I coached on a fairly high profile baseball program. Like every other coach I would get the frequent playing time calls. Here is one of my favorites (names changed to protect the guilty):
Mommy: Hi coach this is Mommy Dearest. I'm a good Christian (oh crud, the good Christian card, this isn't going to be high praise about that hit and run I called to win the game) and it pains me to ask this but I was wondering if you would start Johnny in the championship game today. His uncle is coming to the game and this is really special because we only get to see him every other week (OK I'm exaggerating...a little).
Me: Mommy...you do realize this is the championship game right? If I start Johnny over Timmy what do I tell Timmy's parents?
Mommy: (in a huff...good Christian losing out to Devil in a Blue Dress) I don't really CARE what you tell Timmy's parents. YOU are the head coach. YOU figure out what to tell them.
Well I DID tell Timmy's parents what I needed to tell them...Timmy's starting
Anyway...after much thought I suggested to DD's 18U coach that he try one of three solutions I have dreamed up as follows to playing time complaints:
1) $100 appeal fee, just like in tournaments. Wanna gripe...fork over $100. And just like in tournaments, the play stands and you are $100 poorer.
2) All complaints about playing time are discussed in the presence of all parents (might need to hire security).
3) Playing time complaints will result in the player being benched for the entire next game.
Any of the 3 will work. Glad I no longer have to implement ANY of the three though.
Mommy: Hi coach this is Mommy Dearest. I'm a good Christian (oh crud, the good Christian card, this isn't going to be high praise about that hit and run I called to win the game) and it pains me to ask this but I was wondering if you would start Johnny in the championship game today. His uncle is coming to the game and this is really special because we only get to see him every other week (OK I'm exaggerating...a little).
Me: Mommy...you do realize this is the championship game right? If I start Johnny over Timmy what do I tell Timmy's parents?
Mommy: (in a huff...good Christian losing out to Devil in a Blue Dress) I don't really CARE what you tell Timmy's parents. YOU are the head coach. YOU figure out what to tell them.
Well I DID tell Timmy's parents what I needed to tell them...Timmy's starting
Anyway...after much thought I suggested to DD's 18U coach that he try one of three solutions I have dreamed up as follows to playing time complaints:
1) $100 appeal fee, just like in tournaments. Wanna gripe...fork over $100. And just like in tournaments, the play stands and you are $100 poorer.
2) All complaints about playing time are discussed in the presence of all parents (might need to hire security).
3) Playing time complaints will result in the player being benched for the entire next game.
Any of the 3 will work. Glad I no longer have to implement ANY of the three though.
