If you look at a club that has three teams per age group, the top team is more likely to play to win - that's where the best players are on the court unless they are injured. The bottom team is more of a developmental team, and the court time is distributed more equally between players (where more equally doesn't necessarily mean that all players will have the exact same court time). The second team is somewhere in between #1 and #3. Each club is different though and the bench players may get more or less court time.

Our coaches say playtime is earned through effort and attitude during practice and games. It’s not just skill that you see during the games; it’s how they act and play during practice. You may not being seeing that as a parent, OP.

Thank you both for replies. No time specific minimum at club, but coach had said their goal was to max playing time for all. I do hesitate to mention goal as not trying to throw back in face and end of day just wanting better idea of rest of year. First step though, DC is younger side, but will have them ask coach for self and then see where goes. Thanks again,

Anonymous wrote:Scenario: same kids on a lower level developmental team consistently sitting entire games on bench.

Question: if you have been a coach, how have parents discussed playing time with you for their kids that have has been productive? If a parent just asks what work kid needs to do to get off bench, do you as a coach hear that the parent is ok for kid to be benched? What has been best way a parent got across their concerns about playing time with you- again when a developmental team and not top tier during tournament?

Does it make difference what you say if coach is parent coach?

Not sure what you mean by "games." Are you referencing entire matches or just sets within matches? On a team of more than 10 players its virtually impossible to get everyone into every set due to the sub limits. Its very common for development teams to rotate their lineups and have players sit out for a set and sometimes players will sit an entire match and then play an entire match later in the tournament.

Assuming you are talking about club volleyball, it depends heavily on the age group. For U11-14 players it can be very difficult for a player to have a conversation with their coach about playing time. Its a hard conversation to have and generally requires some maturity and experience to do so. Parents getting involved in the appropriate way at those age groups is generally OK. By U15+ though they should be able to have the conversation on their own. Parent involvement should be reserved for situations where the player doesn't feel like they can talk to the coach and/or there is a potential for player harm if they do talk to them (less playing time, etc.)

Good clubs and coaches generally set very clear expectations about playing time at the start of the season. If there is a policy on minimum playing time then make sure your kid is playing below that amount before raising the issue directly. As parents we tend to focus more on when they aren't playing and it tends to stick in our minds. If they really aren't playing the minimum amount then its OK to approach the coach and ask for some clarification on the expectation. Don't be confrontational, but be factual. Provide numbers if you have them, then ask the coach if they agree with the facts.

If they are playing the minimum amount and you still aren't happy with their playing time then the discussion is best left to the player if they are capable of having it. If they aren't capable, don't go into the discussion with an adversarial attitude i.e. "Why isn't my child playing more! You need to do something about it." After all they are doing exactly what they promised by giving everyone the minimum playing time. They likely worked pretty hard to do it to and now you are saying that you aren't happy with expectations that were set. And a bad coach may just decide to take it out on your child by further reducing their playing time.

If your team/club doesn't have minimum playing time commitments, then your discussion needs to be different. Asking what your kid needs to do to get on the court is generally a wrong approach. Its perfectly OK for a player to ask those questions and even viewed positively by a coach, but when a parent asks it can often be taken as a strong negative. Coaches know you are just asking about playing time in a nicer way. Same goes with the "what does my kid need to improve?" conversation. A good coach is likely already telling your kid what they need to improve and will just reiterate it if you ask.

Instead focus on the action you need to take. Is your kid working on improving outside of practice? If not, ask the coach for help finding additional clinics and/or lessons they can go to. When your kid does play, are they making a lot of mistakes? Ask what they can do at home to improve their consistency. When they are on the bench, are they engaged in the game and cheering on their teammates? If not, ask how you can help ensure they are engaged even when they aren't playing. Then your kid actually has to do those things and show improvement.

The kid should talk to the coach, not the parent. The kid should ask what a/he needs to do to earn more playing time.

Scenario: same kids on a lower level developmental team consistently sitting entire games on bench.

Question: if you have been a coach, how have parents discussed playing time with you for their kids that have has been productive? If a parent just asks what work kid needs to do to get off bench, do you as a coach hear that the parent is ok for kid to be benched? What has been best way a parent got across their concerns about playing time with you- again when a developmental team and not top tier during tournament?

Does it make difference what you say if coach is parent coach?