How much elbow swing is too much

[mccoachmike]

Originally posted by kgruber
Mike,

Our comments like these come from years of frustrating situtations dealing with coaches, players, & parents who may know a few rules but are generally clueless.

Our attitude may seem a bit caustic at times but know we appreciate you coming to the forum to help all of us understand the rules better.

I am a newbie to the forum as well and I love it. You get a real cross section of expertise, questions, and attitudes and it all adds up to a great experience for all.

Welcome to the forum!

Yes, they are, much more so than I would have thought. I learned that last year. I am a director as well as a coach, which basically means I am a bouncer for the out of control crowd. But it also means that I end up explaining rules to those who are open minded enough to ask (most just want to yell at the refs, they get escorted out of the building).

I found I knew more of the rules than people who had been in the league for years. Case in point it the start of this thread, where another coach had been to a coaching camp which was still encouraging swinging of the elbows "to clear out anyone around you"!

But, what really struck me, was how much I did not know. Seems that like life, the more I learn, the only thing I learn is that I have to learn.

But alas, that is why I am here, and ordering the rule books (the simplified and illustrated) seems to be a good idea, in addition to the actual rule book.

I used to play very competitive tennis, and always carried a rule book. Came in handy when people would argue rules. I just never dreamed I would need one in a rec league for kids!!!!!