12u fall travel. As I’m reviewing my roster for this upcoming fall season, we have one player who I was reluctant to invite to the team last year after several years of poor behavior. From tantrums, to talking back to coaches, to throwing equipment, yelling at teammates, poor body language; it’s a lot. He is a good player but comes with all that other stuff.
Im trying to decide if I should invite him back. We are family friends, and he’s friends with my son, but comes with all the behavior issues. He’s cost our team’s games several times in the past due to behavior. I’ve coached him soft, I’ve coached him firm, I’ve given consequences for behavior, and none stick. He’s played for other reputable and smart coaches, and still does those negative things. Respect is our #1 rule.
Do I continue on this path and keep trying to help him or do I not invite back, which would relieve a lot of stress for myself, the coaching staff, and our players? It’s just been difficult because in the end, he’s still just a kid who cares about baseball.
Feedback welcome please. Thank you.