should coach play parents or the talent?

[slidewide]

This was a fun thread to read. Beef, I really enjoyed your posts. Might want to consider dropping the habit of ending a sentence with a preposition though. Your English teacher may be reading. Eddie, you are a lot of fun. I'd like to pick your brain over a cup of coffee sometime.

 

There is a lot of talk in this thread about playing talent. I don't think that a good coach always puts the most talented players on the field; nor do I think that he should. I think he should put the best TEAM on the field. For example: a coach has two competent middle linebackers. Player A is the most talented. He hits a litter harder, runs a little faster, is a little bigger, and a little stronger. Player B is almost as good as player A, but player B's greatest asset is his leadership on the field. When player B is on the field, he runs the defense. All of his teammates respect him and follow him. It is obvious to anyone watching that the defensive unit is better when player B is on the field. Who should start?

 

Anyway, politics happens. I think it is rare for a successful, professional coach to play his buddy's boy over a player that has more to contribute to his team. But, I do belive that it happens, at times.

 

One last thing. Parents - if you refuse to work around the school as a 'booster' because you don't want anyone to think that you are trying to 'buy' playing time for your son. Be ashamed. There is so much work (at least in public school programs) that must be done by volunteers. Get out and help. Your kid is using the facilities, and the facilities need people to maintain them. Be responsible and contribute.

[Fan]

This is about HS Football but everyone needs to realize that politics play a role in sports in HS -- it does even in the professional ranks. Let's not kid ourselves. It happens - not sure of the percent of time but it happens.

 

It is easy to play one or two weaker kids and still win. I know of several very successful high school coaches (multiple trips to the State tournament) who have done this on a several times over their careers. The players that have played are not horrible but politics have played a part. (by they way, my kids are not involved with their program at all.) Most of the time this won't happen at the key positions but it still can. This could happen during the first round of subs or special teams etc. Playing time is playing time.

 

It happens -- learn to adjust. This is one reason why athletics prepares young people for real life situations. This may come to a surprise to many people but this happens in everyday life also.

 

Parents -- use this situation as a teaching tool. They have several choices - quit, stay on team and sulk, stay on team and do their best, talk with coach, etc. Everyone should have the attitude that they should do the right thing in their heart. Two wrongs don't make a right.

 

Most coaches are not like this very often but I would say most HS schools will have at least one coach that politics play each year.

[slidewide]

This is about HS Football but everyone needs to realize that politics play a role in sports in HS -- it does even in the professional ranks. Let's not kid ourselves. It happens - not sure of the percent of time but it happens.

 

It is easy to play one or two weaker kids and still win. I know of several very successful high school coaches (multiple trips to the State tournament) who have done this on a several times over their careers. The players that have played are not horrible but politics have played a part. (by they way, my kids are not involved with their program at all.) Most of the time this won't happen at the key positions but it still can. This could happen during the first round of subs or special teams etc. Playing time is playing time.

 

It happens -- learn to adjust. This is one reason why athletics prepares young people for real life situations. This may come to a surprise to many people but this happens in everyday life also.

 

Parents -- use this situation as a teaching tool. They have several choices - quit, stay on team and sulk, stay on team and do their best, talk with coach, etc. Everyone should have the attitude that they should do the right thing in their heart. Two wrongs don't make a right.

 

Most coaches are not like this very often but I would say most HS schools will have at least one coach that politics play each year.

 

 

I agree with you Fan. I think that it's isolated, but it happens. And it's a good life lesson. Where ever these kids work when they finish school, they are going to see politics (unwarranted promotions, bonuses, etc.). Life is not fair. If you expect it to be, get used to disappointment.

[BigPun19]

What you say is true. But there are some very talented kids out there that are not given the chance to showcase their talents. Why would you play someone that constantly makes mistakes and mot correct them. These kids will be in shock when and if they make it in college were you are either a player or you get left behind. Show our kids the they can play on a college level someday. But teaching them that they need to earn a spot don't give it to them.

This topic shouldn't even be discussed..... The only reason that this topic is on here is because some parent is mad because their son is not playing because he does not have the talent right now that he needs to be stepping on the field, and they think that he does.....Give me a break....If you don't have it,,,you don't have it.......Deal with it...... Tell them to work harder,,,,and get bigger, stronger, and faster, and the playing time will come......Let the coach do his job, and you sit and watch....

Edited November 6, 2005 by BigPun19

[sls]

I have been in education and coaching for fourteen years. Not once have I or any person I have ever worked with ever played anyone because of who their parents were. Football is a tough game for tough people. The tough ones play and the soft ones only play when there are no tough ones left or the game is out of hand either way. Get Real. Your question is tremendously stupid.

[chsdragon]

OK transfer your kid to Clinton I know he will get plenty of playing time

[Mustanmomma]

I can understand a parents frustration when their child doesn't see playing time. We all love are children and when we love something it is hard to see thier weaknesses. Has anyone else noticed your child ability to play? If you have had other parents come up to you, telling you how great your child is, and he never sees any play time, that is when I would investigate. I can tell you from experience if a child lacks aggression on every play, he will not see playing time. It has to be there everytime.....not just once.

[sarge]

oh boy it happens at good ol harpeth

with the head coachs son

the star nfl bound diva mlb

he is awful