I think some of the people posting are scholastic (high school) coaches, some college, some maybe club. I think it bugs the crap out of all of us when athletes do not commit to excellence. But in high school you get who you get, you take them as they come, and cutting someone is near impossible in the absence of severe disciplinary problems. We get some kids who are really committed, some marginally committed and some who make you wonder why they are there at all. I think Daniel has an excellent perspective on all this. As a coach, I try to demonstrate competence and professionalism, give respect for effort, and show commitment to them both collectively and individually. And I certainly try to make clear the link between consistent attendance/effort and performance improvement. But I think flexibility is necessary when dealing with high school’s demands, whether athletic, academic, extra-curricular. It certainly is at my high school. Daniel is certainly correct in saying that if you set up arbitrary, arcane rules you are going to have problems and if you only enforce them occasionally or haphazardly you are doomed.
Exactly, ex400, I know I couldn’t have written it any better. If I posted the news articles which explained the exact situations I am referring to then I think most of the posters would understand the direction I am going with this thread. When I first approached mike with the idea of blogging about this was the course I was going to take. I decided since the coach is not technically a professional coach or intentionally out making money as some new guru that leaving him out the discussion was the best alternative and taking a more general and indirect approach to the problem was best.