rewarded for work

I like what I read in your post Coach Cragan!
I agree 2 players trying out for same position, yes, MOST coaches are immediately going to play the more talented player! But I agree with your approach. I think it teaches the more talented player a valued lesson, someone is always working/trying to beat you out for that position! My DD was always told, that there would always be someone better or working at being better, than her at her position! I do think that hard work should be rewarded! That was kinda my point with the example of don't put a bunch of players on the team to do nothing BUT ride the pine! Less important games, put them in the game! If there is only miniscule differences in the 2 players, then split the play time between the 2! Be fair! Let them have their opportunity! Don't leave them on the bench again, while you pull up jv players to play! That is just unfair and I think mean! Now there are exceptions, like pitchers and catchers! Those positions are a little different. But I don't think you should have a pitcher on the bench on varsity and pull up a pitcher from jv and let that pitcher on varsity still sit the bench, while the jv pitcher is put in the game! How do you think that makes that varsity pitcher and her parents feel?? Why put that pitcher on varsity, to just sit the bench? Who does a coach think, wants to just wear a uniform and sit the bench? Does a coach really think that the player comes and trysout, comes to all practices and does everything that is asked of them, just to wear the uniform?? How would it make your DD or you feel?? It is just my opinion, but I think it would be more fair to cut the kid you have no intent to play! Same them a lot of time, effort and ego!

 

Winning is not everything....

I agree that if the younger players are better, then cut the upperclassmen! I agree that upperclassmen should not make the team because they are upperclassmen!
But we are talking HS, not college or professionals, it is not all about winning! It is not like the coaches job rides on wins!! You don't even have to know the rules or ever have seen a softball game, to coach HS softball! Not in softball anyway! LOL

 

my two cents

In the thread " playing hs ball, does it matter?" I made a reference to two girls who were on my dd's hs team, who played very little and went on to recieve scholarships to play college ball. I have heard and seen with my own eyes what goes on there. Last year was no different, politics could only explain it. This well renowned coach couldn't possibly been that bad a judge of talent. My dd should be getting a chance to show her stuff this year and I'm not taking any chances. I'll be "kissing up " every chance I get, because if you get out of the kissing line you somebody else will take your place.

 

What???

Deac, I believe that this thread refered to hard work. So you are saying that if things don't go you way you kiss butt? What a great lesson for life. What about self respect, honor, integrity? The two student athletes you previously mentioned sounds like they had all of these things plus perserverance. God bless them both. They rode the tide and they currently have their hard work pay off. How far are you willing to go when there is a college coach involved, get a silicone injection to make your lips bigger? I know that you have probably seen these tactics work for those around you but don't let your character be jaded through a "monkey see, monkey do" attitude. We are examples to our sons and daughters good and bad.

 

While I don't...

While I don't agree with what you have decided to do, necessarily, I do totally understand why you would make that decision!!! Sometimes a parent is left feeling they have no choice but to jump in the do things the wrong way line!!

 

thanks junkie

Your post got me thinking. This year will be a little different for our hs. We have had dominate pitching forever which has allowed the coach to get by with playing pets. Pitching this year is still a questionmark, so maybe the best will be on the field. Maybe I puckered up a little quick.
Oh and by the way, not every kid that plays ball, hs or tb does it for that college ride. Mine just loves the game but knows that with what she has in mind for college is not possible since her choice has no softball program.

 

Well grounded

I know it can be a tough dicision to make when our DDs get involved. I realize that at your HS softball is demanding and pressure packed! Even with that in mind it sounds as though your DD will suceed in whatever she attempts, softball or otherwise. I wish I were as capable as her at such a young age, heck it would be nice to be her age again.LOL The best of luck to you,and your DD during the softball season and throughout.

 

Outstanding post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Wow...I knew there was a problem, but I never guessed it could be that bad. If that is the case, that's a priority to be fixed. HS softball will never grow in support if that problem does not get resolved...and quickly. With all of the outstanding young college graduates that would love to have an opportunity to coach HS, there is absolutely no reason that every HS does not have a qualified coach. Some will always be better than others, but the knowledge of the game should be outstanding..........I would demand this.

Maybe we should have a thread of qualified candidates looking for positions

 

What ?

I think they have 2 girls throwing low too mid 60 Dang it I really thought we were going to be OK Oh well maybe next year