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Curtis had he following question:
How would you handle a case where a 7-year-old, inexperienced child has been signed up to play football, but during conditioning and drills, it is apparent to the coaching staff that the child is not mature enough or physically ready to play?
The parent feels, right or wrong, that the child is ready to participate on the team. During practice sessions, the coach has witnessed that the child shies away from contact, to the point of turning his back to an oncoming blocker.
Hi Curtis,
This is a unique situation, that I have not really experienced myself. While conducting a youth football coaches' clinic this past weekend, I reached out to a number of youth coaches and discussed what they would do or have done when and if they were faced with this challenge.
Everyone said that the safety of the player must overshadow any decision you might make and any action you may take. Of the coaches who had experienced a similar situation, a majority of them said that they allowed the player to stay on the team, but that they custom made the drills that the player participated in, especially at the beginning of the season.
They were very careful to match the player with a player of similar size, strength and temperament. Initially all drills were against a blocking dummy, then walk through, then at half speed against a fellow player. This continued until the player gained some confidence in his ability, learned safe technique and came to the realization that they were not going to be injured.
A few of the coaches said that it was an ongoing process all through the season, but they were happy to see that the player returned the next year eager to play again and ready to participate in a normal rotation in the drills.
During the first season being a part of the team, a majority of these players received the minimum playing time in games as required by the league.
Here are a few of the other comments that may be of value to you as you decide what to do. First, if this is a severe situation, coaches felt you should immediately notify your league commissioner, check out league policy and make sure you have alerted other people to the situation. Remember you are responsible for the player during practice and games.
Second, a couple coaches who absolutely felt that the player in question should not continue with the team, said that they video taped the player in drills before they ever spoke to the parents about taking the player out of the program for the year. Some said it helped but some said the parent did not see or want to see the problem.
A number of coaches who allowed the player to remain on the team under very close supervision said that they had some concern that the parent might react badly to the situation and the player would be the one that suffered.
In summary, the consensus of opinion was, if at all possible, allow the player to be part of the team, to gain confidence and learn the valuable life lessons football teaches to every player.
At the same time, be realistic in your expectations concerning the player's progress and be willing to devote the necessary time and planning so that the player learns the game under a very controlled and specially designed environment with the player's safety always as the number one priority.
Curtis, I really hope this information helps you as you face this challenge and that the situation works out the best for everyone, especially your young player.
Coach Tom Bass
Coach Tom Bass, the technical writer and advisor for USA Football, is a 30-year NFL coach who has also authored several books, including "Play Football the NFL Way" - the first "how to" book ever authorized and published by the NFL. Coach Bass is happy to personally autograph his books to you. Book ordering information can be found at http://www.coachbass.com/.
