Of Captains and Coin Tosses

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by Rich

We don't let kids make the wrong choice. Period.

Likewise, on penalties, our wing gets the choice from the coach and I'll let the captain know what that choice is and what we're doing.

Nobody wins when we let 16 and 17 year olds make the wrong choice on the field. The kid doesn't, the team doesn't, we don't.

Nobody is suggesting you SHOULD ever " let kids make the wrong choice". The question is, "What is the best way to make sure that doesn't happen". Blowing the Captain off, ignoring him and dealing only with the Coach, will certainly avoid problems, BUT IT'S NOT THE ONLY WAY, or arguably the "best" way.

Knowing BOTH coach's preference BEFORE the KO, can avoid a lot of potential problems in dealing with a Captain's answers. Should an answer "seem" wrong, suggesting, "Excuse me, I may not have explained your options clear enough, allow me to rephrase ( while turning the Captain to face his Coach).

On penalties; explaining the options to the Captain within EARSHOT of his Coach and allowing him to make eye contact with his Coach before deciding (on those situations beyond a simply, and obvious, choice.

We're the adults, and should be able to figure out how to accomplish both paying the respect the Captain HAS EARNED while avoiding any unnecessary misunderstanding mistakes regarding choice decisions. It can also go a long way in gaining the Captain's respect, which may prove useful should unanticipated problems develop during the contest.