Is This Part of a Coach’s Responsibility?

[neilman1234]

This topic pertains to high school coaches. When a coach decides to have two different players split game time at one position, shouldn't it be their responsibility to notify the players involved why they are choosing to do so instead of not addressing it at all? Considering this can create uncertainty and eventual hostility between two players who are vying for playing time, this should be a common courtesy, right? Or does it not matter and the coach decides what he/she wants and let the cards fall where they may? Does a coach keeping their mouth shut when operating this way create harmful consequences to the individual players and then ultimately the team?

[UKMustangFan]

I don't believe they need to at all. The coach makes the decisions, and their motives and reasoning for every decision is not something that players need to be privy to at that level.

 

Now, having said that, if one or both of the players approaches the coach in a respectful, responsible manner inquiring about the situation (i.e., what can I do to improve? what do I need to work on to give myself a chance at seeing more time, etc.) I believe the coach should be open and honest about it.

[Jack of all Trades]

Responsibility = no. But if you want to have your team be a "family" and have their "respect" then I would say yes. See no reason to try and hide behind the decision. Being open and honest to "all" members of the team can only bring good things down the road.

[doomer]

I believe in open and honest communication. At least at the college level and most high schools, one will seldom find either.

[TAC]

Coaches decision. nuff said.

[OlDog75]

If I'm splitting time with a teammate, I'm thinking I need to work harder to win that spot. At least I've got a chance if I'm playing. If I'm just standing there on the sideline sulking, it shows the coach a negative and makes it easier for the coach's decision. If you go to the coach and ask him why your playing time is being cut or just half time, better be prepared for the info and use the criticism to get better.

[oldgrappler]

If the parent is agitating behind the scenes by talking to his child and saying how unfair that is and the coach oughtta do this or do that, then that child is going to get a terrible attitude and begin to hate the game he/she now loves. The parent needs to be careful how this situation is approached and what he says to his child.

 

Help the kid be the best teammate he/she can be and this will probably provide some of the best life lessons the child will ever learn.

[BigVMan23]

Well...I think a good coach would head it all off "at the pass" so to speak and tell each kid what the deal is and why it's happening. maybe neither kid has separated himself and it will continue till one does. Maybe each kid brings a different dynamic that is needed at different times. I can see this easily being the case with a big strong but slower power running back and a smaller, shifty, quick "could take it to the house" kind of rb.

 

Heck, I'm going through the same thing now. Thinking of moving our 3 man to the pg position at times on our 8th grade summer team because all of our pg's are so small and some teams are taking advantage of that. If/when I do that I will explain the our pg's why it's happening. They might not like it, but they will at least know why it's happening.

[neilman1234]

What if it's an upperclassman versus an underclassman?

[Jack of all Trades]

Sounds like we are talking about soccer keepers and it sounds like the coach is using the early season to see if one steps forward.

[neilman1234]

Nope, not soccer. The other kind of football.

[doubledeuce]

This topic pertains to high school coaches. When a coach decides to have two different players split game time at one position, shouldn't it be their responsibility to notify the players involved why they are choosing to do so instead of not addressing it at all? Considering this can create uncertainty and eventual hostility between two players who are vying for playing time, this should be a common courtesy, right? Or does it not matter and the coach decides what he/she wants and let the cards fall where they may? Does a coach keeping their mouth shut when operating this way create harmful consequences to the individual players and then ultimately the team?

If the two kids that are splitting time can't figure out that one is not really better than the other....the coach should sit them both. If only one of the two can't figure it out, they will make enough mistakes to lose the spot because apparently they are not real sharp.

 

If a player becomes angry and upset about competing for a spot vs another player on their team, too bad! Is there a sport where you don't have to beat somebody out on your team, if there are enough members to fill all the spots?

 

Some coaches feel that if an underclassman is going to split time with the upperclassman, don't play the upperclassman because the younger one is already as good and will get better with more time. The older one is maxed out and is what he is....find spots or situations to reward him for being with the program....

[All Tell]

What if it's an upperclassman versus an underclassman?

 

IMVHO all being an upperclassman entitles you to is to call yourself an upperclassman. Teams sports should NEVER be run on a seniority model and ALWAYS on a merit model. If a sophomore is as capable as a senior the play the soph. The class of the two players should be no factor at all.

 

And the coach owes NO ONE and explanation.

[BigVMan23]

If a coach wants to start trouble within his team, then a good way to staret is to NOT talk to the players and tell them what's going on. Now, it could be a very general statement to all the players...something like "the best will start, and if you want to be a starter and you aren't, then you need to improve. Want to know what to improve, see me".

 

In terms of splitting time, I think he needs to explain why...especially I believe if at the QB position, which I have a real good feeling is what the OP is referring to. Nothing like having two high school QB's splitting time, and neither sure of what's going on...that's a recipe for trouble if you ask me.

[BigVMan23]

If the two kids that are splitting time can't figure out that one is not really better than the other....the coach should sit them both.

 

I'd say that's probably not feasible in the least. Let's say it's two QB's splitting time...so you would sit them both and start the 3rd string qb? Most high schools don't have 2 capable qb's...much less 3.