I need some advice and thought you all could maybe help...our "coach" has not had many practices for the season and does not "coach" the players during the games. He doesn't tell them what they are doing wrong or how to help them get better, instead he just rearranges players without explanation to the players. His statement to the players is that they have been playing the game for 4 years and he should not have to tell them what to do? Mind you this is high school and if the team wins a game it is either pure luck, no strategy at all.

My question is how to approach this situation. Should I talk to him, parent to coach or have the players discuss this with him or go above his head? This parent is stressed out over this...help!

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/showthread.php?t=121140&page=4

I think the parent in post #182 made a very wise comment.

I agree attitude can make a difference, my fear is that the players are picking up on his attitude too...

Don't take this wrong fp30, hard to believe things are that dire. If truly that bad, ask the AD to watch a game, practice and form an opinion.

 

Why you may not agree/like the coaching staff's approach, I'm sure there is more thought and input, that just luck.

thanks strike3, will talk to AD about checking out game since we haven't had a practice since the beginning of April...

I agree with Strike3. If the problem is that bad, get someone higher up on the totem pole, like the AD, to take a look at the situation.

 

Also, strike up casual conversations with some of the parents about the team and the direction the season is going. Don't try to start a revolt or a mutiny, just be inquisitive. If there is a problem, it won't take long for that come out. Maybe you are seeing something they are not....or vice versa.

 

I think going to the coach...in a parent to coach context could do more harm than good, IMO.

As far as the conversation, before going to the AD, has your child had a conversation with the coach. Not a passing statement with the coach but a conversation. If not, then that is the first step that needs to be made.

 

Communication between the player and the coach is vital and that needs to be encouraged from you as the parent. If the player is not willing to talk to the coach, I think that is the end of it. If she is not willing to address and talk to the coach and he is the type that will talk to the players, than I don't see a need for the AD or you to be involved. The player, young people, in general have to learn to make that first step in defense of themselves. At the HS age, that is part of the learning process that sports brings about.

 

On the practice issue....

How has the weather been on your off days? Was the field playable? Have you played a bunch of games that week and the player could benefit on a day off? For example, last week if I had a game schedule for Mon, Wed, Thurs, and playing in some sort of tournament over the weekend, I would have given Tuesday off.

 

On the strategy, coaches can't defend or explain every decision during the game. Decisions have to be made quickly at times and sometimes that means a full explanation cannot be given. They simply have to be accepted and go on.

 

Now afterwards and that might be the next day, the player (back to communication between the player-coach) should ask why the coach made that call. The thing about this though is that the answer may not be what the players wants to hear. Another player may be able to fill the position more than that player in the coaches opinion.

 

That is a hard spot for both the coach and the player. Having to break it to one player that another is simply better than them. Very hard conversation on both sides. Coach doesn't like having those and the players don't like hearing it. Sometimes it doesn't come down to just work ethic and attitude but simply athletic ability and talent.

 

Hope there are some words in there that might help.

RamBackstop8...the reason I started this post was due to the talk of the parents on the sidelines but thanks for the suggestion. These parents have been together for over 4 years watching this debunkle and are tired of these things happening. Should not have waited this long to bring to the limelight but have just felt no recourse. Off the field, the parents in general really like the coach but have just gotten to the point of frustration.

LBBC...We agree that player and coach discussion is the way to go, encourage the players to talk with the coach. Players have picked up on attitude from coach, do not feel as comfortable as usual. Will continue to have them pursue that avenue...

Thanks to all for your suggestions!!! Nice to have place to discuss these types of issues.