[LadybugLove]

I just wanted to say that the 8th grade boys played good today,but you could tell that by the end of the game they were wore out. I am the parent of a 2nd string player that has yet to play. I feel like our coaches need to use our 2nd string boys more than they do. They will never get any game experience if they are not used. It has really affected my son's self cofidence about his ability to play. We keep encouraging him to hang in there. Has anyone ever had this problem at South Paulding before? P.S. There are some boys that play offense and defense while ours stand on the sidelines. It's just not fair to our boys and the parents who devote their time to the team.

[workingforaliving]

Perhaps you should talk to the football coach about this? If he won't talk to you then go to the athletic director......

::shrug::

[LadybugLove]

I just wanted to say that the 8th grade boys played good today,but you could tell that by the end of the game they were wore out. I am the parent of a 2nd string player that has yet to play. I feel like our coaches need to use our 2nd string boys more than they do. They will never get any game experience if they are not used. It has really affected my son's self cofidence about his ability to play. We keep encouraging him to hang in there. Has anyone ever had this problem at South Paulding before? P.S. There are some boys that play offense and defense while ours stand on the sidelines. It's just not fair to our boys and the parents who devote their time to the team.

The score was spms 12 - austinn 14 those austin boys played very well, congrats!!!!! Our 7th graders won 22-12

[LadybugLove]

Perhaps you should talk to the football coach about this? If he won't talk to you then go to the athletic director......

::shrug::

My son did talk to one of the coaches,which is also his teacher and all the coach said was "sorry". There are 5 different coaches. I have thought about talking to him but I'm not sure how to approach the subject?

[HeartBeat]

My son did talk to one of the coaches,which is also his teacher and all the coach said was "sorry". There are 5 different coaches. I have thought about talking to him but I'm not sure how to approach the subject?

IT'S ALL POLITICS!!!! AND WILL NEVER CHANGE. If your son is having a good time, support him.

Been there, not at SPMS... but in Cobb County where my son went to school....Some things never change.

Good luck!

[I'm that Brat]

I just wanted to say that the 8th grade boys played good today,but you could tell that by the end of the game they were wore out. I am the parent of a 2nd string player that has yet to play. I feel like our coaches need to use our 2nd string boys more than they do. They will never get any game experience if they are not used. It has really affected my son's self cofidence about his ability to play. We keep encouraging him to hang in there. Has anyone ever had this problem at South Paulding before? P.S. There are some boys that play offense and defense while ours stand on the sidelines. It's just not fair to our boys and the parents who devote their time to the team.

who won???

[basspro1]

You parents kill me...I understand that you want you kids to play, but if a coach is losing or even up by a few points he is going to have his BEST players in there to give THE TEAM the best chance to win. PERIOD!

It's not rec ball anymore...your son is not guaranteed to play in the game or for that matter, no guarentee to play at all during the season. I know you probably think he is better than the others that are starting and he was probably an all-star the past 8 years in rec ball, but that doesn't mean that SPMS head coach has to play him.

All coaches that I know try their best to get everyone some playing time at some point throughout the season. Please let them do their job and allow them to coach your kids. They are there for a reason and that is to teach your son how to play that particular sport and hopefully teach them some lifelong lessons of becoming a man along the way. They hardly make anything for the long hours they put in everyday...maybe you should be a little more appreciative your son made the team and hopefully he will pick up a few things about becoming a man along the way such as hard work, teamwork, honor, pride, respect, and even humility.

I know its hard on a middle school, high school, or for that matter even a college athlete to swallow not playing in a game but its a part of life. Get used to it...and if he doesn't like it, work harder to improve your skills and prove that you deserve to start or play in the damn game! And if you're not willing to commit the time to do that, then maybe you should just sit on the sidelines and root on your team.

[Fidelity2Family]

You parents kill me...I understand that you want you kids to play, but if a coach is losing or even up by a few points he is going to have his BEST players in there to give THE TEAM the best chance to win. PERIOD!

It's not rec ball anymore...your son is not guaranteed to play in the game or for that matter, no guarentee to play at all during the season. I know you probably think he is better than the others that are starting and he was probably an all-star the past 8 years in rec ball, but that doesn't mean that SPMS head coach has to play him.

All coaches that I know try their best to get everyone some playing time at some point throughout the season. Please let them do their job and allow them to coach your kids. They are there for a reason and that is to teach your son how to play that particular sport and hopefully teach them some lifelong lessons of becoming a man along the way. They hardly make anything for the long hours they put in everyday...maybe you should be a little more appreciative your son made the team and hopefully he will pick up a few things about becoming a man along the way such as hard work, teamwork, honor, pride, respect, and even humility.

I know its hard on a middle school, high school, or for that matter even a college athlete to swallow not playing in a game but its a part of life. Get used to it...and if he doesn't like it, work harder to improve your skills and prove that you deserve to start or play in the damn game! And if you're not willing to commit the time to do that, then maybe you should just sit on the sidelines and root on your team.

Not the most tactful reply, but I very much agree with the sentiment.

Working hard to improve his skills, to prove his worth to the coaches, and to be rewarded for it in the end is a much better life lesson than accepting mediocrity as a pinnacle achievement and expecting equal recognition for it.

[frontporchmom]

You parents kill me...I understand that you want you kids to play, but if a coach is losing or even up by a few points he is going to have his BEST players in there to give THE TEAM the best chance to win.

It's hard to believe that the BEST players are truly able to perform at their BEST and not be completly exhausted and able to give 100%, like a fresh player on the side lines would, if they are playing both offense and defense

[LadybugLove]

It's hard to believe that the BEST players are truly able to perform at their BEST and not be completly exhausted and able to give 100%, like a fresh player on the side lines would, if they are playing both offense and defense

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

[LadybugLove]

You parents kill me...I understand that you want you kids to play, but if a coach is losing or even up by a few points he is going to have his BEST players in there to give THE TEAM the best chance to win. PERIOD!

It's not rec ball anymore...your son is not guaranteed to play in the game or for that matter, no guarentee to play at all during the season. I know you probably think he is better than the others that are starting and he was probably an all-star the past 8 years in rec ball, but that doesn't mean that SPMS head coach has to play him.

All coaches that I know try their best to get everyone some playing time at some point throughout the season. Please let them do their job and allow them to coach your kids. They are there for a reason and that is to teach your son how to play that particular sport and hopefully teach them some lifelong lessons of becoming a man along the way. They hardly make anything for the long hours they put in everyday...maybe you should be a little more appreciative your son made the team and hopefully he will pick up a few things about becoming a man along the way such as hard work, teamwork, honor, pride, respect, and even humility.

I know its hard on a middle school, high school, or for that matter even a college athlete to swallow not playing in a game but its a part of life. Get used to it...and if he doesn't like it, work harder to improve your skills and prove that you deserve to start or play in the damn game! And if you're not willing to commit the time to do that, then maybe you should just sit on the sidelines and root on your team.

First of all I would like to say "How Rude" I only asked for advice, not to be talked to like an idiot. For your information you do not have to try out everyone is picked if they sign up. I understand that they have only played 2 games, but like I said the other boys were exhausted and not getting the job done. I certainly hope that you don't give advice like this to everyone.

[LadybugLove]

First of all I would like to say "How Rude" I only asked for advice, not to be talked to like an idiot. For your information you do not have to try out everyone is picked if they sign up. I understand that they have only played 2 games, but like I said the other boys were exhausted and not getting the job done. I certainly hope that you don't give advice like this to everyone.

And also we teach our children that everyone should be treated the same no matter what. My husband has been a coach before and he played all the kids no matter if they were winning or losing. Some of the parents didn't agree,but when the season was over the kids begged my husband to coach again.

[Lady Raider]

Talk to the coach which I believe is coach powell, and ask him what your son needs more pratcice on, so that your hubby can work with on it, and help him improve, he may have some weaknesses that the coach is trying to make stronger before he actually puts him in a game..

Good luck

[gertie]

whew wee have I been here. Its so frustrating especially when we were told at the beginning of each middle school season, " the point of middle school sports is to develop the players for high school." OH No, obviously its not.....the point and only point from what I've seen is to WIN cause you know bragging rights in middle school are Soooooo important!
I hate middle school sports because it is so good for a few players and so humbling for others and alot of those humbled players give up their sports after middle school because they are made to feel like they have nothing to offer.
My son is now a college football player and he only saw the field in middle school in the fifth quarter. Most of the starters from his middle school team either quit playing after their freshman year in football or never saw the field in a high school varsity game.
In hind sight it was probably a good thing my son didn't get to play in middle school and learn a lot of bad habits. Thank goodness it made him want to play more and worked harder than the ones that got play time in middle school. Unfortunately I know a lot of players that didn't get to play in middle school so they didn't even try in highschool.
Tell your son to please hang in there if he loves the sport. How he is treated in middle school is not an indication of what it will be like in high school.

[BeagleBoy]

I just wanted to say that the 8th grade boys played good today,but you could tell that by the end of the game they were wore out. I am the parent of a 2nd string player that has yet to play. I feel like our coaches need to use our 2nd string boys more than they do. They will never get any game experience if they are not used. It has really affected my son's self cofidence about his ability to play. We keep encouraging him to hang in there. Has anyone ever had this problem at South Paulding before? P.S. There are some boys that play offense and defense while ours stand on the sidelines. It's just not fair to our boys and the parents who devote their time to the team.

Been there & had the same experience with their softball team. Talking to coaches didn't make a difference for us or the other players/parents on the team. Hang in there and just keep encouraging your son. The season will be over before you know it

[Almighty Munchkin]

And also we teach our children that everyone should be treated the same no matter what. My husband has been a coach before and he played all the kids no matter if they were winning or losing. Some of the parents didn't agree,but when the season was over the kids begged my husband to coach again.

If he was coaching Rec ball he didn't have a choice but to play every child. Those are the rules of rec ball, each child has to play a certain amount of innings in baseball, a certain amount of minutes in basketball and a certain amount of plays in football. You paid for your child to play, that is why the rules are like that in Rec sports.

I am not trying to be hateful or rude, but A LOT of parents get to use to "Daddy ball" in rec sports, then they have a rude awakening when they hit school ball because the Coach does NOT HAVE to play every child.

I have 2 boys, one didn't see the field much and the other has always been a first string player. So I do know how hard it is to watch and hurt for your child that isn't playing.

Tell him to hang in there and everytime he gets a chance, show the Coach what hes got by giving 110% and if he is not noticed this year, strive for next year. Don't give up

Best of luck to your son.

[basspro1]

Exactly...I can imagine how frustrating it is to watch your son on the sidelines. Everyone wants their son/daughter to play and experience playing in the game. Unfortunately this doesn't always happen. Unless he plays rec ball, he is never promised any playing time and I would be willing to bet that this was stated at the beginning of the year. The coach is there for a reason and that is because he is knows what is best for his team and players and if the principal trusts him to do the job, then you should to. Coaches put in LONG hours with your child and see them all day (approximately from 8-6:30 M-Friday and 8-12 on Saturday). I am pretty sure that they know what the kid is capable of.

Whether people like it or not, winning brings happiness. It's no fun to lose...not fun for the kids or the coaches who put in such long hours during the week to prepare for that one game on Saturday. Sports are meant to be competitive and whether it's your son or not, the coach is going to put his best players in that will give him the best chance to fullfill that desire to win.

I suggest you ask your son if he is better than the person in front of him...if he says yes, then he needs to get out and prove it on the field and don't be satisfied with watching from the sidelines because apparently he hasn't shown it to the coach.

Best of luck to your son and team!

[LadybugLove]

Talk to the coach which I believe is coach powell, and ask him what your son needs more pratcice on, so that your hubby can work with on it, and help him improve, he may have some weaknesses that the coach is trying to make stronger before he actually puts him in a game..

Good luck

thanks for all the helpful advice. we think we will try and talk to coach powell about what improvement he needs. :

This post has been edited by ladybug1: 16 September 2007 - 01:13 PM

[C0ACH]

I would be ashamed to approach a coach about playing time.

As a coach, there are only three things that I will not discuss with parents: playing time, whether or not I like their child, and other players.

The fact is, and it may be painful, but some kids are better than others for a variety of reasons. My grandfather taught me that nothing bad, barring serious injury, can happen on the field of play, not losing, not getting to play, making a mistake. All of the above are opportunities to be a better parent, coach, teammate, etc.

Middle school programs are not development leagues? They exist for our young people to have the chance to work hard, get in shape and compete.

Critical parents should either get certified and apply for the positions or simple spectate...Is that even a word?

Either way let your son know you are proud of him, if you are, and prepare him for possibility that he won't always get to "start" and there is something valuable to be taken away from participating.

or don't...be that parent that gripes...be the parent that is negative...because we all know what good that does.

That should be a simple decision to make.

[LadybugLove]

I would be ashamed to approach a coach about playing time.

As a coach, there are only three things that I will not discuss with parents: playing time, whether or not I like their child, and other players.

The fact is, and it may be painful, but some kids are better than others for a variety of reasons. My grandfather taught me that nothing bad, barring serious injury, can happen on the field of play, not losing, not getting to play, making a mistake. All of the above are opportunities to be a better parent, coach, teammate, etc.

Middle school programs are not development leagues? They exist for our young people to have the chance to work hard, get in shape and compete.

Critical parents should either get certified and apply for the positions or simple spectate...Is that even a word?

Either way let your son know you are proud of him, if you are, and prepare him for possibility that he won't always get to "start" and there is something valuable to be taken away from participating.

or don't...be that parent that gripes...be the parent that is negative...because we all know what good that does.

That should be a simple decision to make.

I know it is hard for the coaches. And I also know like many other parents with children on the team it can be hard to watch your child get discouraged by not playing. I had one of the other players say that one of the starters said to the 2nd string boys that they should be better. Talk about discouraging!!!!! We have discussed with our son to talk with the coach about what he needs to improve on so maybe he will eventually get to play.

[C0ACH]

I know it is hard for the coaches. And I also know like many other parents with children on the team it can be hard to watch your child get discouraged by not playing. I had one of the other players say that one of the starters said to the 2nd string boys that they should be better. Talk about discouraging!!!!! We have discussed with our son to talk with the coach about what he needs to improve on so maybe he will eventually get to play.

I hope he gets to play. I have children, too. I want them to participate with the team whether or not they participate in the game.

If he keeps a positive attitude, the experience will serve him well.