May - the month no one talks to each other

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

HA ! The All Mighty team manager!! Usually a kiss ass overweight mom who thinks her kids is the best on the team. thinks the coach and her have a special relationship where she is part of the roster selection. You are better off asking the other parents.

Wow, my husband is the team manager and he's an average weight middle-aged guy. We know our kid is not the best on the team. DH volunteered to do it after absolutely no one else on the team would step up.

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

HA ! The All Mighty team manager!! Usually a kiss ass overweight mom who thinks her kids is the best on the team. thinks the coach and her have a special relationship where she is part of the roster selection. You are better off asking the other parents.

Wow, my husband is the team manager and he's an average weight middle-aged guy. We know our kid is not the best on the team. DH volunteered to do it after absolutely no one else on the team would step up.

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

All volunteer Team Managers are not the same. There are some that are great but there are others that think/act like a pompous dictator.

[Anonymous]

Never met those types. Our last three team managers were a slim woman who is very busy with work with work but did it because no one else wanted to, a SOHM who is very pretty and nice too, and a fit man who I think was the best team manager we've ever had. He was always on the ball with getting answers to things just as we all had the same questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is our first year in travel. When we get an offer (which the coach has told us we almost certainly will from our current level team, but not a higher one), is it bad form to text DS's friends to see if they are also staying on the team? That would affect whether he wants to do another year of travel (as I refuse to drive him elsewhere to play for another club).

Check in with the team manager, they will usually be collecting the status of most players.

Definitely ask his friends’ parents. This isn’t the Premier League. This is about your little kid and what will continue to make a sport fun and engaging for him. Otherwise, what’s the point? If one of the most important things about his continuation of playing is being with his friends, then it shouldn’t even be a question whether you should ask or not. If the parents want to tell you what their kids are doing they will. If not, then not, and this probably means they’re leaving. Nothing lost by asking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The parents are the worst and it starts at a very young age---u9 tryouts. I have heard of younger kid parents making fun of lower team parents that bring their kids to DA ID sessions. AS IF?!?!!! But, in their world, where you get labeled at U8 is how you will remain the rest of your development. I mean, a kid really couldn't change from U8 to U12, correct? Toxic.

U9 and u10 tryouts are the absolute worst. Even sane parents come to believe that their child's athletic future hangs in the balance.
People chill a bit more each successive year.

At the heart of this parental insanity is insecurity and uncertainty which is a byproduct of the system. Sure, some parents are in it to brag about their "top team" player." But most of us just want to see our kids improving and having fun playing soccer. If clubs did a better job with their lower level teams and actually made some effort evaluate existing players based not only on current level (and size) but also on commitment, awareness, and interest, perhaps they would put together more cohesive teams which would lead to more players being happy regardless of placement. Also, for those players being cut or demoted, if the coaching staff has a good idea which players will not be given offers for the next year, why not speak with the player and parents and let the players practice or play a game or two with the B team to get a feel for the coach and other players on the team? If tryouts are starting in April and early May, there is plenty of time to ease the transition.

Give those top team parents who seem snotty or even malicious a break. They and their kids might have enjoyed their season and are just nervous about not being asked back. It seems petty, but the uncertainty makes normally nice people into idiots. I've been there - on both sides. With so much family time and money at stake, the prospect of having to reestablish new routines and relationships year after year puts everyone on edge. That bitchy mom might be a single mom who depends on her son's top team teammate to drive her son to practice and games. That nervous and distant dad might be best friends with another dad on the team and hopes to continue to hang out during practices and tournament weekends. This stuff isn't just about proving your kid is the greatest u11 player ever or ensuring a path to professional glory.

+1 In spades

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is our first year in travel. When we get an offer (which the coach has told us we almost certainly will from our current level team, but not a higher one), is it bad form to text DS's friends to see if they are also staying on the team? That would affect whether he wants to do another year of travel (as I refuse to drive him elsewhere to play for another club).

Check in with the team manager, they will usually be collecting the status of most players.

HA ! The All Mighty team manager!! Usually a kiss ass overweight mom who thinks her kids is the best on the team. thinks the coach and her have a special relationship where she is part of the roster selection. You are better off asking the other parents.

Too true, except ours is pretty attractive.

pics ?[/quote

Gross. Have some class, all of you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

You just proved that you are indeed a pompous dictator Team Manager yourself. LOL.

What’s so special about entering a League Schedule into a team scheduling app? Also, it’s very hard for other parents to volunteer when a current team manager is so adamant about retaining and relishing in the team manager role.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

You just proved that you are indeed a pompous dictator Team Manager yourself. LOL.

What’s so special about entering a League Schedule into a team scheduling app? Also, it’s very hard for other parents to volunteer when a current team manager is so adamant about retaining and relishing in the team manager role.

No. I didn’t. But, sorry if your TM is such an ass. It’s a lot more than entering crap into a scheduling app. Volunteer and you’ll find out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

You just proved that you are indeed a pompous dictator Team Manager yourself. LOL.

What’s so special about entering a League Schedule into a team scheduling app? Also, it’s very hard for other parents to volunteer when a current team manager is so adamant about retaining and relishing in the team manager role.

No. I didn’t. But, sorry if your TM is such an ass. It’s a lot more than entering crap into a scheduling app. Volunteer and you’ll find out.

We know, you may not be the hero we deserve but you’re the hero we need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

You just proved that you are indeed a pompous dictator Team Manager yourself. LOL.

What’s so special about entering a League Schedule into a team scheduling app? Also, it’s very hard for other parents to volunteer when a current team manager is so adamant about retaining and relishing in the team manager role.

I’m a u9 manager. I volunteered bc no one else would do it and after 4 emails begging, I agreed. My kid isn’t the best on the team. He’s smack in the middle. He often starts and I wonder if it’s because the coach feels indebted to me.

Managing a team isn’t just about entering a schedule into TeamSnap. I have to attend every game. I drive half the team to away games and buy them lunch or dinner. I lug a bench and tent to every game. I manage attendance. I find guest players when needed (often at the last moment). I field questions and try and help parents with the drama. I coordinate with opposing coaches. I handle a gazillon emails from our club and edit out the repetitive nonsense so that my team gets the info it needs. I host team parties. I collect money for all sorts of things. I spent my own money to buy an extra keeper glove and first aid kit.

The amount of paperwork involved to get a bunch of 8 year olds on the field each week is staggering. The hustle to register in the fall was beyond stressful.

I get that there are parents who do this job for special consideration for their kids. I’m not one of them and I’m looking forward to being a team parent soon and not a manager. All that said, it’s not a walk in the park.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

You just proved that you are indeed a pompous dictator Team Manager yourself. LOL.

What’s so special about entering a League Schedule into a team scheduling app? Also, it’s very hard for other parents to volunteer when a current team manager is so adamant about retaining and relishing in the team manager role.

I’m a u9 manager. I volunteered bc no one else would do it and after 4 emails begging, I agreed. My kid isn’t the best on the team. He’s smack in the middle. He often starts and I wonder if it’s because the coach feels indebted to me.

Managing a team isn’t just about entering a schedule into TeamSnap. I have to attend every game. I drive half the team to away games and buy them lunch or dinner. I lug a bench and tent to every game. I manage attendance. I find guest players when needed (often at the last moment). I field questions and try and help parents with the drama. I coordinate with opposing coaches. I handle a gazillon emails from our club and edit out the repetitive nonsense so that my team gets the info it needs. I host team parties. I collect money for all sorts of things. I spent my own money to buy an extra keeper glove and first aid kit.

The amount of paperwork involved to get a bunch of 8 year olds on the field each week is staggering. The hustle to register in the fall was beyond stressful.

I get that there are parents who do this job for special consideration for their kids. I’m not one of them and I’m looking forward to being a team parent soon and not a manager. All that said, it’s not a walk in the park.

Well, you sound like a decent Team Manager. But why are you buying lunch/dinner and driving half of the team to games? Hosting team parties? This is all on you if you. No one said being a team manager requires you to do all of this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

You just proved that you are indeed a pompous dictator Team Manager yourself. LOL.

What’s so special about entering a League Schedule into a team scheduling app? Also, it’s very hard for other parents to volunteer when a current team manager is so adamant about retaining and relishing in the team manager role.

I’m a u9 manager. I volunteered bc no one else would do it and after 4 emails begging, I agreed. My kid isn’t the best on the team. He’s smack in the middle. He often starts and I wonder if it’s because the coach feels indebted to me.

Managing a team isn’t just about entering a schedule into TeamSnap. I have to attend every game. I drive half the team to away games and buy them lunch or dinner. I lug a bench and tent to every game. I manage attendance. I find guest players when needed (often at the last moment). I field questions and try and help parents with the drama. I coordinate with opposing coaches. I handle a gazillon emails from our club and edit out the repetitive nonsense so that my team gets the info it needs. I host team parties. I collect money for all sorts of things. I spent my own money to buy an extra keeper glove and first aid kit.

The amount of paperwork involved to get a bunch of 8 year olds on the field each week is staggering. The hustle to register in the fall was beyond stressful.

I get that there are parents who do this job for special consideration for their kids. I’m not one of them and I’m looking forward to being a team parent soon and not a manager. All that said, it’s not a walk in the park.

Well, you sound like a decent Team Manager. But why are you buying lunch/dinner and driving half of the team to games? Hosting team parties? This is all on you if you. No one said being a team manager requires you to do all of this.

I do it because I’m a yes person and a pleaser. I know which kids are on scholarship and I’ve seen where they live so you better believe I’m going to feed them. I’m not asking for a gold star- I just wanted to comment that not all managers are doing it for nefarious reasons.

[Anonymous]

All parents agree that youth soccer demands rigor and loyalty.

For players worse than their child, rigor is essential and roster spots should be given on a strict merit basis so as to field the most competitive team.

For players better than their child, loyalty to the club is essential so that their team not collapse when they go off in search of better opportunities.

For their child, loyalty by the club is essential, so that they not lose their roster spot to more qualified players coming from outside the program. Also, a parent's loyalty is to their own child's best interest, so they can do whatever they think is best for their child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+1 - Gotta love people that complain about volunteers that spend all their time trying to herd a bunch of entitled, whinny parents that think THEIR kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread and serving arrogant, infantile coaches that don't know how to communicate to adults. Yeah - great volunteer role. I think the poster above should volunteer him/herself instead of complaining.

Thank you!

You just proved that you are indeed a pompous dictator Team Manager yourself. LOL.

What’s so special about entering a League Schedule into a team scheduling app? Also, it’s very hard for other parents to volunteer when a current team manager is so adamant about retaining and relishing in the team manager role.

I’m a u9 manager. I volunteered bc no one else would do it and after 4 emails begging, I agreed. My kid isn’t the best on the team. He’s smack in the middle. He often starts and I wonder if it’s because the coach feels indebted to me.

Managing a team isn’t just about entering a schedule into TeamSnap. I have to attend every game. I drive half the team to away games and buy them lunch or dinner. I lug a bench and tent to every game. I manage attendance. I find guest players when needed (often at the last moment). I field questions and try and help parents with the drama. I coordinate with opposing coaches. I handle a gazillon emails from our club and edit out the repetitive nonsense so that my team gets the info it needs. I host team parties. I collect money for all sorts of things. I spent my own money to buy an extra keeper glove and first aid kit.

The amount of paperwork involved to get a bunch of 8 year olds on the field each week is staggering. The hustle to register in the fall was beyond stressful.

I get that there are parents who do this job for special consideration for their kids. I’m not one of them and I’m looking forward to being a team parent soon and not a manager. All that said, it’s not a walk in the park.

Well, you sound like a decent Team Manager. But why are you buying lunch/dinner and driving half of the team to games? Hosting team parties? This is all on you if you. No one said being a team manager requires you to do all of this.

I do it because I’m a yes person and a pleaser. I know which kids are on scholarship and I’ve seen where they live so you better believe I’m going to feed them. I’m not asking for a gold star- I just wanted to comment that not all managers are doing it for nefarious reasons.

Wow. You are an awesome human being. Your kind & generous action more than compensated for the actions of all the pompous dictator Team Managers.