Posted on September 25, 2009: Full Games
A Responsible Sports Fan suggested the following Scenario Question:
You have a goalie that is clearly better than your other options, but you are coaching in a rec league that discourages "full games" for goalies at this level (U-12 boys, soccer), "unless circumstances dictate.” Another relatively inexperienced kid really wants to play goal, and even though he might cost you the game, you can see that he enjoys it tremendously, and he is improving with practice. Towards the end of the spring season, the better goalie's parents are asking why he isn't playing the whole game. What do you tell the goalie and his parents?
Dear Tim,
I applaud you for keeping your playing time decisions in line with the rules of your recreational league. When players and parents signed up for this league, they did so with these league rules in mind.
This makes the conversation with your more talented goalie's parents easier. Remind them of the league's policies, which hopefully they received in writing and heard about in a preseason meeting. Then it is up to them and their son to decide whether or not this continues to be the right league for them in future seasons.
And don't forget to enjoy how good it feels as a coach to see the less talented goalie improving and enjoying his playing experience!
To read about how to get your players to support the less talented goalie visit the Responsible Coaching Guide
Learn more now!
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