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Post by coach31 on Oct 6, 2007 16:14:06 GMT -6
We have a small group of seniors (7) and they are leading a talented group of underclassmen down the wrong path. It is bad enough that the idea of letting all of the seniors go has come up. Has anyone ever done this or anything like it? Thanks
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Post by knight9299 on Oct 6, 2007 17:00:58 GMT -6
We have a small group of seniors (7) and they are leading a talented group of underclassmen down the wrong path. It is bad enough that the idea of letting all of the seniors go has come up. Has anyone ever done this or anything like it? Thanks Letting them go? Bench 'em and be done with it. |
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Post by coache67 on Oct 6, 2007 19:53:00 GMT -6
Are you a new HC at this school or have you coached these seniors before?
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Post by larrymoe on Oct 6, 2007 21:58:56 GMT -6
I am doing just this very thing this week. I'm getting rid of the only 2 seniors on our defense in favor of jrs and sophs. We're out of the playoffs, so it's time to get the kids some reps. One will still play because he's a good kid and works hard and I like him, but the other, it won't bother me if he steps on the field again this year. His work ethic, attitude and preparation are all terrible. In retrospect I should've done it earlier.
As far as your situation is concerned.... Sometimes it's better to burn down the barn to get the rats out.
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Post by coachcalande on Oct 7, 2007 8:50:11 GMT -6
We have a small group of seniors (7) and they are leading a talented group of underclassmen down the wrong path. It is bad enough that the idea of letting all of the seniors go has come up. Has anyone ever done this or anything like it? Thanks their grade level means nothing, cancer is cancer, cut it out or watch it grow and spread. |
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Post by coachd5085 on Oct 7, 2007 12:03:13 GMT -6
Got to disagree slightly with calande here. I think it depends on your PROGRAM: Schoool size, School football tradition, squad size, recent football history, your duration at the school, etc.
As evidenced by the thread involving the post game push-ups, school communities interpret things in the most shocking ways. Just like Huey mentioned in the curfew thread, there are certain things that these days that you as a coach have to realize might not garner admin. support.
I would consider all of these things before you "cut" them.
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Post by airraider on Oct 7, 2007 14:54:51 GMT -6
Never put a player ahead of the team, and never put a team ahead of the program.
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Post by coachcoyote on Oct 8, 2007 0:11:56 GMT -6
What would you do if the seniors were underclassmen? Would you fire them or bench them? If the seniors aren't holding their end up, let them be bag holders, take away their senior privileges on the team, if they have any, ie, place of honor at pregame meal, overseeing equipment collection, etc. Use one obvious problem as the example. If the others don't get the message, have them brings the balls, equipment etc. to the field, tell them that will be their responsibility until they shape up. Their letter is probably earned by playing time. They don't have to play. If they refuse, give them plenty reminders during and after practice. They'll either shape up or ship out.
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Post by coach31 on Oct 8, 2007 5:14:25 GMT -6
Guys thanks for the advice. We'll see how things go today.
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Post by coachcalande on Oct 9, 2007 3:59:44 GMT -6
it is interesting how many times a coach will want to move to the future in a lost season and play his younger guys, the parents of the seniors will be very upset that their sons couldnt finish out the season with playing time that they deserve in their eyes...at that point, the parents dont care about the future of the program, the coaches wins and losses, the learning experience of the younger kids etc, they care only to see their sons play the game for the last time. these are things to consider.
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Post by wildcat on Oct 9, 2007 7:06:50 GMT -6
it is interesting how many times a coach will want to move to the future in a lost season and play his younger guys, the parents of the seniors will be very upset that their sons couldnt finish out the season with playing time that they deserve in their eyes...at that point, the parents dont care about the future of the program, the coaches wins and losses, the learning experience of the younger kids etc, they care only to see their sons play the game for the last time. these are things to consider. ...and this sums up PRECISELY why I always keep parents at an arm's reach...when it comes right down to it, MOST parents would rather see their kid play on a crappy team then ride the bench on a good team. Couple of years ago, I worked with a basketball coach who endured a horrible start to the season. After 10 games, the team was like 1-9 or something like that. He was starting all the seniors and they were horrible...no talent, no work ethic, surly, etc, etc. However the senior parents didn't utter a PEEP about the fact that the team wasn't winning. After these first 10 games, the coach started playing juniors and sophomores who were talented, hardworking, and chomping at the bit to play and they started winning. I think they won 6 of the next 10 games or something like that and actually won a game or two in the regional tournament. Well, the parents of the seniors raised holy h e l l! There was letters to school board members and all sorts of talk about petitions to get the coach fired and crap like that. In my experience, this is the NORM. Most parents really don't care about team goals or program development. They believe that the football team exists to provide their kid with memories, fun, and experiences whether that kid deserves to play or not. Winning is secondary. If that happens, great. However, if the team has a good season but Junior is not part of it in terms of a starting position or playing time, parents are not going to be happy. |
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Post by coachcalande on Oct 9, 2007 7:14:08 GMT -6
this is why the grade level doesnt matter to me, the most deserving players play.
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Post by coach31 on Oct 9, 2007 8:20:34 GMT -6
Steve,
If it were just a football decision it would be an easy one. We are a year away and the seniors are just marginially better then the guys behind them. I am more worried about losing the support of the admin. and the players rallying behing the now non playing seniors.
I was hoping someone had been through something similar to get his thoughts.
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Post by coachd5085 on Oct 9, 2007 8:25:16 GMT -6
coach31--that is one of the factors I was alluding to in my post. There is a lot more that goes on unfortunately. I thought Huey's insight on the curfew matter was spot on. Doing something like that in today's culture is simply INVITING trouble. The good ones wouldn't do it anyway, and the bad ones are going to end up creating problems for you in the end.
I really do think a big factor is your overall history as a program.
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Post by coachcalande on Oct 9, 2007 9:40:06 GMT -6
I got ya, one thing I plan to impliment if IM ever granted the opportunity is a PRIDE POINTS SYSTEM. A system that intends on measuring a players investment in the program, a system of points and rewards that players, parents and students can actually visibly measure a players participation and investment. for example...
workouts= 5 points
testing= 5 points per placement achieved above another
meetings= 25 points
practices = 25 points
team challenge competition participation = 25 points
monthly grade checks= 50 points per A
participation in another varsity sport= 100 points
community service= 5 pts per hour
just an example...
then you have "core" and "elite core" status and rewards...for example, ....
75% of total possible points gives a player "core" status...while 85% of possible points gives a player elite status and special awards and privaledges, ie captain status, free spirt pack etc. Just some ideas im bouncing around in my thick skull.
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