Ask 100 people, get 100 answers. My 15yr old has a coach that drops the f-bomb on him... One too many times for my liking. I'm paying for travel ball not for someone to curse at my kid in a way that I wouldn't even do. With so many parents and former players on the forum id like to ask, what was/is your experience with regard to your coach(s) cursing at you? I know I will have a slew of responses telling me my son should toughen up and stop being a puss but not every kids is motivated by being cursed at and I wonder if it's just part of playing baseball or if it's unacceptable behavior and I should search for a new travel team? Thanks all!
I coach at the HS level and I try to set the example by not swearing and I also (within reason) hold the players accountable for their language.
That said, I am aware that many coaches at the HS and college level are known to curse quite regularly. Most of my son's college coaches have been high ranking members of the club. (Just about every coach I ever had was certainly a member but that was long ago and not necessarily relevant today.) Also, cursing is typically quite prevalent among the HS age kids when they are socializing amongst themselves. I agree that not every kid is motivated by being cursed at but I believe each and every kid has a unique set of motivators. Most often, you are limited in the ability to choose the coach and matching the coach. Matching the player with they type of coach he responds to best is usually not a realistic option. Most often, it is impossible to shield your son from being around people who curse. So, at 15 (HS age), I think it's about time to start teaching/parenting/mentoring him on how to deal with these situations instead of always trying to prevent him from being in the situation to begin with. Now, there is also some truth to Matt's comment. If the cursing is particularly abusive or more personal than general, different story.
I will also add... you said you are paying for travel ball. Many travel/club organizations have some general written guidelines. If cursing is posted as something that is not tolerated or if there is other reference regarding character expectations, you are certainly within your rights to ask how the coach's cursing fits into those stated guidelines.
Thank you coach very much for your feedback. it doesn't seem my son is bothered by the language at all. He hears the f-bomb dropped by players and probably has dropped it himself. I think he is bothered by the delivery. Being cursed at in front of the opposing team and a bleacher full of parents is a little embarrassing. I guess the message is he needs to deal with that embarrassment and do his best to let it roll off his back. It does however impact his wanting to play the sport he loves and I think he is quickly losing respect for his coach...thanks again