High School parents meeting

My daughter graduated 2 years ago and my son is a senior.  We were lucky in that the ball programs were average (or worse) and they both started in softball/baseball all 4 years.  That means 6 straight years of the parent meetings, fundraisers, concession stands, announcer booth, etc. . . . .  I hate parent meetings and do not want to go, but need to show parents of younger kids that participation is important.  I have very good relationship with baseball coach, and luckily for us I have not seen any jealousy issues with respect to my son, (that I know of).

In the freshman year I sometimes stopped by practice for a few minutes, and my son was embarrassed by me being there (as he was 15), so I stopped going.  Now he is 17 and does not care, and I only occasionally stop by to deliver messages unrelated to HS baseball,  I usually only see the parents of the younger boys hanging around practice, I think mostly trying to see if their kids can measure up.

Truth is, every baseball high school situation is different.  When your kids are younger it is probably best to stay away more, but it is tough because that is what you have been doing for years -- taking him to practice and waiting to bring him home.  They need room to interact with coaches and friends without our involvement or input.  When they get older it does not matter as much to them, or to you, because you both know that they can take care of themselves because you allowed them room to breath and they proved themselves, (as they are still in school and on team).  Catch 22 I guess. .

Thanks Picked Off. Kind of glad other parents go so I don't look like the Helicopter Parent...but in the end I would go anyway. Thanks again Picked Off!

So now it's the coaches request?  Then why criticize those who go?  My last comment on this subject It gives me tired head.  I couldn't care less what you think and you me, I'm out.

I have a son who has graduated HS and is now in college and another one who is a Frosh in HS.  Baseball around here (IL) does not start for another month so I have not seen the baseball coaches speech/meeting yet.  I can say the above quote (shut up let us coach, kids play) is pretty much what they coaches say at every other sports meeting.  AD adds in that he will not discuss anything with a parent until the parent has talked to the coach and that the coach will not talk to the parent until the kid has talked to the coach first.  Having been it through these meetings with my older son I love sitting back and watching the parents reaction to "the speech".  Many of them don't believe it and are taken aback when they try to get involved.  My wife is an administrator in the district so I know many of the coaches personally and have heard some unbelievable stories.