And it appears that some of these recent early commits are getting the stink eye from the varsity and assistant coaches. It would seem that they are a bit put off by the fact that a club player can be committed without ever having played for them. Kind of minimizes their self imposed "I am the master of the gateway to college lax in (insert your town here)"
How dare a player allow him or herself to be committed without the input of the exalted HS lax coach and staff. Neal and prepare to be beheaded as an example to those who follow.
Then the abuse starts in a classic passive / aggressive manner towards said players by HS coaches who I thought were bound by the same ZERO TOLERANCE to bullying laws that schools abide by. Above the law is where they operate in order to knock down kids who have accomplished a considerable amount prior to entering HS.
It's disgusting. Period.
This is a very one sided view. Sometimes, the early commit feels that they are commited to play for(insert your college here), and they dont have to play the team game or that they dont have to follow the program because they have already made it. Sometimes junior feels that they are better than the rest of their team because Duke wanted him or Hopkins or UVA. Sometimes a coach needs to reign them in for the teams sake as well as for his sake. Because whether he knows it or not his sh*t does still infact stink. Sometimes when they are not coddled and told how wonderful they are and thanked for playing for such a lowly high school team they cry because they are being bullied. the mean coach is an ingrate. The mean coach is jealous the mean coach is angry because he didnt get to play the king maker. Sometimes the very talented are prima donnas and want to be told how great they are. They are not always the team player that daddy thinks they are. The one guy who will still push him is the coach. Then the coach will get blasted for being a jealous, angry bully. Then junior goes off and struggles because the College coach who wanted him to come has him on campus and wants performance, team play and sacrifice. All things the superstar refused to learn from a bully [/quote]
Your point is taken and much appreciated as that is also a scenario we have all Witnessed but to a lesser degree just based on the rarity of that combination.
However, let's cull the parameters a little more. Say little Johnny is as humble as American apple pie to a fault. Does everything by the numbers, is first on and last off of the field.
Now Let's focus on the real psychopaths that we are endearing and subjecting our kid to. We have all seen it. Using my son as an example was to show that he at least has a potential escape hatch eventually and hopefully if he continues to grow and mature. He may yet be passed by as the late bloomers come and possibly surpass his abilities athletically and academically. So the reality check box is firmly filled in over here anyway
But will exposure to these type of outdated coaching techniques ( I wouldn't use the term philosophy, here, as there isnt any to be had at all) tend to be repeated down the line as some kids end up coaching themselves when all is said and done. Become what their environment is/ was; if you will. (Parenting clearly should over ride these influences, but we know how the pack mentality tends shape adolescent minds.
This still does not excuse extreme bullying by that coach or his staff towards that player or any other on that team must endure. I've overheard kids saying that they are sick of the BS and would consider quitting the game entirely if not for the external social pressures to stay in the cycle of abuse/ silence/ ignore it/ play on pattern.
As far as those who may be committed needing further pushing; that is well understood, yet it does not need be done in a demeening and or insulting fashion designed to break an rebuild in the coache's own image. And lets admit another thing... These early commits really are slf motivators and tend to be the type that wouldn't even tell someone they are hurt. They are warriors in their own rights
