothetical but just for giggles let's look at it with all of the above ideas being true. In my opinion; unless there is a disciplinary reason for the benching the coaching staff should be bending over to make this situation work for the player. Also, if an injury is hindering the coaches decision to play the kid I believe it best to consult the parent first, then approach the college rep's and inform them of the current situation. Perhaps the kid is cleared to play 1st base but her arm is sore and can't pitch. those kind of things can easily be explained and understood. Maybe a bad sprain of an ankle is keeping her from running or walking. Again, explainable.
The one thing that is not acceptable is have any member of the coaching staff laugh off a player and leave her on the bench. As a coach, if I am aware of a college staff being there I made it a point to get every girl on my roster into the game and possibly noticed. Why assume the 1 is the only player being noticed? Give them ALL some exposure and who knows what might happen. NOW; how do you handle the planned disciplinary action against a kid and suddenly you are faced with the posibility that college coaches are in the stands? I believe the nature of the need to discipline should be examined. Let's use the scenario that she cut a tourney or a league game the week/weekend before as offered in another post. As a coach I don't want to squander any opportunity for any of my players to be noticed. Is this a chronic issue from the same player? Is it isolated? I would attack the problem by confronting both the player and the parent available. Point out how as a team we are getting these chances because the team merits being looked at, not just your daughter. You may have helped draw some attention to your daughter but the environment this team plays is why they have decided to come watch now and not when she might be competing with her school team or a Rec program. They need to be aware of the unknown and that's the point made that you are always being watched! There really is no down time, especially when competing at the tourneys you have on your schedule. Tell them they need to consider this all the time and not just because it's convenient this time. If the response is positive, I'd lift the sanction against the kid and give her a chance to showcase herself and impose the discipline at another time------------this time. If it happens again, you simply know I will personally tell a coaching staff that you won't be participating and why. No need for them to waste their time with an unruly player that doesn't believe she needs to be held to the same standards as others. Then let's see if the attitude in the dugout is one of a positive nature or she continues to sink her own ship by her actions off the field. Great players know how to accept responsibility for their actions. Some of the greatest amateur players of all time have been disciplined at one point or another but they do it with a humbled dignity and remain a supporting force while on the sideline.
Bottom line: if their heart is in it for the right reasons, let them play. Coaches, stay on course and remember this is about the kids------------all the kids. It's never about you. The coaching staffs are not judging your coaching ability. They need players, team players.
The one thing that is not acceptable is have any member of the coaching staff laugh off a player and leave her on the bench. As a coach, if I am aware of a college staff being there I made it a point to get every girl on my roster into the game and possibly noticed. Why assume the 1 is the only player being noticed? Give them ALL some exposure and who knows what might happen. NOW; how do you handle the planned disciplinary action against a kid and suddenly you are faced with the posibility that college coaches are in the stands? I believe the nature of the need to discipline should be examined. Let's use the scenario that she cut a tourney or a league game the week/weekend before as offered in another post. As a coach I don't want to squander any opportunity for any of my players to be noticed. Is this a chronic issue from the same player? Is it isolated? I would attack the problem by confronting both the player and the parent available. Point out how as a team we are getting these chances because the team merits being looked at, not just your daughter. You may have helped draw some attention to your daughter but the environment this team plays is why they have decided to come watch now and not when she might be competing with her school team or a Rec program. They need to be aware of the unknown and that's the point made that you are always being watched! There really is no down time, especially when competing at the tourneys you have on your schedule. Tell them they need to consider this all the time and not just because it's convenient this time. If the response is positive, I'd lift the sanction against the kid and give her a chance to showcase herself and impose the discipline at another time------------this time. If it happens again, you simply know I will personally tell a coaching staff that you won't be participating and why. No need for them to waste their time with an unruly player that doesn't believe she needs to be held to the same standards as others. Then let's see if the attitude in the dugout is one of a positive nature or she continues to sink her own ship by her actions off the field. Great players know how to accept responsibility for their actions. Some of the greatest amateur players of all time have been disciplined at one point or another but they do it with a humbled dignity and remain a supporting force while on the sideline.
Bottom line: if their heart is in it for the right reasons, let them play. Coaches, stay on course and remember this is about the kids------------all the kids. It's never about you. The coaching staffs are not judging your coaching ability. They need players, team players.
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