Daddy ball, the next level

The rules would depend on the state. In our state a varsity head coach must have a teaching certificate even if he doesn't teach. Since jv and freshman head coaches are considered assistants to the program they don't need certificates. 

Yes, a significant number of coaches these days are off-campus coaches with no teaching credentials, in California anyway.  In our school district, a potential coach goes through a fairly structured interview process and background check and the hire must be approved by the school board so it's not like there are no guidelines or safety measures in place.  Any time a dad is considered, the obvious potential pitfalls are weighed heavily in the decision process. Most schools either try or are required to try to fill the position from the pool of teachers first but often, they are not qualified or willing.  Often, without qualified dads willing to coach or assist, many sports are left short handed.  It can be a less-than-ideal situation but sometimes better than the alternative.

 

I take if from the name of the thread you do not approve. 

I chose the title because it was catchy, lol. My friend wants to apply for HC because its tough finding one. Last years young HC left for a full time job. Who can blame him. I would Love to assist  my friend, but I also have a job. Now, if my friend gets the HC, should I leave my job early to assist him? Im very tempted. I miss LL daddy ball , but work pays a lot of bills. 

Here's another related ?

what if "daddy" is also Summer/travel ball coach? 

College coach comes to see son and listed on paperwork under coach contact is only daddy. I would think that is a red flag unless kid is phenom. I've seen dads here who won't  give up control of sons coaching to anyone else. I like the idea that my son's coaches have evaluated his talent and played him accordingly.  I like the unbiased  opinion of someone without a dog in the fight. 

That can be true but it can work both ways.  If the dad played at a high level and is an effective and reputable coach, it can be a plus.  In the end, it's going to come down to the player's talent. If the dad/coach is the type that makes it evident he will be a problem to deal with, that may factor in with some college coaches, just as any problem parent may. 

 

As far as player/coach relations go, that can work both ways too.  Often, a dad/coach can be extra demanding.  For most players who are on track to play college ball, they will be involved with multiple teams and coaches along the way, even if dad is a big part of the equation.  So, there are usually other coaches to list as contact/reference. 

I think you need to determine if it is a dad who is coaching or a coach who happens to be a dad.  Is the guy a "professional" coach, meaning that when his son no longer plays is he still coaching the next group.  There are many of those coaches who have had their sons play for them and had them go on to the next levels. 

Where my guy plays ball a dad has entered the mix so to say.2-3 years ago. It just did not look like jr. would take another step.He was barely getting playing time on JR. high team.Solution dad, how ever it came about gets the OK thru the school board to be assistant coach for varsity team.At the time I read the blurb in paper to my guy and he says "you don't think..............."My reply was wouldn't be surprised.I had witnessed in person how father and his crowd operate our only year in town.Now I can't believe the H.C. did not give OK.I also can't believe what positive effect HC thought he would get out of it.Dad in question is a perfect fit with the everyone gets a trophy crowd.My guy is closer to the end than the beginning with varsity play and I still can't figure out what dads roll is with team.It will be interesting to see how things play out in spring as Jr. is finally a Jr. and has no other option but to play/sit for varsity.The varsity lost 3 kids last year.The catchers spot is already taken so 2 spots remain.Will see if last 2 years will make the difference with daddy coach

Can a dad  be effective if he didn't play at high level?

your a HS coach, do u teach at school? 

 

The V HC is a teacher.  I am an asst. coach and, like most others currently in our program, off-campus.  There are a few good baseball people in our school's teaching ranks but the job is countless hours for no money and there are a good many administrative, field maintenance and parent-related headaches that they would rather not deal with.  As Golfman described, I coached before, during, and after my kids came through the school system. 

 

Only one of my kids had me as a coach for any significant time and he has had many other coaches, both in baseball and in other sports.

 

Can a dad be effective if he didn't play at a high level?  That's a loaded question.  Lots of variables.  Can ANY coach be effective with limited playing experience?  What do you consider high level?  What role is he filling?  There are obvious pitfalls to teaching a sport at a level you have not reached some degree of mastery in. I'd say most successful coaches have reached at least a level higher than what they are coaching.  That said, a guy that falls short in that area may have other strengths that he can contribute.  Maybe he excels at motivation, organization, communication, etc.  Maybe he is skilled at teaching fundamentals and is an avid student of the game and the latest teaching philosophies.  Maybe he is really good at incorporating life lessons into the team structure and he is able to surround himself with others who have the playing experience.  I would say if a head guy didn't have a strong playing background, he would be wise to have a few assistants who do.  The kids buy in more easily when they know the coach has been there and had success in what he is teaching.  I would say that if a candidate is both a dad and has limited playing experience, that would be two significant hurdles to overcome to secure a coaching position.  I can't think of any HC's in our area that haven't at least played some at the college level.  I do know of several that have had their own kids come through their program at some point and those kids usually do well. 

If I'm still coaching when my child becomes high school age... he will not attend the school I coach at. There is no reason to even invite the idea of a conflict of interest within the program.

I know two guys who are/have been very good football defensive coordinators at the high school level who did not play HS football.

 

One was a soccer player but was a gym rat who played everything growing up. Became a middle school teacher and they needed someone to help out as an assistant football coach. He went on staff, had a real knack for it and was promoted to the HS j.v. level and later high school level.

 

The other was the son of a high school coach but much too small to play in high school. Another gym rat. Hung around the coaching staff, had a knack for seeing and picking up tendencies, and ended up as a defensive coach. Now a HS A.D.

 

I hope you re-think that.  While I understand the "conflict" problems, there are many son/player's - dad/coach's who wouldn't change it for the world. 

Golfman I've really thought about it and I want my child to be successful and I want nothing to taint that success. I've played on teams where the coach's son was on the team only because dad was the coach.

It might work if he had an understanding that he would have to work twice as hard to earn what he gets on the field.

In our state teachers, based on seniority, have the first option as HC. I feel like this law is in the interest of teachers and not student athletes. That's a whole new bag of worms though.

Coach,

I understand your position and agree with the premise.  But consider this realistic scenario... what if you are a successful HS coach and love what you do and the school you coach at.  You have a son grow up in the community and he loves the game too and his school as well... of course the same school in the community you coach, since you live there.  Time for HS for him.  Are you really going to force a major disruption for either you or him by transferring schools?  Quit coaching?  You know the evening schedule of a HS coach.  Are you really going to miss four years of your son's life and all of his games because you decided you would not deal with the conflict issues?  It may turn out to be the right call, depending on the situation, but I wouldn't carve that one in stone just yet. 

In our state you don't have to teach to coach, you do have to complete some training classes, probably all online at this point.

My kids have played lots of sports for lots of different coaches and when they are in high school i am their head baseball coach. If you run a program for several years its no big deal to have your kids involved. If you pop in and coach your kid and then you're out, people figure out real quick the why behind that.