Cooper nails it! Being a coach does not give you free license to abuse players, humiliate players, or model bad sportsmanship (this is not directed at the MM coaches - just bad coaches in general). Shame on the parents for not pulling their kids off teams that have over the top coaches who can't handle the competitive part of the game in a constructive way.cooper26 wrote:I wasn't there. I don't know them and I don't care, except to say:
Sure we all appreciate the incredible amounts of time these people put in!
However, volunteerism is not a license to be an idiot or even do everything your own way. The jobs come with responsibilities - to all the kids, their parents, and the game itself. If you don't like that or can't live up to it, you shouldn't be volunteering. Or you should be removed.
There are limits to acceptable behavior and this forum is a perfect place to discuss them.
Northwoods is right. The days of the old coach that makes the game fun and is positive win or lose, may be gone but I know there are still some great coaches out there that really care about the kids and not just their own egos. Parents - find those coaches! They are the role models you want for your kids so they grow up to not only love hockey, but grow into respectable adults! Those are the coaches who also spend endless hours preparing for practices and in ice rinks on beautiful days while we are on the golf course, but you can trust them with your young kids. Once the kids reach HS, you can't choose the coach. Make it a good experience while you still get some say and most likely your kid will play HS and by then be mature enough to handle and understand what makes good/bad coaching.