Practices

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May 15, 2011
126
16
What are your thoughts on having open or closed high school softball practices in relation to parents attending. A distraction to the players? Thanks.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
What are your thoughts on having open or closed high school softball practices in relation to parents attending. A distraction to the players? Thanks.


If players lack the discipline to focus in practice because parents watching, they are doomed when it is time to compete. From what I have seen closed practices are the refuge of an insecure coach. The best coaches are more than happy to open a practice. The poor coaches will come up with all kinds of excuses but it comes down to a lack of confidence. If a coach has an issue with a parent they must deal with it decisively yet politely and set the expectations for the rest. Safety is paramount and parents have every right to expect to watch a practice with their minor child so long as they stay quiet and maintain decorum.
 
Mar 23, 2010
2,019
38
Cafilornia
Parents aren't typically a problem, boyfriends can be another story. Just remember, you get what you settle for.

And now this important message from OILField......
 
Dec 4, 2013
865
18
I think indoor/outdoor is a factor. Outdoor I have no problem with a parent watching. Indoor we practice in a relatively small basketball gym. I don't think its appropriate for parents in that setting. Too close, danger and distraction. Imagine 15 sets of parents lining the walls. Yikes!
 
Last edited:
Oct 22, 2009
1,781
0
OPEN.

I had to babysit most of my DD's practices after she begin to tell me about the inappropriate conduct between the coach and some players.
 
Feb 3, 2011
1,880
48
Safety is paramount and parents have every right to expect to watch a practice with their minor child so long as they stay quiet and maintain decorum.
I don't fully trust anyone, including teachers or the people at her church. There should be nanny-cams in both.

Parents have a right to watch their young children practice, but I understand why that may not always be feasible in a small basketball gym. For softball, however, there should be ample space for parents to be able to watch in a way that's not much of a distraction to the kids at all.
 
Dec 4, 2013
865
18
I don't fully trust anyone, including teachers or the people at her church. There should be nanny-cams in both.

Parents have a right to watch their young children practice, but I understand why that may not always be feasible in a small basketball gym. For softball, however, there should be ample space for parents to be able to watch in a way that's not much of a distraction to the kids at all.

I gave my answer with older kids in my mind. I think with younger kids the parents should definitely be there no matter where the practice is. The kids probably want them there as well.

As kids get older I don't think they would want there parent at practice. I know I wouldn't want my parents there when I was in high school! Game day is where you get to watch your child perform.

Where is the line drawn? Can you sit in on team meetings and classroom sessions? Do the parents have clearances? That would be a big concern of mine when adults are in close proximity of the kids. Can you sit and watch your child in math class? I think a good well structured practice is similar to a class where kids are learning skills. What if "Susie" needs a lot of help everyday. Gets a lot of 1 on 1 attention because she isn't grasping the skills. Is that fair every parent gets to see Susie's learning troubles? "Boy Susie must have a learning disability, coach has to explain everything to her 10 times"

All of my parents have my number and I'm always accessible to them. I talk, text, and meet wth parents regularly. I don't think they should be in an intimate learning environment with the kids everyday. Again, outdoor practice or an indoor with plenty of room with a safe parent section at some distance from the kids I think is fine!..........But then again, what do I know! :confused:
 
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Jul 10, 2014
1,283
0
C-bus Ohio
Open, but discouraged (assuming Jojo's situation isn't occurring). Maybe practice is the only time they get to see their kids play, So open for that. But high school kids should be independent enough to get through practice without the helicopter parent hovering. Make it clear that parents must not interrupt (including, but not limited to coaching from the stands) practice for anything less than a family emergency.
 

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