Need Advice

[vball123 0]

I am curious to know how other coaches handle players missing practices due to doctor's appoinments, death in family, babysitting siblings, dance class, and art class. If anyone could give me any feedback, I would appreciate it greatly.

Thanks

vball

[fmfjohn 0]

vball,

I guess alot depends on what level your team is playing, or maybe more correctly, what is your school's/club's/?? philosophy regarding the importance of practice, winning, or even volleyball in general? My middle school is VERY non-competitive, if you sign up you're on the team, and who cares if we win? (aside from me So, any absence, short of just skipping practice more than a few times, is acceptable to the school.

I, on the other hand, make it as clear as I can that "I" expect players to be at practice. One of the entries on my player handout about practice "do's and don't's" says words to the effect that while their classes and family come first, they have made a commitment to the team which they must also honor. They do this by prioritizing their time for studies and social activities and their volleyball and planning in a way that allows them to do both. I also try to make it clear that it generally is much easier for a dance teacher/etc to change hours than it is for me to change practice. Sometimes they just have to make a choice. It certainly hasn't eliminated all the absences, but it has helped. The girls also undersand that when there is a decision to be made regarding who plays, everything else being equal, being at practice counts.

As far as the "acts of nature or God" I guess I just accept them as unavoidable. But there are usually alternative times for a Doctor's appointment.

Good luck, it's a tough call. john

[vball123 0]

Thanks for you input! I have atleast something to look back on. I am trying to learn all the school rules regarding players and follow through with the rules I establish. I try to be fair to all of them. I am coaching at the Junior High level. Yes, if you sign up your on the team regardless if you attend practice regardly or not. I have stated and also in writing to the team, your playing time is shortened if violated the player/student expectations and codes (missed practices, school attendance, poor sportsmanship, etc). I totally agree about her situation is unavoidable, she had no control over it. Thanks for you input John.

Thanks

vbal