Ironhorse
I am not sure that there is a really good way, but for starters there should be open and equal opportunities to earn positions. Right or wrong, I think a coach has to be tougher or at leat as tough on his own kids. He has to be open to ask and accept other coach’s opinions when it comes to his kids, and they have to feel as if they can be honest and express thier opinions. The coach has to be very conscious of how people’s and other players perceptions can affect the whole team and act accordingly.
Yes, there will always be nay sayers regardless. But, when you come out there with an attitude of “its my kids and my team, I can do whatever I want” It has a negative effect on the whole program. Compound that by several kids and a 7-8 year time span, you must take a hard look at where the program is headed. I promise you the younger kids and parents are watching and moving schools if don’t think they will be treated fairly.