Why is a face-to-face meeting better? It makes the coach feel better but in my experience it made the student feel worse.

 

When it was good was when it was initiated by the player.

 

If it is a case where it is close I think most kids would like to hear why the decision was made instead of just being left to wonder and maybe even doubt themselves.

 

If its a case where there was a big difference in talent then I think most of those kids understand why they were cut.

 

Its a burden for a coach to make these kinds of decisions but it is something they should have known before taking a position where kids lives are influenced. That said the coach should use common sense and go on case by case basis. Even if it is difficult and time consuming.

Why is a face-to-face meeting better? It makes the coach feel better but in my experience it made the student feel worse.

 

When it was good was when it was initiated by the player.

 

Like I said there is not a good way to tell a kid he or she is cut. In my experience, face to face has been better. There is a respect issue I believe.

I like the idea of posting a list of who made the team (not who got cut) at an announced place early in the morning on the day cuts are made.

Good point unless there is a small number of kids who will not make the team.

 

What are your thoughts on calling the individuals at home or sending them an email at night?

 

 

Cowardly

Face to face meeting with the player or players is IMO the best way to communicate this information. Grant it, cutting a kid is not an easy thing to do in the first place.

 

I agree it is difficult for both but it is still personal. It also gives the player to find out why they did not make it and what they need to do for next year.

 

I think my second choice is the having everyone together then announcing the team. Because I think like HHS stated being in a group helps to soften the blow. It also teaches the ones who made it a lesson in how fortunate they are and gives them a better understanding into how the ones who did not make may feel.

Cowardly

 

The best case of face-to-face as uncomfortable as it might be for both parties. So my question was saying "if not face to face" what is the next best method?

I agree it is difficult for both but it is still personal. It also gives the player to find out why they did not make it and what they need to do for next year.

 

I think my second choice is the having everyone together then announcing the team. Because I think like HHS stated being in a group helps to soften the blow. It also teaches the ones who made it a lesson in how fortunate they are and gives them a better understanding into how the ones who did not make may feel.

 

 

Is there a cutoff point as far as the minimum number of kids that are being cut before this is not viable? If you're cutting 10, no problem. What if you're cutting 2? 3?

The best case of face-to-face as uncomfortable as it might be for both parties. So my question was saying "if not face to face" what is the next best method?

 

I think that if not done face-to-face in one form or the other is wrong.

I think that if not done face-to-face in one form or the other is wrong.

 

I bet it happens less than 50% of the time.

When I coached at the local middle school and had to make the "cuts" from 35 to 12 I had the kids sit in the middle of the gym floor. I called the names of the ones who made the team and they were to walk to the cafeteria. The ones who remained seated I thanked them for trying out and encouraged them to play in the Parks and Rec league, improve and try out again the next year. I then dismissed those kids and went to the cafeteria to have the initial meeting with the team. It wasn't an easy day, but it worked.

The easiest way I found was to post a list of those who made the team. I think we have become to politically correct in worrying about hurting someones feelings. The kids are TRYING OUT for a place on the team. They should know that there is a real possibility that they will not make the team. Also, know how many you are keeping before tryouts ever begin and announce it. If you keep 12 and only 13 show up, they know that one will not make it. Disappointment is a part of growth into being an adult. Don't deprive the kids of a much needed lesson in life!

Agreed, Koach 21!