the team concept

My self proclaimed star HS players are more interested in off the field drama than they are working to get better, but without them my team suffers greatly because of the key positions they play. The other half of my team is extremely dedicated and hard working TB players who would rather play on a team that works hard and loses every game, then play on a team with players more interested in drama and the perception that they are the chosen ones. What do I do?

 

I believe Kathy Veroni, Western Illinois, in her book, Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully, said it best when she said "if someone on the team doesn't like you, you need to find another team."

Drama cannot be tolerated. It ruins a team and makes for a miserable season. Cut your losses and move forward.

 

Cut the head off

First... make sure the entire team knows that you will not tolerate any type of drama....ZERO

Have it in your written rules, and make sure every player and parent has a copy before the season starts,

3 strike rule..
1. Talk to the kid about her attitude, lack of team support, etc. explain to her that if she continues this type of behavior, she will be cut.
2. Suspension from practice and games, week minimum
3. Good Bye...

It does not matter if she is an All American or the worst player on your team.... Zero Tolerance.

 

VERY WELL PUT Short and to the POINT

 

but you left out the one thing that keeps some drama queens on the roster regardless... being AT RISK (magic lingo) of dropping out and working for an administration that is graded on their retention rates

 

Political

At the HS level, politics out weigh all common sense and simple rules. Seems most all drama queens (boys sports as well) have a close relative on the school board or leading the school booster club. Unfortunately all high school coaches can't enforce such a policy due to pressure if they want to retain their position for years to come.

Athletic directors should help control these issues but typically aren't concerned unless it affects the sport they are coaching. Just as the "Daddy Ball" ball issue will never be resolved in high school athletics. A strong athletic director could fix many of these problems. I wish the NCHSAA would implement rules disallowing parents on the bench or field unless they are employed as coach at that respective school. But that's another problem on another TBR thread.

 

You hit the nail on the head!