Need Advice

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My 10 year old son plays on a tournament travel team and has been on this team for 2 years. The season ended the last week of July. My son now rolled into football season and now practices 4 nights a week and games on Saturday. So we get 2 days off in total.

So I get a call from his tournament coach asking if my son is going to do his "fall clinic"
I asked what the fall clinic was and he says " well the boys will come to my house and work out in the backyard 2x a week until mid-october. He said he will work with them on huitting and fielding and the cost is $150.00. I explained we were not interested as we have a football commitment. I also expressed my concerns such as weather, coach is always late or misses events, and why would a coach charge his players to work out with their coach?. I also reminded him that we have never done this before and he plays football every fall.

I was basically just told if my son doesnt pay and do the clinic he will not see the field (1st basemen) at our Labor Day tournament coming up because it shows hes not a committed player.

What does everyone think? Am I wrong?

 

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I would look for a new team for your son, This **** has to STOP!! These are kids for crying out loud and for me personally I'm real tired of hearing about Coaches giving them a choice of "do what I say any time I say it or you won't play"
These kids should play as many sports as they want to as long as they don't override each other, today your kid wants to be a lawyer tomorrow he/she wants to be a Doctor there to young to make them stick to one thing let them discover who they are, don't let a coach tell them who they are. sorry I might have got off the point a little just getting tired of this kind of ****!

 

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My 10 year old son plays on a tournament travel team and has been on this team for 2 years. The season ended the last week of July. My son now rolled into football season and now practices 4 nights a week and games on Saturday. So we get 2 days off in total.

So I get a call from his tournament coach asking if my son is going to do his "fall clinic"
I asked what the fall clinic was and he says " well the boys will come to my house and work out in the backyard 2x a week until mid-october. He said he will work with them on huitting and fielding and the cost is $150.00. I explained we were not interested as we have a football commitment. I also expressed my concerns such as weather, coach is always late or misses events, and why would a coach charge his players to work out with their coach?. I also reminded him that we have never done this before and he plays football every fall.

I was basically just told if my son doesnt pay and do the clinic he will not see the field (1st basemen) at our Labor Day tournament coming up because it shows hes not a committed player.

What does everyone think? Am I wrong?

I'm in agreement with you, why is this coach charging his own players. His job is to advance their skill set anyways. Seems really fishy to me. What expenses could he possibly have to charge $150, especially if they are being held at his house. Maybe he's looking to add a pool in the spring?

Is this a new coach to the team or are you new to the team? I encourage other sports (12u). There is no way these girls know where their true passions lie to begin with, heck most of them have trouble deciding what clothes to wear on the first day of school. I imagine boys are similiar. Football is huge for boys this age. I don't understand why he doesn't see that.

Good luck. Sounds like you have a decision to make.

 

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Firstly, what's a "son"? We only talk daughters...

Anyhoo, the coach can't expect 100% commitment to his team 12 months out of the year. There has to be an allowance for other sports - especially school sports. Players needs other sports to stimulate physical development, and to avoid the burn-out that occurs by playing only one sport.

As for charging a fee, I'd say that should have been included in the team fees that are collected in the fall for the entire year.

And the blackmail is another issue. There are other baseball teams out there, right?

 

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Based on what you said...find a new team $150 to practice

 

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Kelly:

Can't imagine charging for practices. And while our multi-sports players are usually able to make Sunday commitments to softball, if they can't it certainly isn't grounds to dismiss them from the team. Besides, our Sunday commitments involve actual games. It's not like you and your husband can't or won't have some baseball work with your son during the fall.

I think the coach is dead wrong in his approach. Now you unfortunately have to decide whether it is best for you son to leave the team (probably an emotional roller coaster for him) or stay despite this craziness.

 

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I'm not a fan of coaches who charge their own players extra for instruction. That is just crazy and I would never pay it.

 

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Demanding he participate in a team practice in the off season sounds motivated by the money that is wanted for the time. A self imposed "Clinic" by his own coach in his backyard for 150?? Wonder what the head of the organization would say about it.. and if there is ever a time to look at other teams it is when your coaching staff pulls the "shady" card and backs you into a corner in exchange for playing time! Good luck with everything..

 

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At 10 years old, do what is most important for your 10 year old, not his money grubbing baseball coach. I would err on the side of diversity, multi-sport development personally, at that age. And if he REALLY likes football, it is not even a question, in my mind. Football can be grueling, and requires focus, also, so it would be a LOT to even entertain doing both. No right or wrong answer, just YOUR (and your son's) choice. Not a lot of opportunities to play football in various communities, usually a lot of choices for baseball also.

BTW, the baseball situation may be a fine one, with a coach who works his butt off developing the kids with RVP and guest intructors, or he may be Derek Jeter for all I know. Hard to say for sure he is "off his rocker", he can do what he wants and select those that are totally committed to his program, no issues there ..... but it is asking a LOT at that age. It is ultimately your choice, just don't have regrets.