Tourney Playing Time - Sub Players - WWYD

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I have a dilemna. I have am bringing up 2 girls from our younger team to play because originally a few of my girls said they were out. Now mysteriously they are able to play ( I think sun and 80 degrees is a part of the decision). My plan is to commit to the girls that stepped up to fill in for me and the "late-comers" will be used as subs. They will all play, but I want to send a message about priorities and decision making.

Do I totally alienate my "real" players by sitting them to start game 1?

The kids are 12-14.

 

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The responses that you are going to get on this will run both sides of the gamut. It's a judgement call.

IMO.... you're doing the right thing. It shows that you're not playing favorites and that playing time is earned by commitment. Also, that you, as a coach are being fair and true to your word. You may want to explain this to your players if questions arise, just to clear the air, but I think you're on the right track.

 

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I think if your up front with the players and parents of the regulars and explain that you had commited to the younger players for this game they should be fine with it.

 

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maybe not the whole tournament but i would give younger girls plenty of reps because you did ask them braket play???????

 

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the other question is what will this decision do long-term.... if you have to pull back on your original decision which is tremendously difficult will the trade-off keep your position with the players/parents in a better long term situation? Hmmm, I would seriously consider not playing them but as Scooter said it's judgment and you know your team and situation better. All depends upon how you "set the table" before the changes.

 

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Does this situation cause you to question how committed these few girls are for the "long-haul?" Just a tought.

 

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Thanks for all of the feedback. There is no doubt that there are commitment issues. I am planning to stick by my guns and use the girls who stepped up for me. Hopefully the situation will be a teaching lesson for the others. I will explain to all before we play what my plan and rationale is and quite frankly I hope it sparks some conversation and potential unrest amongst the team and parents.

 

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Good for you Jim! If they are only committed on warm sunny days then maybe this will get them thinking about the next tournament! ;&

 

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How I have handled it is, if I have to pick up players, they are going to play and they are going to play alot. Because next time I need someone they will be willing to come if they know they are going to play. The girls that missed, will drop to the bottom of the list in terms of playing time.

They made a commitment and should stick to it. This has worked for me, I just don't think its fair to ask a kid to fill in and bring them to a tournament and sit them all weekend. Would you want someone to do that to you?

 

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I totally agree that if players and their families have responded to your request for help in ensuring a roster, those players should get tons of PT. How much time the team members who have come late to the contest should get depends upon their particular circumstances. If someone has, for example, recovered more quickly than expected from an injury, I'd try to work her in more than a player who is suddenly available with no explanation of why she couldn't commit earlier.

 

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Looks like I now have 11 of "mine" so I will not be using the others.

 

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That may be the best outcome for you. No chance of "issues"