Parents ever stopped to ask if that coach even has a solid softball background/resume?

[coachtomv]

Had a conversation today about organized softball and requirements vs for example High School.
We hear all the time that this coach is great, that team is great, play for this organization, etc. But have any of you parents ever stopped to ask if that coach even has a solid softball background/resume?
How many coaches do not even have a background check to coach or could pass one?
We always had our coaches sign up for the USA Softball "ASA" certifications. At least there they had a background check done and had access to good coaching materials, etc. To be a High School coach in Ohio you need much more that that.
But, we will go to an <insert org name> team just by reputation or from a tryout and let them coach our kids?
Having coaches put up their resume, and continued education in the sport , speaks volumes about that team and the org. If a coach is not continually learning, how do you expect them to teach your player?
There are bad coaches all over the place, lets at least take them to task on being better or stop coaching. The great coaches do these things and your kid's experience will reflect it.
My 2 cents.

 

[CARDS]

Had a conversation today about organized softball and requirements vs for example High School.
We hear all the time that this coach is great, that team is great, play for this organization, etc. But have any of you parents ever stopped to ask if that coach even has a solid softball background/resume?
How many coaches do not even have a background check to coach or could pass one?
We always had our coaches sign up for the USA Softball "ASA" certifications. At least there they had a background check done and had access to good coaching materials, etc. To be a High School coach in Ohio you need much more that that.
But, we will go to an <insert org name> team just by reputation or from a tryout and let them coach our kids?
Having coaches put up their resume, and continued education in the sport , speaks volumes about that team and the org. If a coach is not continually learning, how do you expect them to teach your player?
There are bad coaches all over the place, lets at least take them to task on being better or stop coaching. The great coaches do these things and your kid's experience will reflect it.
My 2 cents.

Well said,

Over the years we all have heard about the coach that was in the sport for the wrong reasons and seemed to pop up with a different organization year to year.

Some organizations do require professional development from their coaches or, have at least a couple certified coaches within the organization.
The ACE / USA training not only helps give coaching credentials it also provides insurance. https://www.teamusa.org/usa-softball/play-asa/youth/ace-coach-education-program

NFHS has some free courses and paid courses to help develop coaches and get coaching accreditation. https://www.nfhslearn.com/

OHSAA requires HS coaches to get PD, background checks/pupil activity permit so there is an investment into the coaching at that level but there is also compensation.

Most of the experienced travel ball / High School coaches also tend to be part of professional organizations like NFCA where they can grow their skills and help their players and organization with having connections at all levels of play.
These coaches also attend conferences that help improve the game and their coaching. Having worked many NFCA camps I was blessed to meet a ton of quality travel ball coaches from around the US as well as make many college connections to help our organization/players.

Coaching training not only helps build the coaches ability to coach or, instruct hands on or with the players softball IQ in the classroom it helps with networking or making connections with other coaches to share ideas and grow the sport in a positive direction.

 

[CARDS]

Looking at the TRYOUT section...WOW...Most of these post leave the reader with more questions than answers...
Competitive team playing a strong schedule holding tryouts 12U. Come play for us, doesn't cut it... Same with the ones whose team accomplishment is non parent coaches...

There is a difference in the established teams and the newer or less experienced organizations with transparency with financials, past and future events played in, record at high level events or even low level events, current roster who you got coming back? coaching credentials, fall schedule, training, players helped to move on to the next level is lacking in many post...

I have to shake my head when you see NEW team forming more info to follow come out to our tryouts or, looking for 12/14u pitcher…must have 3 pitches and hit corners…I shit you not…that is what the tryout said….

 

[Passion4theGame]

The whole “Non-Parent” pitch is becoming a crock real quick.
Who cares if the coaching staff is made up of parents? If they have been coaching and love the game that’s what matters. If they know the sport and know how to bring an athlete up mentally when their 0-7 and just struggling. Or if an Athlete booted a few balls and lost confidence and you coach her back to believing and finishing the game strong for the team.

I love this game and every single pitch I coach it with passion and love. When my daughter is finished and her and her teammates are off to college I have a plan to coach with her and one other. Gonna be a blast!

everyone should require Background check or some sort of certificate/ background check.

 

[CARDS]

The sad part is many great non parent coaches were at one time parent coaches and now organizations or teams think it’s a plus to put non parent coaches on their tryouts. Like you I have been both, parent coach and non parent coach and you know what…doesn’t change a thing on how I approach the game… I will say we do need more coaches parent or non parent but both experience the same issues until they gain experience (3 plus years). Our organization experimented with college ladies at 16 u for two years. While they did have some success we had more problems/ complaints than from any other team. Honestly I feel it’s best to start at 10/12 and work your way up with the group and that was our mistake for putting them at an older age group. Letting the new coaches start out With the younger teams allows time for development and growth of coaches and players…but just to say Non parent coaches really doesn’t mean anything….