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Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
There's only one slight problem with that which I came into contact with when discussing this with "D". When the team started in 2014 (when I was an AC), she played on that team (we used local HS uniforms, she chose #11 as well), and then played in 2015 (also #11, custom uniform). She has already pulled the "I've played with you longer" card, which I responded by saying, "That's because the other player wasn't eligible to try out because of her age" (which is true - the current #11 was not eligible until 2016). So basically she'll be down to three options:
A.) Let the team pay the $41 for a new top with a different number chose by "D"
B.) She can try to "buy-out" the new player for the old number (I doubt that'll happen)
C.) She can not play, since I've already said I won't have duplicate numbers.

As much as I would love to have her athleticism, I will not have her attitude and do not need her to play. I'll go 0-12 with ability over 12-0 with ego any day. Call me crazy but I coach with integrity and values. It's how I was raised and it's how I will coach until I can coach no more.

I appreciate the "integrity and values" comment. I agree with that philosophy 100%. As far as the rest, if the player wasn't eligible to play, she has no rights to the number, in my opinion. If she is not eligible, she can't have seniority.
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
I've made everything above very clear to her. Is my compromise appropriate or should it be more "Take it or leave it" regarding the matter?

I'll lean towards the take-it-or-leave-it option. You've made your policies very clear about uniform numbers and offered an option. Her father is a long-time friend and involved with youth sports. If he can't tell his DD she is SOL because of HER decisions it's not up to you to cater to her whims. Great life lesson here. You don't always get what you want and your decisions can have consequences.

You are the HC. If you cave on this issue you'll give the impression you'll allow yourself to be manipulated with a little pressure. Your stance is not only for the current situation, but for the future as well.
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
I see where this idea can come from, but I'm not a fan of it because I don't want to punish the other player for something she was not subject to dealing with. I figure there's about 4 months until the start of the season/practices, etc, so there's time still. Even "D" recognized, in her own words, she was "being a little b***h about the matter", but she tends to get easily frustrated, insecure, and it shows very openly. Usually time and approaching things rationally works with her, so that's what I plan to do.

I meant the only other option other than seeing if the player was willing to give up her number for player D and the one you came up with:)
 
Jun 1, 2015
500
43
I has one of these last year. Give her a choice and put it on her - another number or another team.

Not even "another team" in this case, because we're the only team in this town that plays in this league. So it'd basically be another team or nothing, and granted sure, she could argue she doesn't have to play, and she's fully within her right to do so, but she'd definitely face a lot of backlash for starting, then stopping, then starting again, then stopping again all because she couldn't get her number/way when she rightfully knows she lost that chance and is pissy over it. Welcome to the real world - get used to it.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Players and parents need to know that becoming emotionally attached to a number is not a good thing if your DD ever has to change teams. There are also no guarantees in HS or college.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
Hopefully this is just being dragged out on this board and you are not actually going back and forth with her about this.

If she is not going to play because she can't get her number back good riddance.
 

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