Team rules

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Every team has "team rules" that are known from the beginning. My question leans toward the consequences end of these rules. I am curious as to the consequences you have for girls that miss practices (outside of certain "excused" absences). In season, if a girl makes the decision to miss a practice due to something that could have been scheduled for another time or something in which they "volunteered" to attend in lieu of practice, the consequence is the bench for a game. Normally we stick to a little extra running during preseason.

Generally speaking, this is usually not a huge problem for us, however I like to get feedback from others to see if there is a better way to handle the situation when it arises.

 

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I would advise to be flexable as to what you define as excused absences from the viewpoint of a parent. Obviously some things shouldn't take priority over a player's commitment to the team and it's rules but if a parent pulls a kid from practice they generally feel they shouldn't have to justify what and why they are doing with their own child and as long as this isn't a constantly happening thing I'd say roll with it. Just a bit of advise so coaches and parents get along well.

 

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I have found that rules like this for the most part are ineffective. If you explain to the players what the ground rules are in the beginning and you remain honest and consistant with them then they will self police themselves. Competition is a wonderful thing.

The key is finding a groups of players who take their team and the game seriously enough to make it a priority. This way if they miss a practice for some reason, they know that they have some work to do to catch up. They tend to find a way to make it up because they do not want to fall behind. Remember you do not coach parents you coach players.

 

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In the past years, my girls never wanted to break the team rules. Why? You have to ask them. We have a little game we play.... Is anyone cold? Well a little running will warm you up.. Is anyone tired... well a little run wil get you blood pumping...

Now... is anyone cold? NO COACH is anyone tired?... NO COACH.... and then everyone would laugh and begin their warmups.. This is a ritual for our team. But if anyone says Yeah, I am cold or I am tired... they run. (seriously)