Mrs. Holston hope my experience and advice is not to late!
(no login) Posted Oct 26, 2005 2:18 AM
The incident you have shared with us is most disturbing especially because it involved children of a young age. Before I continue it is important you know I have read the responses to your letter and felt compelled to enlighten everyone concerned about human behavior. It is hoped everyone who either has their own children or have something to do with a childs development realizes that humans like most animal life learn by example. When Coaches cross the line of humility and education into the realm of egotism and plain outright mean spirited actions they need to be taken aside and respectfully asked what sort of benefit will come towards the team with these kinds of actions displayed at practice. Listen to the Coach and observe his non verbal actions. Did he plan on doing this before practice and if so does he believe there isn't an alternative way of Coaching. I'm curious as to how the children on his team respond to him? Do they like him? Do they seem to have fun? Was your Child the only one crying? Before I can really understand the events that transpired which certainly upset you and your son it is only fair to ask these questions. With that said, as a Youth Coach in the State of Virginia for the past 12 years I personally would never degrade a child or do anything to lower their already shaken self-esteem. In addition, for those Coaches reading this response we all have our own ways of teaching, disciplining and motivating our teams. However, never do anything to a child you would not have done to you. I'm sure this would help and encourage all of us to educate and build up our youth first and foremost.
Sincerely,
Coach Huntsinger
Fort Chiswell, Virginia