HS Basketball

Me | 22 Nov 2005 | Me

[sparkomatic]

My daughter is a sophomore in HS. A couple of nights ago I went to the school for a parent/coach meeting. Since I got there a few minutes early, I stepped into the gym to watch a few minutes of practice.
The coach told me to leave because it's a "closed practice".
I said, "you mean I can't watch?"
He said, "No."
I left but I didn't like it.
As soon as the meeting started I told him what I thought. I explained that it's my kid. My school since I pay taxes. I'm not going to coach from the side lines, etc. He says it's his policy to close practices. He gave a bunch of reasons, but flimsy ones.
I got a call just now from the athletic director. He wants a meeting with me. I suspect he perceives me as a threat. I don't know why. My daughter has been at the school for 2 years now and has played volley ball, ran track and now basketball. I have never caused a problem.

What do you think?

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Do you want whine with that?

[Maximus of Texas]

As long as the coach is doing anything inappropriate, I would support a closed practice. Too many "little league" parents in kids sports these days. Make sure you child keeps you informed of what is going on in practice.

[sparkomatic]

Locker rooms and bathrooms can make for good jokes, but those are ridiculous examples.
Part of the reason I wanted to watch is that I didn't play sports in school. I wanted to get a better feel for what goes on just for my own education.

As answer to a different question. How would I be any more of a distraction than I would be at a game?

[dmz]

The point about practice is to NOT have distractions. You're having trouble letting go of this.

It's not rec council anymore, it's high school.

[Dashing Dasher]

Wow, you took the time to write and tell us that you thought this thread was boring.

How noble of you.


Please feel free to ping all of us to your next gripping post.

[El Sordo]

I want to go to a military base and argue that since my tax dollars bought that there tank, I should get to test drive it.

[nuffsenuff]

It's a closed practice.

No outside distractions. And yes, you would be a distraction no matter how quietly you sat there and just watched.

Get over it.

[sparkomatic]

As a former part-time coach:
1. Sometimes the coach needs to be the complete boss. Parents interfere. I wasn't nor do I intend to.

2. Kids act/play different when parent is present (usually not as well from nervousness to show-boating). that may be but how is it any different from a game.

3. Make an exception for you, then all parents get to come. So?

4. You could be a spy, child molester, freak show, or just someone looking over the should distracting the coach. I could be any of those, but I'm known to be a parent. I go to most games for all the HS sports. The coach already has a printed list of rules. Not coaching from the side lines etc. is already listed as one of the don'ts. As long as I'm not causing a distraction I don't see a problem.

I'd like to point out one more thing. I'm asking you people these questions because I have a true desire to know if I'm in the wrong or if I have been slighted. For me I haven't decided, yet. I have defended my case as I see things. I may be wrong. Maybe I'm not. I'm listening to what you people have to say so I can form an educated opinion.

Also, to the one [explitive deleted] I'm not whining. I'm asking a question. You don't know me so don't attack me.

[Coop]

Pingzzzz...zzzzzz

[Dashing Dasher]

Fascinating repartee.

Do you have a weblog that I can read?

[gate2wire]

"Make an exception for you, then all parents get to come. So?"

OK, you say you had no intention to intrude or interfere, I'll take your word. But, many parents are just the opposite. If the coach allows you , he must allow all. Speaking from experience, many parents are disruptive. As an ex-coach and referee, it was the parents that drove me away. Loved teaching the kids, couldn't stand the parents. No offense.

[MeanWestTexan]

"1. Sometimes the coach needs to be the complete boss. Parents interfere. I wasn't nor do I intend to."

That's nice. Just by being there, you interfere.

2. "Kids act/play different when parent is present (usually not as well from nervousness to show-boating). that may be but how is it any different from a game."

Practice is a time when new skills are practiced and the kids mess up. They are less inclined to do so with parents present.

"3.Make an exception for you, then all parents get to come. So?"

You may not be an interfering twit, but someone else will be.

Personally, the fact that you get your dander up by being kicked out is considerable evidence (to me) that you are exactly the kind of parent that does not belong at practice.

[Zevonismymuse]

I have a true desire to know if I'm in the wrong or if I have been slighted.

You are wrong. This must be your first child involved in HS sports. Go to the games, cheer for the team, bring oranges or Gatorade but do what the coach wants.

I would talk to the coach and athletic director and apologize for how you came off. Then ask how you can support the team.

[Coop]

Here...zzzzz

[Eagle of Liberty]

As answer to a different question. How would I be any more of a distraction than I would be at a game?

Having been a player and now being a parent of a player AND a coach, I can tell you that there are two main reasons that I have closed practices:

1) To get complete attention
2) To go over strategies - nobody but the team should be there

Early in my coaching career, I let parents attend until one particular day. While conducting a tryout, a parent sat one foot off of the sideline and yelled at his son the entire time. Needless to say, the player became frustrated and was not focused on what he should do. I did not take the player as I did not want that distraction in a game.

This was the last time that I allowed parents within earshot of the field. When I am coaching, I want the players to focus on my teachings and the game. If you do not trust the coach, that is a different story, but if this is a good coach, let him do his job.

To answer your second question, Games are a completely different situation, unless you decide to do more than cheer for your child. If you do more than cheer, then you will be a distraction at the games as well. Players understand that gametime is a different environment, but a parent throwing out orders is ALWAYS a distraction. Practices are for learning and Games are for demonstrating their knowledge. Practices need to be controlled. Games are expected to be noisy.

[rrr51]

As the parent of a former HS basketball player, my advice is to shut up and don't complain about anything, especially if she is not one of the stars of the team. Many coaches and ADs are petty and vindictive (although that may not be the case at your school). Also, don't complain to the AD or principal in confidence. The coach will probably find out.

[filbert]

I think parental interference is a legitimate concern for coaches. Suggested movie: "Coach Carter" to see what I mean.

On the other hand, you have a legitimate interest in what goes on at a practice. A suggestion: go to some other high school and ask them if you could observe a practice--or go to a local college. Many of those hold open practices. This might also give you something new and interesting to talk to your kid about after school--"I went to see XYZ's practice, and it was really interesting. What are your practices like?"

[Woman on Caroline Street]

"I got a call just now from the athletic director. He wants a meeting with me. I suspect he perceives me as a threat."

The AD doesn't sign your paycheck and doesn't pay your bills. Why would you care what he could have to say to you? I wouldn't go into the meeting with a hostile attitude, but I wouldn't let them browbeat me either.

[Big Horn]

My take - a dad with a daughter now playing div I sports in the Big East - when coach says leave, leave. It's his team, his practice, and you have no role to play.


My question. What if slick willy is the coach?