I would love some help on how to handle a player/parent/playing time situation that has come up on our team.
Sorry for long post, but I think the background makes a difference.
Here is the situation:
Fall
Last August during tryouts we selected 9 girls (12u). Our goal was 11, but we could not find the final 2 girls. Girl A was selected fairly early in the process as a catcher/pitcher (she played no other positions). Girl A played as our primary catcher for our 1st tourney and the start of our league. She also pitched a little. She did ok, but for us to grow and get better, we were going to have to improve at catcher. In mid-September we found the final 2 girls. 1 was a utility player and could pitch, and the other was a really good catcher and play anywhere (not pitcher) - Girl B.
Adding a new pitcher to the mix pushed Girl A down the depth chart and her pitching innings were reduced. She elected to quit taking lessons and working on pitching anymore (unbeknown to us).
In the Fall we split time at catcher fairly even during league and pool play, but Girl B got the majority or reps (not all) in bracket play.
Spring
As we moved into the Spring, Girl A was really struggling at catcher and not getting any better, and Girl B is really really good and improving. We are a completely different and better team when Girl B is behind the plate, and the other girls, parents, and especially pitchers can see it. We have still continued to make it as fair as possible during league and pool play, but playing time for Girl A is definitely less.
As mentioned Girl A doesn't play anywhere else. She has asked to take reps at other positions so she can get more playing time, but she is limited to only a few options. Unfortunately, she is extremely slow, so middle infield and OF are not good fits, and our 4 best players play 3B or 1B. This girl is blocked.
Parent Issue
Girl A's Mom has requested more playing time since her dd plays catcher or sits. I sense a high level of jealousy towards Girl B because she is so good AND can play almost anywhere (she doesn't sit that much). We said we would try to work with Girl A during practice to learn a new position, but with our team makeup, this is becoming really really tough and is creating some stress. I also think that this may start to cause some drama on a drama-free team.
How does your team handle this situation? Any insight or helpful tips would be great.
Girl A is a good kid with good attitude, but is physically unable (and maybe unwilling) to earn more playing time.
Sorry for long post, but I think the background makes a difference.
Here is the situation:
Fall
Last August during tryouts we selected 9 girls (12u). Our goal was 11, but we could not find the final 2 girls. Girl A was selected fairly early in the process as a catcher/pitcher (she played no other positions). Girl A played as our primary catcher for our 1st tourney and the start of our league. She also pitched a little. She did ok, but for us to grow and get better, we were going to have to improve at catcher. In mid-September we found the final 2 girls. 1 was a utility player and could pitch, and the other was a really good catcher and play anywhere (not pitcher) - Girl B.
Adding a new pitcher to the mix pushed Girl A down the depth chart and her pitching innings were reduced. She elected to quit taking lessons and working on pitching anymore (unbeknown to us).
In the Fall we split time at catcher fairly even during league and pool play, but Girl B got the majority or reps (not all) in bracket play.
Spring
As we moved into the Spring, Girl A was really struggling at catcher and not getting any better, and Girl B is really really good and improving. We are a completely different and better team when Girl B is behind the plate, and the other girls, parents, and especially pitchers can see it. We have still continued to make it as fair as possible during league and pool play, but playing time for Girl A is definitely less.
As mentioned Girl A doesn't play anywhere else. She has asked to take reps at other positions so she can get more playing time, but she is limited to only a few options. Unfortunately, she is extremely slow, so middle infield and OF are not good fits, and our 4 best players play 3B or 1B. This girl is blocked.
Parent Issue
Girl A's Mom has requested more playing time since her dd plays catcher or sits. I sense a high level of jealousy towards Girl B because she is so good AND can play almost anywhere (she doesn't sit that much). We said we would try to work with Girl A during practice to learn a new position, but with our team makeup, this is becoming really really tough and is creating some stress. I also think that this may start to cause some drama on a drama-free team.
How does your team handle this situation? Any insight or helpful tips would be great.
Girl A is a good kid with good attitude, but is physically unable (and maybe unwilling) to earn more playing time.