gossip in the rumor mill

[coach james]

My team is falling apart at the seams because the girls are constantly bickering at each other through the social media. Name calling and back stabbing galore. Things like " Hey Sally I heard that Jenny was talking crap about you!!!" Now Sally and Jenny are fighting and causing a major division in the dugout... Its so bad that two girls quit last night. I'm considering closing up shop, and calling it a day. Tired of the nonstop drama

 

[MTR]

Not trying to be a smart-rear, but you are dealing with teenage girls. I don't think there is any way you can avoid the drama.

 

[guero_gordo]

Then they grab girl B's phone while it's unlocked and block girl C's instagram or kik, so A can watch B and C fight, gosh what fun...

 

[Amy in AZ.]

It is no wonder that coaches have rules about not mentioning the team or a teammate, on social media.

These girls seem to have other interests that they are putting before softball.

 

[Eric F]

As the father of a 15yo DD, I know this drama far too well. They're BRUTAL, and the veil of protection (not being face to face) offered by social media only amplifies the cruelty. I've seen some truly disgusting things said between "friends".

I suggest it's time to lay down the law. Your girls are a team and need to behave like a team. Bashing each other on social media will not be tolerated, and if it does happen, they should be punished (sit out, etc.). They don't have to love each other, but there needs to be some respect between teammates.

 

[PGSAKen]

Cut your loses. If you KNOW the source cut them. If you do not keep only the girls and families you KNOW you can trust and start over.

If its allowed to dissolve the team before you do itll dissolve your reputation and ability to coach next.

 

[Comp]

When my daughter got to college her coach immediately told every member of the team he didnt want to see any deragatory comments on any social media, he and the coaching staff had to be "friended" on all accounts so they could monitor content and he never wanted to see any pictures of any of the team with red solo cups.

Her senior year an incoming freshman learned the hard way. She was making negative comments on twitter about the team and coaches. The coach called her in and told her the comments were to stop. No sooner had she left the coaches office than she got on twitter and made a comment about how no coach was going to tell her what she could and could not post. It just happened the team was flying out that afternoon for a tournament several states away and the girls parents were already on the road driving to watch. The team was driven to the airport in the team bus and as the players got off the bus they were handed their airline tickets. When this particular girl got off the bus the coach told her to get right back on because she wasnt going anywhere with the team and they would have further discussion when he returned. I know the coach allowed her to stay on the team, but being as my daughter was a senior I dont know if she returned the next year.

 

[CoachKevin]

Yup it happens all the time. 1st meeting with the new team, "OK ladies first off, I expect each and every one of you to respect each other as ball players. You don't have to be best friends off the field, although that would be great, but once you step onto the field respect each other and respect this team."

I would talk to the girls you know and trust about who is the bad seed... then deal with it.

 

[CoachKevin]

Yup it happens all the time. 1st meeting with the new team, "OK ladies first off, I expect each and every one of you to respect each other as ball players. You don't have to be best friends off the field, although that would be great, but once you step onto the field respect each other and respect this team."

I would talk to the girls you know and trust about who is the bad seed... then deal with it.

 

[Bucketmom]

Don't give up coaching!!!!!!!!!
Social media is horrible yes. But a girl who acts that way on social media probably acts that way all the time.
Just make rules like everybody suggested. Keep a big roster so you have room to cut a player when needed.