When to cut a player?

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I have a player that has missed our first 8 practices. A couple of them were due to a death in the family but a couple were due to her playing rec league ball and one she said she would be at and did not come but no excuse, no text, no call, no email, just a no show. I asked my girls not to play rec ball because we practice during the week. Our first tournament is next weekend and we have two games on Friday night and her mom said she would not be able to make it cause she had a rec league game. Her mom is the rec league coach and told me today that rec league was the first priority. Also they have only played $40 of the $200 team fee and she knew that they would be playing on the team and about the fees since January. Should I cut her so I can start looking for a more dedicated player?

If I don't cut her, should I give her, her uniform and allow her to play before they pay the total team fee? We did not get names on our uniforms so that is not an issue. I've only been coaching tournament ball for 2 years so any advice would be appreciated but I can't believe to many coaches would put up with this.

FYI, all conversation has been with her mother and not with the player.

 

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Find a replacement pronto. If the other girl shows up at a tournament with the remaining 160 dollars, give her the uniform, but play her based on YOUR priorities. Tell the mom that the uniform comes after the team fee is paid.

 

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Can't say that you need to cut her as it sounds like she is not part of your team. No fees, no practices, she might as well be any other player out there in the community.

 

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If you knew nothing of her plans of playing Rec for her mom and her priorities then you have every right to explain your concerns. If they still don't commit to the team and you can't/ or won't work around their schedule then you should remove her and find another committed player. Sounds like some communication wasn't made between parties before this situation as led to this.

 

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C
yesterday...

 

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I agree with Blue_Ice. There's not been a committment here and no reason to prolong the agony. We have a parent/player contract that I've used and shared with others for years that covers all this kind of behavior. The money paid is non-refundable and they are released without prejudice. Do not include her name on any rosters and if they have a change of heart you can remind them they can try it again next season by trying out this fall for next year's team. I don't care if she's the greatest athlete in the world, a life lesson needs to be learned that you have to live with your choices. The team will be better off without their inolvement. If you don't use a contract or agreement of sorts you should prepare one to use in the future. Sure saves a lot of headaches and sleepless nights.

 

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Start looking for another player and don't issue the uniform without at least collecting enough to replace it.

 

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But she will be at the next practice, I'm not lying this time.....

 

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Sounds like a case of CP syndrome. Cut now.

 

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Cutting a player is one of the hardest things to do ( speaking from experience ) but once you do it , it is like a huge weight is lifted off your back ! Be honest with them and don't let them have another chance as it seems to me you have given them plenty of chances !

 

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In this case I would say...Yesterday

 

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Well I did it and if was difficult but judging by the amount of drama that it caused I may have saved myself and the team a lot of drama in the long run.

 

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doesnt sound like a parent i would want around my team.

 

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I think when your player's mom said top priority was another team, then you had all the reason you need to cut the girl from the team. Further, by allowing the girl to play and practice on her time will only kill the morale of your other players, who have to come to practice and sit the bench while this other player gets to play, even if it is for a pinch run or pinch hit. Certainly you don't have to be mean about it, and doing it in a way that does not burn bridges would be the best for both of you.

 

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beings you are asking on this forum should be enough. It's clear you are a fair person and probably to your own demise.

Run Forrest, ruuuuun!

 

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Cut them when you first question it, taking my DD to Dr today after she and a teammate dove and collided over the weekend. Problem is that the center fielder was two steps away watching as it happened if she would have been at practices she would know the coach expects them to dive for anything that was a catchable ball.And the outfielder should always call off the infielder. Sorry to rant but extremely irritated about the lack of participation before this issue.

 

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Hope your DD is OK (and Dr. visit goes well) and yes it is frustrating when you have players who feel they can show up every now and then to practice and then expect to start without putting in the time and effort at practice or at home... Coaches cannot develop players when you have them for 2-5 hours a week. Have to work at home...

 

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P.S. Since when is "rec ball a priority"?

Players seek Tournament Ball as a way to improve their game.

'Sounds to me like the parent wants to keep her in rec ball so that she can control the roster more. (Which would have been an issue had the girl ever showed up for a game for you anyhoo.)

 

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Cut them when you first question it, taking my DD to Dr today after she and a teammate dove and collided over the weekend. Problem is that the center fielder was two steps away watching as it happened if she would have been at practices she would know the coach expects them to dive for anything that was a catchable ball.And the outfielder should always call off the infielder. Sorry to rant but extremely irritated about the lack of participation before this issue.

Hope everything ends up ok for your DD. Always scary when players collide.

 

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Every concern you stated in your original post is a valid concern on your part(coach). I would call the mom up immediately and state your concerns about money and commitment. You probably won't have to cut her as the parent will make the decision for you. Either more commitment or the parent will walk away thus solving your problem for you without cutting her. Get it done yesterday. At least the parent will know what you expect and where you stand on issues. Good luck on your season.