I think you are handling it correctly. It seems like you are trying to make sure the child understands the rules (do not have a fit on the field) and the consequences (you will sit away from the rest until you stop). You modeling calm, firm consistency with him may be the best thing that ever happen to him (and a good lesson for the other kids watching). Coach On!!!!
That little detail would have helped. Talk to the parents about not enabling their kids cries for attention. Do it carefully though, something about "try and see if he can focus on the game more" etc..
Pearls of wisdom. I'm a teacher (K-5) and deal with young kids at all stages of development. It took me time to realize three things: 1. They aren't always in control. At 4, 5, even 6, some kids are bed-wetting, booger-eating bundles of randomness. They don't even know why they do what they do half the time. Don't assume it's a conscious act. 2. The aren't always OUT of control. At 4, 5, even 6, they may be bed-wetting, booger-eating bundles of randomness, or they may be master maniupulators working out a plan for world domination. Don't assume because they're young they're not savvy. 3. I need to cover my butt. In addressing issues like this, I need to be sure to not assign a REASON for the behavior, but to set the expectation with the parent and child that the behavior must change, REGARDLESS of the reason. You don't know what's going on in the kid's mind (or his home, for that matter) so it's dangerous to assign blame. Rather, address the behavior with the father as a problem, not as a symptom. Do that calmly but firmly, and I bet they both come around to your way of thinking.
boot them off the team. will send a message to the rest of the team and league that you're serious about going undefeated.
That is not a valid excuse! I hear that every day and I dismiss it. <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nYV2uiKsWCc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nYV2uiKsWCc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
Falcons Talon has some good ideas. To build on that, here's how I'd approach the situation, I'd say something pretty much along these lines: Approach the parent and say, hey, your kid is a pretty good player, but I'm concerned about his behavior on the field - it's distracting, and it's dangerous, etc [state your case here]. I really appreciate your involvement with your son, [throw in complement here]. I'd like it if WE (make sure to convince parent it's a joint effort between you and the parents) could try to get him to stop throwing fits on the field for the safety of everyone, yadda yadda yadda. We need to get him to understand blah blah blah. Would you mind if WE tried [explain method] for a week or so, see how he improves? I understand that you don't want your child to get worked up/upset, nobody wants that, but I really think this will help him, and he'll have more fun and more time to improve his soccer skills when he stops throwing fits. If you approach the situation with good notes and bad notes, illustrate the benefits of improvement, and make it seem like everyone is making an effort, the parents will be more likely to try things your way. At least, that's been my experience from working with kids.
I coached for a few years and by far the greatest thing I learned is that no matter what you do or how hard you work you can hardly please everyone. If the kid was any older than 4 this would be a very different story, but at this level i say... stick to coaching Coach, and let the parent do the parenting. If the parent is not available, the way you handled it is fine. The next time this episode happens I would have a talk w the parent. I would let them know that you are concerned that XXXX's attitude is going to distract the other kids and make your job more difficult. Depending on how long you've let thing drag on it may be more difficult to approach the situation. Ask if they can speak to their child about 'good sportsmanship' and to let you know when they are ready to re-join the practice.
I think you did the right thing Next time his dad comes with that crap Look him straight in the eyes and say . . . stay your *ss on the sideline I'm the coach . . you don't like it . .take you kid and go home Until then . . .we will work things my way It takes a Village to raise a child once we destroyed the village by telling everyone it isn't their business the children have been increasingly getting destroyed as well I am my brother's keeper I am responsible to making a better society therefore I am responsible to help a fellow parent when he is found wanting When he on the practice field. . .you're his daddy Rocket River Keep up the Good Work
Sometimes you have to cut off a finger. .to save the hand If whiney gets his way . . .other will catch on and start whining too Rocket River
