Another pileon response to jdccpa's post. You lose the sympathy vote by refusing a volunteer. Don't worry about the sympathy vote. Just tell the coaches that due to the circumstances, you'll be taking a lot less "advice" from the benches, and that you expect them to accept the fact that you're going to miss some calls.
Most of the time, they'll appreciate your candor and give you the freedom you need. If not, it may be a short game. Either way, you come out ahead.
