Posted on July 30, 2010: How do I handle player favoritism at the U8 level?
A Responsible Sports Fan suggested the following Scenario Question:
As a hockey game is progressing and the 2nd and 3rd periods are played out, all of the parents notice that 3 players are always on the ice (one of which is the coach's son). All of the other 12 players on the bench play less than 3 minutes per period on a Mite (8 and under) team. We also notice that a player on the team is 9 years old (who is the referee's son). I feel the coach is only interested in winning, and while the team did win the game, many of the players come off the ice crying because they did not get a chance to play. When did winning become more important than player participation for 6-8 year olds?
Dear Artemio,
If you have not already approached the coach to talk about the issue of playing time, this is the time to do it. Start by asking him what his approach is to playing time. If it seems to contradict what is actually happening, ask him how this approach has been playing out so far this year.
It may not be easy to keep your cool during this conversation, but do your best to remain calm and to just let him know the facts as you see them. This conversation is likely best conducted over the phone, or in some other private, one-on-one environment away from practice or competition.
If this conversation does not resolve your concerns, let the coach know you plan to go to league administrators. These league leaders are the only ones who have the power to alter playing time rules (which can be unique to each age level). Your child’s coach may actually be coaching within the rules set by the league, and he may not change unless the league rules encourage/require him to do so.
At the six- and seven-year-age level, all kids deserve significant playing time, and you’ll be doing many athletes a favor if you can make this a reality for this team/league.
For more, please visit the Responsible Sport Parenting Guide.
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