“Ok, it’s time for the easiest part of any coach’s job. The cuts.”
Classic Homer Simpson. But what was a hilariously simplified process in the mid-90s for a fictional parent football coach, is anything but a fifth of the way into the 21st century. These days coaches agonize over releasing kids for a variety of reasons.
Their parents will hate you.
The athlete will hate you.
It might be a huge mistake.
Yep. All those things could come true, but it’s still your responsibility to make a decision and then deliver that decision with grace and tact.
Because no matter how difficult you find the process, remember when you were sitting on the other side of the table?
Yeah. So suck it up.
An Ideal Schedule
Players and parents should know what their timeline is. Parents are doing their best to support their children throughout tryouts, and you owe it to the kids, the organization, and yourself to help in any way you can.
All you can do is set the table for your releases, be direct, and be honest . . . SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches. Already a member? Login
See Also
- Chris DePiero – Talent Recruitment & Identification
- Confessions of a Minor Hockey Coach: The Truth About Parents
- Ken Hitchcock – Coaching Today’s Athlete
Kelvin Cech
Steady contributor in multiple roles over the years at The Coaches Site, current General Manager and Head Coach of the MJHL Niverville Nighthawks, former Assistant Coach with the UBC Thunderbirds Men's Hockey team.
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