I read here that a lot of parents want the HS coach to be an active participant in PAL, well the HS coaches I have spoken to believe there should be no "A" or "B" designation, just mix all the kids up and teach them solid fundamental lacrosse. I agree wholeheartedly, thoughts?
Idealistically? Without a doubt! Practically? Maybe - it depends. If you have coaches that can work together to run a productive practice, that both teaches and keeps the boys interested and enthusiastic, all the while accommodating sometimes drastic gaps in both skill and commitment to the game, then yes. But that's a tall order for many coaches and organizations.
The real question for the poster is, "how many of those coaches he spoke to have actively tried to get involved and made this known to their community youth organizations?". Many here lambasted the very idea (not paid to do it, too much more time, etc, etc). In these cases, we at least seem to have some coaches that are thinking this way, but are they doing anything to actually make a mark in their community organizations? Talk is cheap.
There are some school districts that will not allow the HS coach to be involved with youth lacrosse in the town.
school board needs to be spoken to, HS coaches in some way or another need to be involved with youth programs ( in all sports). Remember coaching contracts are yearly.
I am a firm believer of A and B split teams. I also believe you need at least 2 practices a week. One practice as a grade, one as a team. If coach wants another 3rd practice day, so be it.
Kids play at different skills. If enough players for two teams definitely go, AB. Keeping an eye on all players even the players a grade below. I also believe in bringing the better younger players up a grade. I come from a town that the PAL parent coaches blackballed a boy simply because they knew their friend's son would be negatively impacted if they allowed the younger player to play.
Coach wasn't involved with youth, he was old school, didn't see the new wave of things. Happens. In the process town lost the two best players the town (even LI) would have ever seen, along with the support players that would have made them a top program.
The culture of lacrosse has changed (maybe all sports), Coach didn't see it and lost the town's opportunity of a championship. But is it all worth a championship, who knows? After all, it's just a sport!
W
Reply
Quote
