Players being held hostage

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I think a lot has to do with the way things are handled when a player decides that they want to move on. I have had parents come to me after two games at the beginning of the season and ask to be released, they did it in a respectful manner, explained their reason(s) for the request, etc.. and I have not batted an eye at wishing them well, giving them any refund I could squeeze out (even taking back new unused spiritwear).

I have even had parents leave in the mid season because their DD was not going to be afforded the opportunity to get as much playing time as they had hoped or time at a specific position. I can't say that they received a refund mid season, but if they had worked one of our tournaments they got their share of the profits(refund).

I have even had kids leave early in the winter, looking for a better tournament schedule or a higher caliber of talent. So be it!! As someone stated earlier, it is all about the kids (at least it is supposed to be). In this case they got all but their security deposit back, but they were all released to pursue whatever they wanted.

Now if it is a week before the season starts and you are now left with only 8 or 9 players, then shame on you for leaving your team shorthanded to begin with. Too many coaches like to run a 9 or 10 player roster, expect maximum effort, and play an aggressive game and think they will make it through the season without injury.

 

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Contact the sanction(s) - they'll usually release the player.

About 3 years ago, I overheard a conversation between an obviously irate parent, and the regional director of a sanctioning body. The parent was inquiring about what their rights are to obtain a release. The RD explained that it's between the two parties (Parent/team), and the sanctioning body would not intervene on anyone's behalf. As a last resort, the RD recommended going the legal route if their wishes still could not be met.

Not advocating in favor of this, as I feel that if a player does not want to play for you, there would be no valid reason to keeping her from playing elsewhere. Just stating what I overheard to be the stance that the sanctioning bodies take in these kinds of disputes.

That's one case. SoCal ASA and others have been the opposite - they've violated their own regulations by releasing players that owed money and/or hadn't returned team gear. It's obviously going to vary by sanction and whom you contact. Start at the local level and, if necessary, work your way up.

 

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You're going to have to excuse my ignorance on this one, so humor me please. Does someone really cross check a database somewhere to see if a kid is really on a roster somewhere else? If so how is that daunting task done? I know kids that play in the same tournaments for different teams in the same weekend, or different tournaments with different teams in same weekend, or different tournaments in two age groups in same weekend, or are picked up to play in World Series at the end of the year all the time without ever being "released"

It depends on the sanction, type of event and TD. Sanctioned championship play events usually require a signed roster at check-in that is printed off their system and may require a player ID card too. You might get a replacement card, but you can't get the player on the roster without somebody releasing them. Other events (e.g. unsanctioned, showcases and/or non-qualifiers) are usually loose regarding rosters.

ASA only requires the previous team be finished with championship play for a player to be eligible as a pick-up player. At that point, all the players are released.

 

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Jay,
I understand what you are trying to say, but what if the breach is by the organization/team? For example they promise a certain schedule at try outs, then deliver something completely different? Just saying it is not always the player/ families fault. I think it also depends on whether all the expenses are paid, like if uniforms have not been ordered then that should be refunded. Anything already spent is not in question.

JMHO

Andrew, the problem here is that people lie: some coaches lie to land a player (which is stupid) and some parents/players lie about their true feelings and intentions (which is hurtful to the team and other candidates). I try to be very upfront and honest on my expectations and plans for the team. I don't promise playing time or positions. I may tell a player/parent where I project them to be, but positions and playing time are performance based. We can disagree on how I evaluate the performance based on subjective and objective criteria - everyone is entitled to their own opinions and viewpoints. Certain players/parents are only looking out for themselves and they will say whatever they need to in order to get what they want at that time. Some of them "wear the blinders" and are delusional in my viewpoint. I have little to no patience for such people and try to identify and avoid them as much as possible. I am far from perfect, but I try to take the long view and I appreciate folks who are honest with me.

 

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Andrew, the problem here is that people lie: some coaches lie to land a player (which is stupid) and some parents/players lie about their true feelings and intentions (which is hurtful to the team and other candidates). I try to be very upfront and honest on my expectations and plans for the team. I don't promise playing time or positions. I may tell a player/parent where I project them to be, but positions and playing time are performance based. We can disagree on how I evaluate the performance based on subjective and objective criteria - everyone is entitled to their own opinions and viewpoints. Certain players/parents are only looking out for themselves and they will say whatever they need to in order to get what they want at that time. Some of them "wear the blinders" and are delusional in my viewpoint. I have little to no patience for such people and try to identify and avoid them as much as possible. I am far from perfect, but I try to take the long view and I appreciate folks who are honest with me.

I agree with you that playing time should never be promised. If someone does that should be a major red flag. I also believe in honesty. What a player commits to ie travel schedule and practice schedule they should live up to. I also believe that the team needs to live up to what they promise as well. It is a 2 way street.

 

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I agree with you that playing time should never be promised. If someone does that should be a major red flag. I also believe in honesty. What a player commits to ie travel schedule and practice schedule they should live up to. I also believe that the team needs to live up to what they promise as well. It is a 2 way street.

Well stated!!! The problem is the few who are only in it for themselves (coaches and players).

 

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I agree. If some kid is told this is ur team. This is ur coach, then u are booted to a "b" team for reasons not related to performance, I think u have every right to leave. hell i think they breached contract and u should get some money back. Regardless of money, if a kid got screwed over by a team and left before spring tourneys then release the kid. Is someone's ego that big that they can't fathom the idea that someone left their team that they have hold up a release and play immature games....

I cannot stand it when coaches hold players hostage by not releasing them off there rosters. Coaches it's about the kids not you.

 

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Wow Ren, never thought of a scenario like that. I thought our DDs tried out for teams, not organizations. If a kid is placed on one team in an organization, they should stay on that team unless it is mutually agreed upon to switch. If a player is forced to join another team in the org, I feel a 100% refund would be in order and immediate release if thats what the player wanted.

 

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Yep... Couldn't agree more Fly!!!!!

Wow Ren, never thought of a scenario like that. I thought our DDs tried out for teams, not organizations. If a kid is placed on one team in an organization, they should stay on that team unless it is mutually agreed upon to switch. If a player is forced to join another team in the org, I feel a 100% refund would be in order and immediate release if thats what the player wanted.