Game Time - Part 3: Check List

When someone comes to you and asks the 'game time' question, you need to do an honest  assessment of the specific player's game time, here are some questions to help:

[  ] Did you share your expectations and ground rules for game time at the start of the season?

[  ] Did the parent or player follow the rules for game time discussions that you game at the start of the season when they approached you?

[  ] Are you playing a player less because the player is rubbing you the wrong way? You may need to be more decisive in dealing with attitude issues. This can include direct one on one feedback with the player, consequences (run a lap when interrupting coach), and discussion with parents.

[  ] What is the grade/age of player vs. ability vs. overall game time? If a player is young, very good, played a good amount, but didn’t get to play in one game, then you’re okay.  Maybe they're young and not so good, still okay.  Just think through this.

[   ] Why didn’t you play the player more in the game in question? Were they flat? Were they making mistakes? Was it because there were lots of other players who could play their position? Did they fall through the cracks?

[   ] Are you potentially missing this player? Is it possible that in the chaos of games and other players being more vocal, that you’re missing this player? Check you player time stats.

[   ] Is this an issue of expectations? What are the expectations of the player or parent and how does that compare with yours?  Is it an expectation they have and didn't share with you?  Is there some documented or verbalized expectation that the team or league has?

[  ] Is this a special situation, like All Stars and All League where other factors come into play?


This is a balance between being sympathetic, firm and reflective.  Make sure you're not missing something.  You always have an opportunity to learn something, even if the situation makes you crazy!