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Post by rbush on Jul 4, 2008 8:24:33 GMT -6
A question of opinion for you, O wise coaches.
I was recently hired, and I mean very recently hired, as the Head Coach of an extremely small school. We'll be meeting as a team shortly, but I'm sending letters out to all the players touching base with them and giving them my contact info.
The assistant coach on staff has been there several years, and he pointed out several players who have leadership skills that just need refined. I would like to write these players a short note to go with the letter, letting them know they've been identified as leaders, that I require much of team leaders, and that before the season I want to work with them to develop their leadership abilities.
I'm hesitant though because I have yet to meet any of these kids. It's also almost a certainty we'll be playing freshmen this year who the assistant does not know. I don't want to create classes and rank in the team already or exclude a potential leader, but having good captains is going to be huge for us. What are your opinions on the situation?
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Post by easye17 on Jul 4, 2008 8:28:50 GMT -6
I'd be careful. I might make a general statement about leadership and importance of senior leaders, etc., but I wouldn't throw my eggs in one basket, especially without personally knowing all the kids. I'm in the same situation as you this year, started back in March/April. the kids I thought would be leaders are emerging as leaders, two are emerging that I wouldn't have had a clue would have been. But I let it play out and its working out well for me.
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Post by phantom on Jul 4, 2008 11:59:24 GMT -6
I agree with the others. I wouldn't single out kids who you don't know as leaders. When you single out potential senior leaders you are also singling out the seniors who don't get the note. That could be construed as saying that they ain't worth a $hit and could cause resentment and dissent.
One course would be to talk to the assistant and let him know that you trust his judgement and that you'll be keeping an eye on these kids. Hold leadership but include all of the seniors and keep an eye on these kids as well as looking out for others. You may consider including the juniors.
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Post by justryn2 on Jul 4, 2008 12:00:06 GMT -6
I really cannot see anything much you would gain by adding a note to the supposed leaders. Trust you assistant coach to know what he needs to know about football but you should get to know the players personally before you make any decisions about them.
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burn
Sophomore Member
Posts: 181
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Post by burn on Jul 4, 2008 12:35:21 GMT -6
I agree whole heartedly with the others hold off on the note until you get to know all of the kids.
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Post by touchdownmaker on Jul 4, 2008 13:10:32 GMT -6
My two cents, make your own decision on leaders. Do not go with someone elses opinion without forming your own.
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Post by fbdoc on Jul 4, 2008 13:23:34 GMT -6
I agree with the rest - don't single kids out before YOU know them. However, writing the letters is a great idea. One of the things I hear about most from my former players is the note(s) that I write to each one of them before a big game - I give it to them the day of the game when we meet. I don't do it every year but each kid usually gets two-three over their high school career. They are always personal and I will use a "quote" that I feel fits them and their situation. I have players from several years ago who tell me they still have their note!
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Post by coachorr on Jul 4, 2008 15:58:14 GMT -6
I agree 100% with DC OHIO's approach. NEW, NEW, NEW.
I have coached at a small school where the HC did play freshmen his first year and it worked out to the benefit of the program and it also worked out, because no one could accuse him of playing favorites.
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Post by talexander on Jul 5, 2008 6:14:42 GMT -6
How well do you know your assistant who has "been there several years?" I ask this because, while it is great to listen to assistants, definition of "leaders" varies greatly amongst coaches. To be leaders in YOUR program, they have to measure up to your standards. I have worked with coaches who think that leaders are kids with talent and piss poor work ethic.
My advice would be to send a basic letter to ALL of your player's PARENTS outlining who you are, your core philosophy and your general expectations (then later be specific about them in parent/player meetings)
Let everyone know what you are about so kids WANT to be leaders, and take the position. You can't "give" players leadership--they must assume that role.
And, it must be on your terms--DC has it right in that if you let people make decisions that are contrary to your beliefs you will only be pissed at them later
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