This is probably the youth sports third rail. I would feel safer arguing social security reform at a AARP meeting then tackling this subject. The one thing that I will say about it is that most of this is cause by a lack of communication between all parties.

Al, I couldn't have said it better! But the problem is a lot of kids are on this website and these whinny questions and answers set a bad example. As adults don't we need to lead by example?

Luckly the whinny questions are the minority of questions.

well it would be really if the coaches new about is. every parent feels strongly about there kids playing time. LIke alot of the time my coach doesn't let me hit.. and my dad gets mad.. but I'm not. because I can pitch better if I don't.

It seems like most of the questions I have seen are an honest attempt to address the situation rather than just a complaint. I think asking help to resolve this common struggle between parents and coaches is exactly what this for. Sometimes people don't know how to approach a situation and need a little advice. If you are asking for help, I think that's a good sign.

To All parties we have to remember , it's about teaching the game of Baseball, not winning or losing... I've managed for 18 yrs and not once did we win a champship,but most of my players have gone to greater baseball fields

Its riddiculus to think we don't care about winning. And we really aren't gonna sit here and say telling our kids "its not about winning or losing, it's how you play the game." doesn't sound condescending. Kids invest alot into sports. They know winning means all thier hard work pays off. Lets not treat kids like they're babies. Now when your talking about peewee leagues. you know! the one you "pay money" for! thats completely different. Its a parents responsibility to make sure thier kid is getting equal playing time. These leagues sometimes forget they are there to provide guidance and experience for these kids. These coaches volunteer thier time, and most likely are parents of kids on the team. As a coach i wll train everybody the same and give all players equal amount of time. If i wanna win as a coach i must Strategize when players are gonna play thier alloted time. And some of these leagues even give coches minimums that are really unfair. Baseball- 2 innings one at bat. Basketball, Soccer- 1 qtr. football-10 plays. How would you feel if i only let your kid play 1qtr of a basketball game while my kids play all game? how would you feel if i placed your child in the same position the whole season and never let her play any other position while i let a small group of other kids try any posiion they want? So what if taking certain players out costs winning the games. As a Paid league coach, parents trust I'll teach all the players everything I know to help set them up for School leagues and Try out Teams. Now when you get to school leagues If that coach doesn't play your kid thats on him or her. In Middle school High school and College the coach's job is to win. unless you think your kids are being put in danger you really don't have a say. I have never gotten a complaint from a parent when i am fair and treat all kids the same as my own. What i do get is kids saying they would rather let thier teamates play instead of them because they wanna win or cause they are scared or hurt. And even so i will ask parents what they want to do first. Complaining can be a good thing, Just make sure your doing it for the right reasons.