What if the coach is wrong?

At the beginning of each season, I would tell my players that there were two basic rules that governed my program:

1. The Coach is Always Right!

2. If you see that the coach is wrong, go back to rule number 1.

Of course, in reality many coaches may practice such a guideline but usually in a friendlier way as exemplified by the following statement:

There are three ways to do anything around here - the right way, the wrong way, and Coach's way.

So as a player what do you do when you see, er think that the coach is wrong?

First, you must absolutely make sure that you are sure and that everyone else is sure that Coach is wrong. Especially early in the season, or in your career with a certain team, there can be very detrimental effects in butting head with your coach. Consequences that can occur can range anywhere from a laugh, to the bench, to "see ya later."

Second, you must weigh the benefits vs. the potential consequences (see above) of calling out the coach. In most scenarios, the consequences usually FAR outweigh the benefits, if there are any. Most of the time the benefits are limited to a temporary boost in pride or ego. Emphasis on the word "temporary."

All joking aside, reality dictates that Coach may be w....wro.....wwwrrroonn....wrong..once in a while. After all we are human. (yeah, like that excused helped umpires too.) Usually a coach's mistake is something misspoken or calling out the wrong player for something that another player did. Mistakes on the field don't count. Which brings me to the meat of this blog.

In order to prolong your sports career, and to hopefully make it a more enjoyable and successful one, here are a few guidelines you may want to follow. By the way, these may also help you off the field in relationships with others too.

As with most things, we must make a judgment call as to the importance of the transgression. I was recently told of a coach who was released from his job because of the way he treated his team players. Verbal or physical abuse, unfair punishment (think this one out, many people seem to think any punishment is unfair,) money mismanagement, etc. are all important issues that should be brought to someone's attention. Depending upon the player's age, (and usually I would say anyone under 18) should notify a parent of the coach's action(s) before going "public" with accusations or rumors.

If the coach just misspoke, such as mentioning a wrong game date, or giving credit for something to the wrong player, it may be something that you ignore or perhaps mention to the coach PRIVATELY. Don't shout out in front of everyone "Hey Coach, you're wrong man...." or "Gee Coach, you sure screwed that one up."

But when it comes to issues such as playing time, strategy, or any other on-the-field issues, you must remember one very important thing; the Coach is the coach. He or she is in charge of the team. He or she is entitled to run the team in the manner which they see fit. Especially if it is a travel or club team, you really have no recourse other than to leave the team. Whenever possible, even if it is slightly unpleasant or maybe not so much fun, try to complete your commitment to the team. If you leave one team it may not be such a big thing. But if you develop a history of team jumping, moving from one team to another just because you don't agree with the coach's decisions, you may find it harder to get on a team. Sports communities, just like many corporate communities, are like a big family. Word travels fast. And believe me you will get a label.

Lastly, always treat your coach with respect, even if you feel they don't always treat you the same way. In the long run you will be the one who comes out ahead. Whether you believe it or not, most coaches really do want to do what THEY feel is best for their team. They really do recognize the value of the players. I try to follow a guideline I once heard that if the team does well in a game, I give credit to the girls; they won the game. If we did poorly, before I discuss what the team needs to do to improve, I look at myself first. I messed up. But that may translate to "I messed up by not making sure my team was better prepared." There still may be a butt chewing if the coach thinks there was a mental letdown in the game.

If you are a player who thinks you deserve more playing time; if you think the coach unfairly singled you out for something; or if you think there is something bugging you or other teammates, ask the coach if you can speak with him or her in private. Most coaches, especially at the high school ages and above, would rather hear from you than from your parents. You can take some responsibility for your life. Most coaches will respect you for doing so, if you do it with respect.

Just as with most other things in life, even if a coach makes a mistake or acts out of line, they probably do a whole lot more right than they do wrong. Coaches like to be appreciated too. Keep all this in mind and I'm sure you will do well and have some fun in your youth sports career.