Understanding your role

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How important is it for coaches in travel ball and high school ball explain to the athletes and parents what their role will be on the team? We have had different situations over the years and prefer a coach to tell us up front before the season starts how our DD will be used (starter, backup, 3rd starter, etc). Are travel ball coaches more obligated to explain due to players fees?

 

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Coaches that have open dialog with their players and parents have a much better retention of players. This specifically includes player Roles.

I try to be as conservative as possible with roles, as expanding the role builds confidence. Without warning, you never want to reduce a player's role.

 

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Try to be as upfront and honest as possible. As a coach you have a pretty good idea what your plan is and how each player is fitting into place. Parents my not like your opinion, but for the team it is your opinion that determines the field. Some players are capable of playing many positions, and this is a good thing and can add variety and options for the team. But in certain situations some players are best suited for certian positions for the "teams best" chances to advance.
If a parents is determined their daughter will play a certain position ONLY then they may not be suited for your team or have the best interest of the team at heart.
But if you are upfront on your goals and objectives, there should be no miscommunication.

 

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Very good responses both David Anderson and Ramsftbl. I think it is important at every level to be honest and upfront with athletes and parents that help create sucessful organizations. When I was coaching it was guidelines that I tried to keep and your right, as roles change, communication should be just as important. Thanks for the imput and good luck this year.

 

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Blazer441, It is very important for a Head coach to let players, Parents and team as a whole know what is expected out of his team and what everyones role is . My daughter is not in High school yet ( one more year ) but I would hope that a coach would be up front with me even if it was something I didnt want to hear . Good luck this year and I will see you around at some tourneys.