mce86
Junior Member
Posts: 281
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Post by mce86 on Aug 30, 2007 8:29:55 GMT -6
7th and 8th Grade Football Team...not at a school, so the coaches are volunteer parents.
I have 5 years experience coaching High School, 3 years as Head Varsity Coach, and Im a Special Education Teacher, so I do know how to deal with parents, but this situation is exceptional.
Basically, Last season, we moved our QB to running back and started the backup QB because we didnt have another strong running back. (we run DW, so we use 3 RB)
This year, we have a strong Backfield, and the original starter is back at QB, and the backup is now the backup again. This backup is not a strong runner, and he is an average or lower defensive player. At the highest level here, some kids that havent matured as much and are not completely ready.
The issue is the parents of this son are both on the board...the mother is vice president of the league and the father is the coaching coordinator.
In the past they have pulled him out of a scrimmage because we had to take him out from QB because he didnt know the plays we were running (he is decent, but forgets the way to open sometimes) and this week, when we went first team offense for the last 20 minutes of O, he didnt play scout D and his mom said he wasnt coming to practice the next day and the father called the head coach to complain.
A side note on our practices on offense, we have maximum reps and everyone gets equal reps until the last part of Live reps. So he was actively involved in blocking, agility drills, handoff drill, full backfield technique, team vs. bags, and passing vs. bags. It was 1st team, second team....
How would you handle future conversations with these parents and any advice on how to deal with these situations?
Thanks.
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Post by ajreaper on Aug 30, 2007 10:33:00 GMT -6
What would happen if another kid's parents pulled him from a scrimmage and then missed a practice? Treat him no differently then any one else and make it clear to them and other board members that them using their positions within the league to preasure coaches or to garner special treatment for their child will not be tolerated- period. I'm sure other parents and other board members would support that position as it is the right one. And if that's not possible don't coach within that league.
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Post by davecisar on Aug 31, 2007 6:01:22 GMT -6
Im founder and Pres of Org that has had 300-500 kids.
No way anyone leaves a scrimmage because of that excuse. wining selfishness.. We would grab up his equip and let him be someone elses problem.
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Post by coachjim on Sept 2, 2007 3:11:20 GMT -6
I would have nothing to say to them at all coach, in the future. Sounds like it is time for the old thousand mile stare and the robotic, "thanks, enjoy the game." Anything you say to them in follow up, will and will be used against you, if you give them anything on a silver platter like an off-color comment.
Don't apologize or let anyone second guess you. In my letter to the parents I initially included that if they had any opinions or comments about my staff, to keep it to themselves and go for the HC'ing job next year if they were so inclined to make a difference. (My wife made me take it out, of course but I wish I hadn't.) Regardless, when we are out in the field, it is our own little world and no one intrudes on it from the outside. No one. I don't apologize, give explanations, or get involved in league politics. For obvious reasons. And there always is some drama going on. Concentrate on the team and what you know is good for it, keep stats of the kids if you think you have to justify your actions and cannot help it, but in the end the thousand mile stare always works for me.
All I can really add I guess is not to be distracted and don't take it out on the kid. Sounds like he stepped up to the plate last year when you needed him and despite his mediocrity and parents who are living vicariously through him because of their own inadequacies, I wouldn't ask him to leave the team. Not in youth football, maybe HS. It doesn't sound like it's either of your faults. Good luck and vent it here, not on the field. Not sure what kinda power these parents weild, being on the board, but they'll be looking for anything they can get you on. Their best interest is their own kid, not the teams. Unlike you, coach.
My two cents.
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Post by dolomite on Sept 9, 2007 5:37:23 GMT -6
7th and 8th Grade Football Team...not at a school, so the coaches are volunteer parents. I have 5 years experience coaching High School, 3 years as Head Varsity Coach, and Im a Special Education Teacher, so I do know how to deal with parents, but this situation is exceptional. Basically, Last season, we moved our QB to running back and started the backup QB because we didnt have another strong running back. (we run DW, so we use 3 RB) This year, we have a strong Backfield, and the original starter is back at QB, and the backup is now the backup again. This backup is not a strong runner, and he is an average or lower defensive player. At the highest level here, some kids that havent matured as much and are not completely ready. The issue is the parents of this son are both on the board...the mother is vice president of the league and the father is the coaching coordinator. In the past they have pulled him out of a scrimmage because we had to take him out from QB because he didnt know the plays we were running (he is decent, but forgets the way to open sometimes) and this week, when we went first team offense for the last 20 minutes of O, he didnt play scout D and his mom said he wasnt coming to practice the next day and the father called the head coach to complain. A side note on our practices on offense, we have maximum reps and everyone gets equal reps until the last part of Live reps. So he was actively involved in blocking, agility drills, handoff drill, full backfield technique, team vs. bags, and passing vs. bags. It was 1st team, second team.... How would you handle future conversations with these parents and any advice on how to deal with these situations? Thanks. Coach, Explain to his parents at a board meeting, in front of the other board members, that their actions are detremental and a distraction to your team and his development. Stroke them a little but be honest. I am sure you will have full support of the board. DO NOT TALK TO THESE IDIOTS WITHOUT SOMEONE FROM YOUR ORHGANIZATION PRESENT. Doesn't sound like they are trust worthy enough to have a conversation with you in private. |
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Post by ravan22 on Sept 9, 2007 18:32:35 GMT -6
Yea Run right in there and give it to them...By the way where will you be coaching next season....I understand your issue..Our treasure's Son Played second team QB and Corner (Not very Well) I was just raked over the coals for why he did not start at QB.. and he was challenged for his starting role at corner and was about to lose that spot as well. He has a lot of potential , however his attitude sucks..Work ethic sucks, and Parents feel he has a sense of entitlement to a starting position....Wrong...The Kid quit yet, Mom still on the board...I look for an uprising and her only reason for staying would be to replace me next year....So run right in there and tell what you think...
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Post by dolomite on Sept 10, 2007 18:53:44 GMT -6
Yea Run right in there and give it to them...By the way where will you be coaching next season....I understand your issue..Our treasure's Son Played second team QB and Corner (Not very Well) I was just raked over the coals for why he did not start at QB.. and he was challenged for his starting role at corner and was about to lose that spot as well. He has a lot of potential , however his attitude sucks..Work ethic sucks, and Parents feel he has a sense of entitlement to a starting position....Wrong...The Kid quit yet, Mom still on the board...I look for an uprising and her only reason for staying would be to replace me next year....So run right in there and tell what you think... Here's the thing, most people on these youth boards are there for the right reasons. If you bring your concerns, respectfully, to them with the parent in question attending than you will gain support. If you sit back and do nothing that unethical parent will more than likely knife you in the back and spread rumors, thus ruining your reputation. Remember, not everyone is cynical. |
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Post by ravan22 on Sept 12, 2007 20:03:17 GMT -6
Okay, a bit on the venting side I was...Sorry Guys..Hey Just do the right thing...Have the reasons for your decisions and stand firm on them. Put them in a non-offensive way to the board in front of the Parents.
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