- Feb 3, 2011
- 1,880
- 48
Your situation isn't as bizarre as you might think. In fact, are you sure you're not me??
A lot of softball people have varying definitions of what 'manager' means. Some define it like they do in MLB, where the manager is the field general, while others define it as the person who is in charge of more of the off-field stuff, though not necessarily a Team Mom/Team Dad, which is usually the person who sets the snack schedule and orders the socks and banner, etc.
In our rec league, a member of each team's staff must be an adult female. She could be the head coach, the manager, assistant manager, Team Mom, whatever. She just has to be there. But like your league, the 'manager' has different roles on different teams.
In response to her direct complaints, if there is time and space available, suggest that she run a supplemental defense-only practice for the girls. If she has other good ideas, work them into your practice plans. There's nothing wrong with her wanting to be heard in an effort to influence some things the team is doing.
There is some merit to the continuous batter order concept - seen more often in 8u around here - and I'd even thought of using it with my 10u team this year. But then my best hitter got hurt and 2 of my players demonstrated that they were going to do the exact same thing each time they reached the plate, regardless of whether they were batting 1-2 or 9-10.
Without knowing anything at all about the personnel on your team, I know that you're right not to rotate every player through every position. Safety is the primary concern, but beyond that, you want to allow players to learn and become proficient at their own pace.
One hard-and-fast rule that I have is that I won't play anyone at 1B who cannot catch. I'm only a 10u coach, but would hold the same rule for 8u on up.
You're also correct in not over-coaching during in-game situations. Some people - like the person you're describing - feel that coaches need to be saying something every single moment of every single game. I think those people are nuts. You're giving them as much as you feel they need when they need it.
I'm puzzled that you guys have had 7 games, but only 4 field practices. I'm also puzzled by the fact that your manager thinks that now is the time to make wholesale changes in how your program is run. I think you should let her know that you appreciate all her support with the team, but while you'll gladly entertain her feedback and suggestions, you will be the one making all the final decisions about who plays and bats where. There is no doubt that the person who spends the most time with the team and doing stuff for the team should be the one making those calls.
Be firm and be direct. Communicate clearly with her and then go lead your team to a fun remainder of this season.
A lot of softball people have varying definitions of what 'manager' means. Some define it like they do in MLB, where the manager is the field general, while others define it as the person who is in charge of more of the off-field stuff, though not necessarily a Team Mom/Team Dad, which is usually the person who sets the snack schedule and orders the socks and banner, etc.
In our rec league, a member of each team's staff must be an adult female. She could be the head coach, the manager, assistant manager, Team Mom, whatever. She just has to be there. But like your league, the 'manager' has different roles on different teams.
In response to her direct complaints, if there is time and space available, suggest that she run a supplemental defense-only practice for the girls. If she has other good ideas, work them into your practice plans. There's nothing wrong with her wanting to be heard in an effort to influence some things the team is doing.
There is some merit to the continuous batter order concept - seen more often in 8u around here - and I'd even thought of using it with my 10u team this year. But then my best hitter got hurt and 2 of my players demonstrated that they were going to do the exact same thing each time they reached the plate, regardless of whether they were batting 1-2 or 9-10.
Without knowing anything at all about the personnel on your team, I know that you're right not to rotate every player through every position. Safety is the primary concern, but beyond that, you want to allow players to learn and become proficient at their own pace.
One hard-and-fast rule that I have is that I won't play anyone at 1B who cannot catch. I'm only a 10u coach, but would hold the same rule for 8u on up.
You're also correct in not over-coaching during in-game situations. Some people - like the person you're describing - feel that coaches need to be saying something every single moment of every single game. I think those people are nuts. You're giving them as much as you feel they need when they need it.
I'm puzzled that you guys have had 7 games, but only 4 field practices. I'm also puzzled by the fact that your manager thinks that now is the time to make wholesale changes in how your program is run. I think you should let her know that you appreciate all her support with the team, but while you'll gladly entertain her feedback and suggestions, you will be the one making all the final decisions about who plays and bats where. There is no doubt that the person who spends the most time with the team and doing stuff for the team should be the one making those calls.
Be firm and be direct. Communicate clearly with her and then go lead your team to a fun remainder of this season.