Click here for more of My FREE articles on Coaching Youth Football
Set Youth Football Playing Time Criteria Up Front
This subject is always a tricky one unless the rules are set in stone by your youth football league. Many leagues have the playing time requirements all set. Please make sure that when coaching youth football that you give the parents the full details regarding playing time.
Most “B” level teams have an equal playing time rule and I cannot emphasize enough that you should follow these rules exactly. There is no reason why you would need to break this rule unless you are allowed to penalize players for missing practices or misbehaving. You will need to check with your youth football administration regarding what is permitted regarding playing time.
Things will be a little bit trickier if you are a traveling youth football coach. Many times, there are no playing time restrictions. You want to remember you are coaching kids and you want them to all have a fun experience. We all want to win, but remember most young kids will by finished with sports by the time they are 13. I believe you should try to make their year as much fun as possible. It is hard enough, especially at the younger levels, since everyone wants to be a running back and you need lineman.
Playing time will also be the biggest parent complaint you will get. You need to make it clear from the first parent meeting on how you will handle playing time. If playing time is not guaranteed then be honest and let them, know up front. I believe in letting the parents know your plans for playing time throughout the season. It is fine to give updates to the players and parents as the youth football season progresses.
For my complete article on this topic please purchase my book.
More free articles on coaching Youth Football
Watching Football on TV as it relates to coaching youth football
Today's headlines as it relates to Youth football