Team parent strategies for non-responsive parents

[Anonymous]

OP here. This thread has taken an interesting turn for sure!

In our league, field prep and scorekeeper are only required for home games, so literally 6 or 8 games a season. Field prep is 30-60 mins, maybe? I get that people are busy- I am too, of course, as are the coaches. No one is asking a family to sign up for all the games- just one or possibly two a season. If you don't plan to stay for the game that day, sign up for a different game.

[Anonymous]

Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. This thread has taken an interesting turn for sure!

In our league, field prep and scorekeeper are only required for home games, so literally 6 or 8 games a season. Field prep is 30-60 mins, maybe? I get that people are busy- I am too, of course, as are the coaches. No one is asking a family to sign up for all the games- just one or possibly two a season. If you don't plan to stay for the game that day, sign up for a different game.

It’s not a big ask, OP. But unfortunately a lot of parents in this area are selfish and entitled.

[Anonymous]

People are entitled and feel that they don't have to give of their time.

As an uber volunteer myself, I'm with the earlier posters who said just assign people days/times. If they need to swap out, their problem. The league needs everyone to help volunteer to make the League run.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

NP, but this mean an your family has done it’s volunteer part for your kids to play. What about the people who NEVER volunteer for anything? Ever? A lot of these places are run on the same people doing all of the work and it can get tiresome. No one should have to beg you to volunteer once or twice a season for the kids to be able to play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

NP, but this mean an your family has done it’s volunteer part for your kids to play. What about the people who NEVER volunteer for anything? Ever? A lot of these places are run on the same people doing all of the work and it can get tiresome. No one should have to beg you to volunteer once or twice a season for the kids to be able to play.

That’s the thing. These aren’t tasks that “need” to be done so the kids can play. They are tasks the coach desires. Coach needs an assistant if coach can’t handle raking the field or keeping the score book. Some people like volunteering, and the extras that come with it. Almost every kid on all stars has a dad that coaches. It’s not a coincident. All the parents on the little league board have a kid that wins an award their last year. It’s the payment for their services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

NP, but this mean an your family has done it’s volunteer part for your kids to play. What about the people who NEVER volunteer for anything? Ever? A lot of these places are run on the same people doing all of the work and it can get tiresome. No one should have to beg you to volunteer once or twice a season for the kids to be able to play.

That’s the thing. These aren’t tasks that “need” to be done so the kids can play. They are tasks the coach desires. Coach needs an assistant if coach can’t handle raking the field or keeping the score book. Some people like volunteering, and the extras that come with it. Almost every kid on all stars has a dad that coaches. It’s not a coincident. All the parents on the little league board have a kid that wins an award their last year. It’s the payment for their services.

What? You think prepping the field isn’t necessary for the kids to play? Baseball? Are you serious? And the VOLUNTEER coach is supposed to coach, keep score and rake the field? While all of the other parents sit around doing...nothing? What on earth makes you think you don’t need a scorekeeper in Majors?

No one “likes” being the one to do the work all of the time. No one. Many of us do it because...wait for it...if we don’t, the kids can’t play.

[Anonymous]

Omg PP. Not everything is a quid pro qou. This is just something that you are telling yourself to feel better about not helping. The coaches are coaches not service providers there to make your life easier. Chip in. Geez it's not that hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

NP, but this mean an your family has done it’s volunteer part for your kids to play. What about the people who NEVER volunteer for anything? Ever? A lot of these places are run on the same people doing all of the work and it can get tiresome. No one should have to beg you to volunteer once or twice a season for the kids to be able to play.

That’s the thing. These aren’t tasks that “need” to be done so the kids can play. They are tasks the coach desires. Coach needs an assistant if coach can’t handle raking the field or keeping the score book. Some people like volunteering, and the extras that come with it. Almost every kid on all stars has a dad that coaches. It’s not a coincident. All the parents on the little league board have a kid that wins an award their last year. It’s the payment for their services.

DP. Wow, way to justify being a total jackass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Omg PP. Not everything is a quid pro qou. This is just something that you are telling yourself to feel better about not helping. The coaches are coaches not service providers there to make your life easier. Chip in. Geez it's not that hard.

+1. Also, pp says this now, but then would probably be the first to complain about favoritism if her kid is riding the bench while the kids of the coach and other frequent volunteers are starting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

NP, but this mean an your family has done it’s volunteer part for your kids to play. What about the people who NEVER volunteer for anything? Ever? A lot of these places are run on the same people doing all of the work and it can get tiresome. No one should have to beg you to volunteer once or twice a season for the kids to be able to play.

That’s the thing. These aren’t tasks that “need” to be done so the kids can play. They are tasks the coach desires. Coach needs an assistant if coach can’t handle raking the field or keeping the score book. Some people like volunteering, and the extras that come with it. Almost every kid on all stars has a dad that coaches. It’s not a coincident. All the parents on the little league board have a kid that wins an award their last year. It’s the payment for their services.

NP: generally agree with this..our league has no lack of volunteers. All dads who either love baseball, or yes, do it to give their kid an advantage when it comes to all-stars or “moving up early” to the next level or even playing key positions etc. When push comes to shove and 2 kids are of similar skill, they’ll always take the kid of the volunteer dad. They know the family better, know they will help out if needed, know they understand how things work. Not saying whether I agree or disagree but I thought every league was this way. So, yes, it tends to be the same group of dads who volunteer for everything, but they seem to prefer it that way themselves 🤷‍♀️ Given OP’s kid plays Majors, I’m surprised at the lack of volunteers. Majors tends to be kind of cutthroat so people try to gain advantage for their kid by kissing up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

NP, but this mean an your family has done it’s volunteer part for your kids to play. What about the people who NEVER volunteer for anything? Ever? A lot of these places are run on the same people doing all of the work and it can get tiresome. No one should have to beg you to volunteer once or twice a season for the kids to be able to play.

That’s the thing. These aren’t tasks that “need” to be done so the kids can play. They are tasks the coach desires. Coach needs an assistant if coach can’t handle raking the field or keeping the score book. Some people like volunteering, and the extras that come with it. Almost every kid on all stars has a dad that coaches. It’s not a coincident. All the parents on the little league board have a kid that wins an award their last year. It’s the payment for their services.

Why should the coach be responsible for raking the field or keeping the score book? The coach is putting enough volunteer labor into making this team happen for your kid as it is.

[Anonymous]

OP you should just assign families at the beginning of the season. Since you didn’t do that you’re going to have to pivot:

“Hi families, As you know our team depends on parent volunteers. We cannot host games without volunteers. I have posted a sign-up genius so that you can choose the date most convenient for you. Anyone who hasn’t chosen a date by x/xx will be assigned automatically. If your assigned date doesn’t work with your schedule it is your responsibility to reach out to other families to trade. Coach C andI appreciate your involvement! Have a great weekend!”

Done. Then do it.

Since you’re assigning families, it’s actually good to error on having more volunteers than you actually need. I would also send out an email every week with the names of the volunteers, so there’s an element of shame if they “forget” their slot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why so many volunteers? My kids played little league and travel baseball for years, and we only had to volunteer for snack bar one a season and all stars (uniforms, documents). Many people would have a middle school kid volunteer (they need the service hours). The coaches and assistant coaches raked the field and kept the score book. One dad always wanted to do GameChanger, and we frequently didn’t do the score board if no one wanted to do it. What else is left?

I would be annoyed with all these volunteer requests. People are busy and this sounds like made up work.

This is my exact experience too. The coaches handle most things, and there are usually a few dads around to recruit if needed. Usually someone does GC, but there have been teams where no one wanted to, and that was fine (except during all stars)- if no parent steps up, then no GC. Our snack bar is all high school and college kids who do it for community service credit (and people tip). I’ve never helped with anything LL related in like 10+ seasons (several kids who play). My DH has coached a bunch of times, and usually does field prep if he is at the game & not coaching.

NP, but this mean an your family has done it’s volunteer part for your kids to play. What about the people who NEVER volunteer for anything? Ever? A lot of these places are run on the same people doing all of the work and it can get tiresome. No one should have to beg you to volunteer once or twice a season for the kids to be able to play.

That’s the thing. These aren’t tasks that “need” to be done so the kids can play. They are tasks the coach desires. Coach needs an assistant if coach can’t handle raking the field or keeping the score book. Some people like volunteering, and the extras that come with it. Almost every kid on all stars has a dad that coaches. It’s not a coincident. All the parents on the little league board have a kid that wins an award their last year. It’s the payment for their services.

NP: generally agree with this..our league has no lack of volunteers. All dads who either love baseball, or yes, do it to give their kid an advantage when it comes to all-stars or “moving up early” to the next level or even playing key positions etc. When push comes to shove and 2 kids are of similar skill, they’ll always take the kid of the volunteer dad. They know the family better, know they will help out if needed, know they understand how things work. Not saying whether I agree or disagree but I thought every league was this way. So, yes, it tends to be the same group of dads who volunteer for everything, but they seem to prefer it that way themselves 🤷‍♀️ Given OP’s kid plays Majors, I’m surprised at the lack of volunteers. Majors tends to be kind of cutthroat so people try to gain advantage for their kid by kissing up.

Making it so the kids can play is kissing up? I swear y’all are the most entitled people ever. This is my 7th year keeping score. My DH’s 7th year coaching one team or another. Guess what? I’d like to just sit back and just cheer for my kid, too - instead of ensuring the book is correct and making sure the coach can see stats. When my kid gets a big hit, instead of cheering, I’m making sure the play is properly scored in GameChanger. My DH would like to do something else with his free time instead of arranging games, calling/emailing other coaches for makeups, and creating plans for practice. Guess what? He could spend that time working with his own kids!

Kissing up? GTFOH.

And yes, if a coach has to pick between a kid with lazy, entitled parents who can’t find the time to volunteer at ONE game, or a kid that has parents that will contribute in some way, yes, the kid with involved parents will get picked every time. I mean, really. You can’t be surprised or even mad at that.