Student Athlete Parents

[Fun in the Sun]

We all want our kids to be successfully on the field of play, but we want them to be better people.

Parents do need to read this, great post!

[Yossarian]

I see a lot of assuming on these threads. I have been a player, a coach and a parent. I developed a letter of my own to help communicate with parents. I agree with most of what is it this one. Coaches are human however, and like any other segment of our society, they make mistakes. Some or most have great intentions but some not so much. One problem arises when a coach deals with a minor child inappropriately and it does happen. The OHSAA has rules and guidelines to protect the interests of student athletes from such things as threats and intimidation. Someone thought the students needed protection There was a reason they believed that. I too have attended the mandatory meetings. The chastise the parents meetings. My question is when do they schedule the meeting for coaches? Respect is earned on both sides of this issue.

[Mouth's Better Half]

Good point about the coaches. The school's athletic director should be in charge of making sure coaches know how to appropriately handle students. I also agree that most all of my kids coaches had their best interest in mind but for those athletes whose coaches don't hopefully, there is an A.D. or Administrator that will keep an eye on things. That is when a parent should get involved, if an athlete is not able to speak for him/herself. Most athletes won't tell parents if trouble is going on till it is bad.

[PIGSKIN]

I agree that parents need to read this . It's a great post and yes should be handed to parents along with standard rules. Just goes to show that kids learn much more than sports from being involved in extracurricular sports activities. I think sports team unity lacks in alot of programs these days. Need to get back to the "One team, one dream philosophy".

On the other hand I've also seen coaches who might need to attend a coaches seminar ever now and again with how to handle talented but needy athletes and/or athletes who have great work ethic but not athletically gifted.

I don't believe in quitting a sport but also have seen instances when the coach quit the kid first.

[Yossarian]

I have also seen instances where a coach tries too hard to help a needy child, bends the rules on their behalf and some hardworking kid who plays by the rules, with similar ability, is hurt because of it. It might be the best of intentions but after a couple chances every kid should be treated the same. What do we teach them otherwise. It's ironic but in most of those instances the child that was given preferential treatment lets the team down just when they are needed the most. Call me crazy but I would play the kid with similar ability and good attitude everytime. Trying to do a favor is really just the opposite. Some kids need the discipline. Sometimes you get what you ask for. I like one of my favorite coach's philosophy on this. He said that he makes exceptions but only when the player has earned the right to that exception. A senior who has never given anyone any problems may be excused for violating some rule but not the hotshot freshman who hasn't earned it. Parents will respect coaches more if they know the coach treats everyone equally. Yell at them all you want but yell at all of them if they make a mistake.

[PIGSKIN]

Agree Yossarian, for the most part treat them the same. Not calling you crazy. Just need coaches with integrity to carry out rules and boundaries.