Effects of coaching changes

Coaching changes are disruptive in almost every case. All coaches, whether one may think they are good or bad, will probably have at least 50% backing from the players and parents. If they are forced out there will be resentment from quite a few players and parents. The next coach will have to earn the respect of the disgruntled parents and players and it will take some time. Any coach worth his salt knows this and if he/she can coach it will all work out in time. Just knowing the game in not enough to be a head coach in my opinion. Discipline and work ethic are just as important to a team as knowledge of the game. I have seen coaches who didn't really know alot about the game, but understood the principles of discipline and work and won a lot of ball games. Usually this type of coach will surround themselves with people who do know the game and enlist their help...these coaches tend to be successful in my opinion.

Getting back to the effects of coaching changes. I have seen schools go through a coach per year for 4 or 5 years in a row...it was not a recipe for success for these programs and I do not believe it would be a recipe for success for any program. If a coach has good discipline on the team, is fair with it, works the kids, and teaches them some things about life I would say give that coach the benefit of the doubt and instead of bashing him/her give them some help.

Continuity helps in my opinion. Too many coaches are forced out or their lives are made more difficult because of a couple of people who are not happy with them. I love the players I coach, but just as important, I respect all players who put in the work and time to be good at this game. I, like many coaches, have been hardened a little by some situations and I have found that it is better to let a player go than to let that player be a negative influence on a team (including the parents). Too many times the coach leaves or is forced out instead of discipline being used or grown-ups sitting down and communicating with each other. BTW...communication is the key!

All teams lose a player or 2 from time to time, but if the coach stays the team usually survives. 90% of the time, especially in travel ball, if a coach leaves the team has to be rebuilt or if folds because like I said before...no matter how good or bad you think the coach is he/she will have some support and players will leave with him/her.

 

very good post, thanks scottt

 

Well my daughter is a freshman playing her first year at North Iredell where we will be on our 5th coach in 5 years. Yep hard to have any success when things are so unstable at the top.

 

AD paraphrase: Sports exist to help kids on the fringe to have a sense of belonging and help them stay in school.

Until public education puts "at risk" kids in some sort of special school devoted only to them and gets out of the mode doing anything and everything to get them a diploma at the cost its puts on the good kids it is never going to get any better.

Athletic participation is the ONLY opportunity in public education to teach kids tough love and what its like to learn standards of behavior that they will need to have to keep a job in the real world.. but admin proficiencies are judged based on graduation rates.

 

Coaching

All of us like to have stability in our lives no matter what we are doing. Sometimes change is good to get out of a runt or to do away with an issue. Coaches come and go but good quality kids and families can help any coach develop his or her program. Support is key to any coach being successful or a failure. Talent can make coaches better than they truly are and no talent can make them appear to be worst than they truly are. Given time, the good coaches can develop their talent and be a winner.
Moral of the story, give a new coach support and time to succeed before U turn on them. Many of these coaches in HS take the job because their is little interest due to the time and headaches involved. If we support them, maybe they can be what we need.
Not saying any of U that have posted are not supporting a coach, just making a point. HS ball should be fun this year with some very talented freshman coming into the mix!
Happy New Year to all!

 

....depends on ones agenda...

.... on second thought, nevermind, I'm glad I didn't send what I just wrote. ChaChas thread is a good one here folks. I've got to think about how to post what I want to say without being banned. Happy New Year All!

 

Marlin...

there's never a dull moment with you. Can't wait for summer bro. You take care of that gal, have a Happy New Yr. !!!!!
Go Pack !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

BB vs SB

As a baseball Parent now moving into softball.. it seems problems start when a parents expectation is not met and they vent to the child.. we as parents have to step back and allow our children to experience the growth opportunity coaches present to us. I would say most of us have grown more from the Changes and Challenges we were asked to make for the team. Coaches have to put the best team on the field. Unfortunately this may require sacrifice from a few players to learn a new position or move to a position they are good at even though it's not the STAR POSITION ( ie. SS, P, CF). We should support our coaches and teach TEAM FIRST.
As windmill'r Bro. I can tell you College coaches will find good players, but they want kid with good attitudes also. Control what you can... Effort and Attitude... it will get you a long way..

Happy New Year Everyone and Gooo.. "Reagan Raiders"

 

Right on the money, great post