The Balancing Act between Fueding High School and Travel Coaches

It’s a Dance You May Have to Do Every Year

There is no easy way around it – the moment high school athletes decide to get involved with a travel (club) team, they (the athletes) risk entering the Forbidden Zone where two competing coaches constantly paw at the ground for attention, loyalty and supremacy. Like two bulls snorting and overtly posturing, one against the other, when these coaches take it upon themselves to foster a non-cooperative attitude, athletes are inevitably caught in the middle and are the ones to suffer from all the head butting which ensues.

So, what’s an athlete to do? Stand back and watch the silliness ensue? Well, that’s a lot easier said than done, to be sure. As the coaches circle one another, it’s left to the athletes in the middle to survive and emerge without so much as a swipe from a sharp-wielded horn. But, there are ways to avoid serious injury and we have a few ideas which may help:

• Be honest and open about what you are doing. Talk to the two coaches. Let each know the value you place in their opinions, coaching and experience. To the high school coach, explain that in the current college recruiting environment, college coaches expect you to play travel sports because it demonstrates your commitment to letting them see you perform at events where they are most likely to scout, evaluate and start recruiting you. Explain, too, that most college coaches don’t go to high school contests because they conflict with their seasons and travel sports are where they have the best opportunity to see you.
• Ask for their help. Both coaches have things to offer you as an athlete and they need to know that you appreciate their contributions to your growth as an athlete and as a person. When coaches are not informed, they do strange things which could negatively impact you. Their attitude toward helping you could turn sour. Their willingness to provide you with a good recommendation could be compromised. And, they could decide to take it out on you in reduced playing time. You can sidestep these problems by communicating regularly with both coaches about the college coaches you are hearing from, the campus visits you are planning to make and the schools which are at the top of your list of favorites. To that, you should ask each coach to make a call to those college coaches on your behalf.
• Share your schedule. Coaches don’t like surprises, so when at the last minute you let them in on the fact that you have another conflicting practice or event, don’t expect to be received with open arms. They have priorities, too, and you should respect that. Prior to the season starting give both coaches a copy of your practice and event schedule. There may never be any conflicts, but if there are, you can at least say that you offered them the information. Regardless, and if there is indeed a conflict coming, remind the coach at least two weeks in advance of what’s ahead. And, know too, you will sometimes have to make tough choices about which event you are going to commit to. The earlier the coaches know, the better. Further, if there are consequences, be prepared and deal with them in a mature fashion.
• Keep them updated. As you compete, even in the off season, let your other coach know how things are going for you. By doing this, you will be developing a stronger bond with that coach and show your pride, your progress as well as your respect for them.