|
|
Post by coachcb on Oct 20, 2010 13:49:03 GMT -6
As many of you guys know, we are struggling with numbers this year due to academic ineligibility. The volleyball program is struggling with some of the same issues, among other things.
In two of my classes this morning, I had kids running their mouths about the football and volleyball programs. I was friggin livid and I lit into a bunch of them. I was an adult about it, I was brutally honest. I told the boys that were whining that they either needed to keep their traps shut or be a part of the solution by getting their crap together in school so that they could play. A few of the quitters from the volleyball team were just on a tirade and I put them down pretty hard. I told them that there were 20+ girls still going to practice every night and working hard while they screwed around.
The kids were just floored by my reaction. I guess I am wondering if I sort of shot myself in the foot a little bit when it comes to recruiting for football next year. It was the buzz in the halls this morning; the kids were talking about how I was 'so p-ssed' at them. I don't care about the guys that were running their mouths; they tried to come out for football and were ineligible. I don't care if they come out next year. I'm hoping that I didn't just give myself a bad reputation with some of the rest of the kids.
Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
Post by bobgoodman on Oct 20, 2010 14:31:59 GMT -6
Most of your description read as fine to me. If it gives you a tougher reputation as a teacher, and gets your students to try harder in whatever courses you're teaching, what's the harm? You gave no indication of complaining about anyone's effort at football, and you positively praised those who were still going to volleyball practice, so I don't see how you'd adversely affect recruiting. However, there's something I'd like to know more about: A few of the quitters from the volleyball team were just on a tirade and I put them down pretty hard. I told them that there were 20+ girls still going to practice every night and working hard while they screwed around. What was the nature of their tirade? Were the ones who had quit the volleyball team complaining about the effort of those who remained? How would they even know? |
|
|
|
Post by coachcb on Oct 20, 2010 14:58:21 GMT -6
Most of your description read as fine to me. If it gives you a tougher reputation as a teacher, and gets your students to try harder in whatever courses you're teaching, what's the harm? You gave no indication of complaining about anyone's effort at football, and you positively praised those who were still going to volleyball practice, so I don't see how you'd adversely affect recruiting. However, there's something I'd like to know more about: A few of the quitters from the volleyball team were just on a tirade and I put them down pretty hard. I told them that there were 20+ girls still going to practice every night and working hard while they screwed around. What was the nature of their tirade? Were the ones who had quit the volleyball team complaining about the effort of those who remained? How would they even know? You name it; they were complaining about everything. "We run too much." "I don't get to play very much." "I should be the libero!" Blah, blah, blah. |
|
|
|
Post by airman on Oct 20, 2010 16:54:04 GMT -6
I hope it was only a flesh wound. sorry i could not resist.
|
|
|
|
Post by silkyice on Oct 20, 2010 19:14:45 GMT -6
Genuine emotion handled in an adult or professional way can only help your situation, in my opinion.
|
|
creid
Sophomore Member
Posts: 148
|
Post by creid on Oct 20, 2010 20:49:01 GMT -6
You supported the kids that are doing the right thing, and made it clear that it is unacceptable for kids to put them down.
Sounds like a good day at the office. Kids want to play for somebody who is willing to stand up for them.
I wouldn't give it another thought.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachcb on Oct 21, 2010 8:12:33 GMT -6
If I were in another environment, I wouldn't be too concerned with it. However, the school is 90% Native and there's a different mentality down here, in many ways. Now, I'm not a bigot, nor am I stereo-typing the kids, but there are some negatives within the tribal culture. You have to very careful with your tone of voice and what you say to kids; many of them are quick to shut off to ANYTHING (school, athletics, etc..) if they get a bad impression from a teacher or a coach. This is especially true if you're white because of the blatant racism that goes on, both ways. Again, I'm not bigoted, at all, but it really is a reality down here. You get on the kids too hard and they're done.
The volleyball team had some HUGE drama a couple of weeks back. The volleyball HC (who I went to college with and know well) pulled some of her starters because they were missing practice so they could go to study hall after school. It's a cop it that they try and get away with a lot; academics come first and they don't have to practice.If you're failing a class, it can be mandatory; none of the girls were getting bad grades (I have them in class and have seen their APRs) so it was voluntary. Neither of us let the kids get away with it; even if it's mandatory. They miss a practice because of it, they miss playing time. They need to take care of their crap in school. The girls on her team just quit over it.
|
|
|
|
Post by phantom on Oct 21, 2010 8:33:46 GMT -6
Either get in or get out.
In an insular situation like this you can become a part of the community or be an outsider forever. You'll never succeed as an outsider.
A buddy of mine took a job at a place like that. They finished 1-9 and he got fired. They hired a "home boy" and lost in the state finals.
|
|
|
|
Post by mitch on Oct 21, 2010 13:38:21 GMT -6
I work in a school with a large Indian population and their culture is hard to understand for an 'outsider'. I understand your dillema and am struggling to figure out how to deal with it myself.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachcb on Oct 21, 2010 17:55:48 GMT -6
I've been around the reservation all of my life; I know the way the tribes work. And, I'm considered an 'insider' for all intents and purposes. The community and the school has been great to me, even with the rough season we've been having. A lot of white folk come down here and either don't understand the way the Native culture works or are extremely racist.
|
|
