09/26/2026
Recently, there's been a big push in youth sports to get rid of the red-faced, sideline-pacing coach who screams at players after every mistake.
Good.
I've complained about that type of coach probably 4,000 times.
BUT...
We have to be careful not to swing too far in the other direction.
To the point where any coach who raises their voice or confronts a player is immediately accused of being "abusive" or creating a "toxic" environment.
I bring this up because yesterday I received an email from a coach who said he's decided to take the 26/27 season off because he doesn't feel like he's allowed to "coach" anyone anymore... he said he just feels like a babysitter.
And while I obviously don't know the full story behind the situation, this is something I've heard from multiple coaches, so I do think it's important that we separate bad coaching from simply holding players accountable.
Yelling at a 12-year-old because they missed an easy layup?
Ridiculous.
Embarrassing a player in front of the team because they put up a bad shot?
Also ridiculous.
But holding a player accountable when they don't sprint back on defense, or subbing a player out because they keep ignoring team rules, or pulling a kid aside for a serious chat because they keep rolling their eyes at teammates?
Those are necessary, and good coaching!
As long as we go about it the right way, coaches NEED to be able to tell players when their effort, attitude, or behavior isn't good enough.
We NEED to be able to hold players accountable and make it crystal clear that poor effort, selfishness, disrespect, and bad sportsmanship won't be ignored.
But some coaches are starting to feel like they can't do that anymore.
They're worried that being firm, raising their voice occasionally, or giving a player a consequence will make parents label them the "bad guy."
It's sad.
Just as kids should feel safe making mistakes...
Coaches should feel safe holding players accountable and challenging them, as long as they do it fairly and respectfully.
