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Originally Posted by stmaryrams
Had a situation Sunday, second game of a double header. I am assistant coach on an 8th grade team. My son gets called out on a third strike that he took. Great pitch, inside and at the hands, very hard to hit or swing at. Identical to the previous pitch which was also called a strike.
Kid comes over to the dugout, in tears, complaining that it wasn't a strike. I being a basketball and volleyball official, say "you should have tried to foul it off". The last pitch was in the same spot and also called a strike. He is still complaining about the call. I finally say "you can think what you want but you are sitting here and are still out". He's now so angry he heads to the car.
On Monday when he was calmed down a bit we finally discussed the situation. He now states he can't hit that pitch. It's too far in on him. I again suggest starting early and trying to foul it off or backing out a bit. I also expressed how well the opponent was pitching him. Started outside corner and then busted him inside.
He just started officiating soccer and I asked if he would put up with his behavior on the pitch. He seemed to get the point. Little bit of tough love but I will not put up with questioning and blaming officials for your failure. Worst part is he let his team down by getting so upset he couldn't play anymore.
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Sorry, but I'm looking for the tough love part, did I miss something?
14 year old kid gets rung up and starts crying, then gets angry and disses his team mates, coaches and Dad in a totally selfish act and walks out on everyone. The next day he's "calmed down a bit" and the discussion centers around the mechanics of how to hit a high and tight fastball.
The kid is 14 not 4, a summer away from high school. If a 14 yr old on my team pulls this stunt we're not talking mechanics, we're talking sportsmanship, respect and being a good teammate. Then based on his reception to this discussion I'd be informing him how many games he'll be keeping score in the dugout.
This type of behavior doesn't just appear at age 14 and if analogizing his actions to something on the soccer field is the best you can come up with then this type of response is bound to repeat itself.
How a parent and coach deals with this type of behavior is normally no one eles business, but since you posted it I feel the freedom to put my two cents worth in.