text it simply means focus on the individual; don’t discuss the other players and their playing time. Parents would not go to one of their child’s teachers and ask about the grades of another student in class, but some parents have no problem discussing the playing abili- ties of their child’s teammates. Never allow such a discussion to take place. Redirect the conversation and only address matters con- cerning their child.
SING THE SAME SONG
Parents occasionally approach your as- sistant coach(es) regarding playing time. Be sure all assistant coaches are consistent with the head coach’s policy. The assistant should then refer the parent or player back to the head coach. Administrators should also be informed about team policy criteria so they may reinforce a coach’s decision.
EMPHASIZE VALUE
Following is an excerpt from an email I sent to a player / parent regarding playing time early in a season: “Typical volleyball roster of 12 = 50% of team is not on the court at any given time.
Pro football roster of 53 = 79% of team is not on the field at any given time. Pro basketball roster of 15 = 67% of team is not on the court at any given time.” Let me relay a few tidbits about a guy named Josh Pastner who is the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Mem- phis. Pastner was part of the 1997 NCAA National Championship University of Arizona Wildcats basketball team. Pastner never started a game, never saw one second of playing time in the championships, played a total of 98 minutes over the course of a col- lege career, and yet was given a full scholar- ship his final three years as a walk on by the Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson. Pastner was named co-captain of the 1999 Wildcats team and Pastner played in 42 games as a Wildcat. He finished his career with an average of 0.9 points per game, but the Wildcats were 42-0 in the games in which he appeared. Despite his lack of playing time, Pastner’s
presence in the Arizona program was of great value to the success and chemistry of the team. He performed many of the “behind-the- scenes” tasks that helped the team win the 1997 NCAA Championship and two Pac-10
titles (1998, 2000). Pastner helped evaluate game video and scout opponents, and he was a willing ball retriever and encourager for many of the Wildcats players who wanted extra practice in the gym.
I am not suggesting behind-the-scenes work is your future. I do suggest you do the best with the hand you’ve been dealt and expect good things to happen. Stay focused, work hard over the long haul, and continue to bring value to the team. You might be amazed how far that can take you. Ask Mister 0.9 points per game Josh Pastner.”
RESIGN YOURSELF
Resign yourself to the fact that playing time questions do arise. Be prepared before the season with your guidelines and articulate early and often your principles and philoso- phy for the team. Deal with the players and parents in a decided professional manner and explain your reasoning. Involve staff and administrators in reinforcing your guidelines to the team and solicit their feedback to be certain you are consistent and fair in your de- cisions. Learn from past challenges and adjust your present guidelines accordingly.
Listen to Misty May-Treanor
Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports invites you to listen to three-time Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor discuss her path to beach volleyball and the role her parents played. Misty shares how she played multiple sports growing up and decision on what sports they want to play.
If you believe in something bad enough, that you can make it happen, you’re going to line
yourself up to make the best attempt at it. So I think believing in yourself is key.
ResponsibleSports.com/Volleyball
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