Do you give gifts to coaches? How much?

[Anonymous]

OP here again -- Just in response to 11:23:

1. I'm not "flabbergasted"
2. They suggested $15, not $10
3. I have repeately said here that I understand and appreciate the time and intentions of volunteer coaches and I don't think that questioning the group about the appropriateness and size of a coach gift negates that.

I posted because I wanted to see if this was (1) a new practice and (2) a local practice -- I think I have been convinced that it is neither.

Thanks to those of you who took time to respond. Maybe you would each like $15? (JUST KIDDING!)

[Anonymous]

My DH also coaches various youth sports (volunteer, not paid). I agree with previous posters in that it's just a way to say "thanks." Coaching done well takes a lot of effort and dedication. DH rearranges his work schedule to run the weekday practices. There's usually a game each weekend. Time goes into planning for the practices, setting up/taking down equipment, dealing with kids' behavior issues (attention issues, not following directions to the point of endangering other players, etc. while parents are doing nothing from the sidelines or dropping kids off and leaving...we're talking 5 and 6 year-olds...as if it's a free babysitting service). DH coaches b/c he's a sports nut and enjoys working with the kids and seeing their growth. He never expects anything, but has in the past received gift certificates to local restaurants. Not all parents participate in the team gift. As far as team parties go, it's my DH (and his assistant coach) who have always picked up the tab.

[Anonymous]

I'm the second poster, who's dad coached ice hockey. I just wanted to clarify, it wasn't that he was upset about the dollar amount because of the amount, he earns plenty and definitely did not need a monetary gift at all. In fact, I'd guess that he would have been happier with a letter from each child thanking him, or something like that. What upset him was that the gift seemed half-assed...the fact that it was 15 bucks, and there were at least 15 kids on the team meant each child gave 1 dollar, or some gave more, and others nothing, it felt to him like the families decided that SOMETHING had to be given, but it didn't matter what. I'm not sure i'm expressing this well at all, but it was more the attitude the gift conveyed then the gift itself that was upsetting.

[Anonymous]

My DH is currently a Varsity BBall Coach at a well-known and highly regarded Catholic High School. I am amazed at the low stipends that Coaches are paid for their efforts. My DH loves it and I support him in helping the children. But the time away from our family is monumental and the time spent on the phone with parents and then their kids is time lost as well. Token gifts or letters from the kids and their families would be a nice gesture.