I would never, ever coach my kids sports teams, especially in the older age ranges starting with 8s. Not to say anyone would want me to coach as I don't feel qualified. But sometimes when the league needs help, I want to step in sometimes and help. But I would never coach, and here's why.
1. Attitude
I have a hard time dealing with my own kids' attitudes, let alone other people's kids. I am a firm believer in showing respect for those who are older than you, that's how I was raised. Especially a coach. If they are taking time out of their schedule to help you become a better athlete, then you better show them some respect.
2. Unrealistic Expectations
This goes for both the athlete and their parents. Sometimes one or both parties have these crazy, unrealistic expectations of what the season is going to bring. Athletes think (probably with some help from their parents) that they are owed something. They deserve to play this position or that. They are entitled to play in every inning. Um, hi. Reality check. In the real world, nobody is entitled to anything. If we don't start teaching kids that early on, they are doomed for failure, especially in college (if they are so lucky to get that far) or in their "career". I blame parents. They are the ones who hype their kid up so much they think they are a gift from the heavens when in reality, they are the ones that need the most work.
3. Parents
This is the big deal breaker for me. Nasty attitudinal kids are one thing. But nasty attitudinal parents? Oh heck no, get me the heck out of here. I like to think I'm a very patient person. But when you hear these parents who are throwing hissy fits because their girl isn't getting play time? No thank you, sit the heck down. It's especially worse when that parent thinks their child doesn't need to go to team practices, and can just walk in to the game and play "their position" in every inning. Someone's got to reality check these parents because if their child should turn travel, it's a whole different world. And it's scary to think these parents think this way when high school sports and travel on into collegiate sports are all the same way. PUT IN THE WORK AND EARN YOUR KEEP. You may start at short stop one game, but it can all change as soon as you start slacking. Coaches will play the strongest players and will sure as heck sit you if you are not performing to the level that they expect, or you didn't make practices.
So yea, I'll just sit back and help at team practices when they need me. But being an actual coach myself? I don't need that drama. There already is too much drama in the travel softball world to deal with.
