Coaches,
I'm brand new to this forum and I thank you in advance for any advice or opinions. I am coaching a 10U rec team in upstate NY and I have a situation I could use some advice on. I have a few kids on my team with commitments outside of softball (dance, chorus, etc). Am I wrong to expect commitment from the girls on my team? I have already had parents messaging me about Suzy will have to miss practice on this day for reason X and Jill will miss this day Y reason...I made a comment at my first practice about how the kids that show up every day and put in the work are the ones that are going to get the most game time. I don't see it as fair for a full time participant to have to give up game time for part timers who think other activities are more important. I had a parent approach me at a school function just today trying to convince me (with his 20+ years of coaching experience) that I can't punish kids for missing practice because they don't have a choice in the matter. As if little Suzy didn't ask to sign up for dance and then two weeks later ask to sign up for softball.
I am asking if I am in the wrong by expecting the girls on my roster to be committed to the team and show up for all practices and games and to reduce playing time for those girls that are not committed to the team.
Thanks.
I'm brand new to this forum and I thank you in advance for any advice or opinions. I am coaching a 10U rec team in upstate NY and I have a situation I could use some advice on. I have a few kids on my team with commitments outside of softball (dance, chorus, etc). Am I wrong to expect commitment from the girls on my team? I have already had parents messaging me about Suzy will have to miss practice on this day for reason X and Jill will miss this day Y reason...I made a comment at my first practice about how the kids that show up every day and put in the work are the ones that are going to get the most game time. I don't see it as fair for a full time participant to have to give up game time for part timers who think other activities are more important. I had a parent approach me at a school function just today trying to convince me (with his 20+ years of coaching experience) that I can't punish kids for missing practice because they don't have a choice in the matter. As if little Suzy didn't ask to sign up for dance and then two weeks later ask to sign up for softball.
I am asking if I am in the wrong by expecting the girls on my roster to be committed to the team and show up for all practices and games and to reduce playing time for those girls that are not committed to the team.
Thanks.