What Would You Do? Problems with Child Sports in the Magic Valley

What would you do? What would you do if you had a child playing sports and they weren't getting the playing time you thought they deserved? Perhaps they aren't being treated the way you think, and the coach doesn't see your child's potential. What do you do if you disagree with the coach's strategy? We all know those types of parents in children's sports, but how do you approach the topic, without becoming one of them? Falls sports are getting into full swing and our kids are practicing relentlessly, but if you feel your child is underutilized, what would you do?

Child Sports in the Magic Valley

Child sports can be a good thing or a bad thing. They teach kids work ethic, they teach them teamwork, and it is a great way to use their energy. While most kids enjoy sports, the parents are the biggest concern when it comes to child sports. When you don't agree with the coach it can make it tough to avoid becoming 'that parent.' Not all parents are going to agree with a coach and that is okay, but it is how you deal with it that determines what happens next. You could hurt your child's playing time or position, or it could help them if you approach it the right way. Some kids play more than others, and that is to be expected, but when one kid gets all the attention, it isn't hurting only your kid but is making it less fun for the entire team. As a parent watching this, what should you do? 

Coaches vs. Parents in the Magic Valley

When you think a coach is doing something wrong, what is the best way to approach it? Should you talk to the coach, and if so do you show your frustration or stay calm? Do you keep it to yourself and let the season play out? Do you decide to pull your kid from the team and accept the loss financially? Do you ask our child, who is the most important in all of this, if they want to keep playing? You don't want me too sensitive, but when you see kids missing out and things not even, especially at those early stages of a child's sports career, it is tough. Now is the time for them to learn which sports they like, but if not given a fair chance because of coaching decisions the parents have to do what they can to help their child. 

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My wife and I have watched this happen to our son in flag football this season, as his coach is allowing only one child to truly have an opportunity to thrive. This is the stage where we feel kids should be given a chance to find out what they enjoy and what they are good at, but the coach hasn't allowed fair opportunity to the kids. No parent has said anything yet, and all the kids continue to be at practice, but at what point should I or someone else step in? It is likely to happen soon. If you have witnessed this with your children or are experiencing it, what did you do or what would you do?