HS soccer - water breaks - is this something to be concerned about?

[Anonymous]

On a recovery day, players with no to minimal playing time in the prior game aren't permitted water breaks. Coach wants them to prove they can compete and earn playing time. Rest of the team rotates in and out of small sided scrimmages against the players who are going without breaks. This lasts about 45 minutes. I see where the coach is going with this, but it concerns me as weather gets hotter. Seems like a great way for a lower player to get injured. They're competing at a sustained pace beyond what they do in a game, against kids who've had short breaks and water. What do you think? My player didn't like it, but also doesn't think they have any standing to speak up against it.

[Anonymous]

I think that’s crossing a line. I don’t know what you can do about it though. DS had an awful varsity coach in the fall but everyone was afraid to complain due to fear of retaliation. My son begged me not to complain because he would lose playing time. I could see that being a concern here. Then again if he’s not playing your child then maybe you have nothing to lose. But aside from the health risks of no water breaks on hot days, this seems like a terrible tactic from a team building standpoint. This is like public shaming and splits the team into an in group and out group.

[Anonymous]

Well.... it's hazing

[Anonymous]

In my view, that is not good coaching, but 45 minutes without water is not hazing or a particular injury risk, either. Fwiw, a coach who does that is not going to change from a parent complaint.

[Anonymous]

Stupid. 1970s P.E. instructor mentality.

[Anonymous]

Is it just temporary for a week because long-term that is not OK at all. I agree that it’s bordering on hazing, if not outright hazing.

[Anonymous]

45 mins without water? Oh, the humanity!

[Anonymous]

Everyone was puking after our kids' HS tryouts at a 100 degree day in August. 2-mile pacer test, beep test and scrimmage. They are 3-hours several days in a row. The heat always concerned me and literally 50% of the team starts off the season injured after the 4-day in a row tryout.

[Anonymous]

Just cause your lived through it doesn’t mean it’s right. On the other hand is this really what you are using a soccer forum to get takes from? Are you gonna follow through on a suggestion from this? Just not sure this is worth of a ton of reflection.

[Anonymous]

I don't think I would say anything yet but I would probably pay a bit more attention to a practice or 2 in order to make sure it's just tough coaching vs bullying

[Anonymous]

45 mins of mid to high intensity, especially if only done occasionally, shouldn't really increase a chance of injury unless we're talking about extreme heat in which case everyone should be taking water breaks.

They school should already have standards for "red" and "black" flag days when it comes to working out in the heat and water breaks. If coach isn't following the guidelines, feel free to speak up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On a recovery day, players with no to minimal playing time in the prior game aren't permitted water breaks. Coach wants them to prove they can compete and earn playing time. Rest of the team rotates in and out of small sided scrimmages against the players who are going without breaks. This lasts about 45 minutes. I see where the coach is going with this, but it concerns me as weather gets hotter. Seems like a great way for a lower player to get injured. They're competing at a sustained pace beyond what they do in a game, against kids who've had short breaks and water. What do you think? My player didn't like it, but also doesn't think they have any standing to speak up against it.

I can't stop laughing!!
This is obviously a joke!

Everyone with sense on this forum keeps posting what crap HS soccer is, but this must be an attempt to seal the deal hahahahaha

[Anonymous]

Honestly, it depends on what the humidity level (wet-bulb) temperature is. If it's cooler, it's not as big of deal vs if it's hotter outside. The work to rest ratio is spelled out by US Soccer for safety guidelines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, it depends on what the humidity level (wet-bulb) temperature is. If it's cooler, it's not as big of deal vs if it's hotter outside. The work to rest ratio is spelled out by US Soccer for safety guidelines.

This!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the replies. Yes, coach has set up a terrible dynamic on the team. Unfortunately, no, not a joke, though I agree that hs soccer is in general. I've landed on this is borderline hazing, I'll keep an ear open but am not overly concerned with current weather, and will remind my child to know herself. This team is not a defining component of her life right now.