I'll now speak as a HS Coach. In my opinion, if I have created a HS team and have coached them for 34 games, 3 hour practices everyday we don't play with the exception of Sunday and then I were asked if a player could play TB, I'd say sure and give her her release. (I have done it.) I'll coach another kid and try to make her a player. Conference, Regional, Sectional, and the State Tournament are all on the line and one injury can ruin everything for all of the team and not just the injured person. I am not asking them to come to HS practice during the summer TB experience and would suggest that if they did and a key player got hurt, all of the parents of the TB Team would be beside themselves as their tournament play would be impacted. I expect the same courtesy and in my state, it is against the rules. We have Missouri 20 miles away and so, they play HS ball in the fall. So, a player can skip HS and play in Missouri in the spring. Great.
Aside from TB what other athletic activities do you take exception to during HS softball season? It seems most HS coaches view any TB participation during the HS season as a clear and present danger to their program. But I have yet to hear a HS coach speak out against the multitude of riskier recreational activities. If injury prevention is the true motivation I would think any activity beyond a brisk walk while chewing gum would be off limits. What am I missing?
Understand that I have no issue with any coach taking a stance of "My Team - My Rules". That is a coaches prerogative and if you do not like it that is your decision. Someone else will take your place. But there is not need to justify that stance under the color of injury prevention.
Last edited: