Last Week's Scenario Question:
Your son is a soccer player. Even though he’s not on the football team, the coach wants to “put him on the roster” in case the team’s only kicker gets injured. How do you handle this situation?
Thanks, but no thanks -- I would respectively decline the offer, and thank the coach.
Well, if you son does not want to play football then I would tell the coach no because it will cause animosity amongst the team with someone just walking in when needed. The coach needs to develop another player already on the team to be the replacement.

My child will not be added to any sport that he didn't originally sign up for.

I'd gauge my son's interest first. Is football a fit and is it something he has a desire for? He should not feel pressured to conform. Should he want to give it a go, then another series of issues need addressing. The determining factor should be the athlete's interest in the opportunity and NOT the coach's desire to put him on the roster to deepen the team's bench strength.

I see no problem with this. I would arrange a meeting with the Soccer and Football coach and discuss the situation and let the Football coach know that his priorities are with the soccer team first then football second.

Go for it- maybe he likes it and turns out to be good at it. Hopefully the Coach is basing it on something he saw in your sons soccer skills.

i would ask my son if he wanted to spend the time practicing with the possibility that he might not get a chance to play. Then let him make the decision with respect to taking a spot on the roster.

Does he want to kick on the football team? Will it screw up his footie training? In our state, boys soccer and football are both fall sports, so this is an impossible scenario unless he wants to play American football. Kid's choice, always!

1) I talk to my son about responsibility to his current soccer teammates, the challenges of dual sports and find out if he has any true interest 2) I talk to his soccer coach and get his feedback 3) My son and I talk to the football coach about expectations. I ask him to poll the football team for their response to a non-practicing player and then ask for the opportunity to speak (as well as my son) to the football captain. 4) Finally, if everyone is favorable and knows the potential problems to face, I'd let my son decide 5) If this were a school, it may be wise to talk to the athletic director or principal about 'legal' and ethical potential difficulties. 6) I'd probably advise against playing on the football team

Depends upon what my son wants to do first. If he wanted to, then I would want the coach to ensure that he gets as much coaching as the other kicker during practices and a shot at the 3 kicker positions

Thanks, but no thanks -- I would respectively decline the offer, and thank the coach.

I WOULD LET HIM IF HE IS INTERESTED YOU NEVER KNOW THAT COULD BE HIS CALLING NOT SOCCER.

I would ask the coach how to legally get him on the roster then I would talk to my son to see if he wanted to even play football.

I say it is not possible. If he persists, i will give him my reasons.

Well, if you son does not want to play football then I would tell the coach no because it will cause animosity amongst the team with someone just walking in when needed. The coach needs to develop another player already on the team to be the replacement.

Nicely tell the coach that you appreciate the thought however even thought it would provide you believe that your child would benefit on kicking it would not be right for his team. They deserve to have a full time player not just a stand in and he also needs to develop someone to fill that position from within the team.

If my son had not participated in any activities on the football team, I do not think it would be appropriate for him to be listed as a team member. I would discuss with my son his opinion as to whether or not he wanted to participate in football or continue with soccer. If there were no conflict and he wanted to play football then that would be acceptable.

The first thing to consider is whether my son 'wants' to participate as the kicker of the football team. If so, sure. If not, then my son would need to explain to the football coach that he is not interested.