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12 replies

Say anything?

J Jwls10+ posts
I am not sure this is the appropriate forum for my question, but here goes.

My 14-year old son is in an intensive training program that is run by former college/professional players who have high expectations of the kids. When we (parents) registered our kids, we had to sign a contract stating that all communication would take place between our sons and the coaches. I am in agreement with that when it comes to positions, playing time, etc. Though, here is where my semi-dilemma comes in.

My son is taking a strenuous strength and conditioning class at school (in place of PE) with the Varsity baseball coach. And, he is also doing strenuous strength and conditioning training three nights a week at practice. So basically, he is getting strenght and conditioning every day, sometimes two times a day. His knee is already starting to hurt and I worry more injuries are to come. And at training, his level of play has dropped from 100% because of the pain.

I urged my son to talk to his coach about this, but because of the seriousness of the training, he won’t. He would rather silently suffer than disappoint the coaches. This is where I feel the need to step in and mention it. The coaches are nice guys, but I don’t want to come across as the mom who gets involved.

So I guess my question is two-fold: do I even bring it up since an injury is imminent and if so, how do I mention it without breaching contract? My son won’t, so I feel it’s up to me if it’s going to be said.
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fanofgamefanofgame5,000+ posts
Thats a little over kill on the workouts. Can he take a less stenuous PE class? I know the boys , they dont want to say anything, because they dont want the coaches to think they are being lazy, or lack of hustle, and if he is like most he wants to please his coaches.
I would try and get him into a different PE, and if that doesnt work and he wont say anything, he may end up sitting out of all of it injured.My son at 14 would not of said anything either.I would say something, if he wont speak up. Maybe have your son send an email , sometimes thats easier than talking face to face.
fillsfanfillsfan1,000+ posts
You didn't sign away your parental responsiblities with that "contract". We all have to protect our kids from over zealous coaches.

If your son is in pain you should talk to the coaches about it. If they are responsible they will act accordingly and in your son's best interest. If they are not then get the h ell out of dodge.

There is no need for this strenuous training 5 days a week at 14 yo IMO.

This process has to be fun or it won't last long.
bballmanbballman10,000+ posts
I think no communication is good unless it effects the health or safety of the player. If you feel your son is going to injure himself because of too many intensive strength workouts, you should say something. The coaches need to at least be aware of what he is doing outside of their training.

I would say the same thing if they were over pitching him, or if he was pitching on another team and the coaches did not know what he was doing. Coaches need to be informed of something like this. JMHO.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
My son had the potential to be in the middle of a situation between school and travel ball. Don't forget courses taken at school are for credit and required for graduation.

My son went to both coaches. He talked to them regarding fall ball. He needs to showcase this fall as a position player. He needs to prove to the high school coach he's ready to be a starting pitcher (junior year). He worked out an accomodating schedule with both coaches.

He had the same situation with physical workouts. When he explained to the travel coach the workout his high school program would be putting him through (FASST - fitness, agility, strength, speed training) three times a week, he was told not to bother coming to the travel team workouts.

Good coaches don't want their players to get injured.
Last edited by RJM
YoungGunDadYoungGunDadHSBaseballWeb member since 2005
quote:


Originally posted by Jwls:

When we (parents) registered our kids, we had to sign a contract stating that all communication would take place between our sons and the coaches. I am in agreement with that when it comes to positions, playing time, etc.



Mom, I had to read your post a couple times to make sure I understood what you were saying the situation was.

Here is my opinion:

This "contract" that you had to sign is absolutely bogus. When in the world did they begin making silence contracts? LOL. The answer: They haven't! This coach(s) is basically telling parents they don't want to here a peep out of them and by signing this "paper" you are going to keep your nose where it belongs.

Your son is hurting. He is too young to know that he is ultimately hurting himself down the road with his body more so than he is experiencing right now. His growth plates haven't closed and that could have very adverse affects.

What I can't understand in your post is does the coach(s) he does training with during they day the same coach(s) he trains with at night? If so, this coach should be run out on a rail. Any Coach worth his weight in salt knows that you don't overtrain muscle groups. It's counterproductive.

You NEED to come across as a mom who gets involved and I would suggest you do it immediately. Tell the Coach(s) that he is being overworked/trained and one of the sessions has to end, and that you won't stand for it. If they bring up the contract, tell them you didn't realize by signing it you were giving up parental rights as well!

Good luck.
Last edited by YoungGunDad
Coach_MayCoach_May10,000+ posts
Think about it for a minute. He is in a class getting serious work outs at school. Then he is getting serious work in at night. When does the body rest? Are these coaches getting paid to run this program at night?

And top it all off this kid is 14 years old. Please Mom step in for your son and put an end to this madness for your sons sake.
hitithardhitithard10+ posts
you need to step in immediately and bring this situation to the attention of these "coaches". i can understand a 14 year old not wanting to speak up or even understand the importance of doing so. i cannot understand a parent standing by and doing nothing while knowing of a developing injury. if he is good and has a future in the game he has a long way road ahead. that road may not be so long if you let this go on.
J Jwls10+ posts
Thank you for all the replies. I do really appreciate it because I wasn't sure if I had true reason for concern.

Just to clarify something; the daytime training is run by the school baseball coach who also happens to be his teacher that period. The night time training is for his tournament ball team and run by different coaches. So no, one coach is not putting him through these strenuous trainings two times a day. That would be madness!

I spoke to the coach last night before practice. We had a very good talk about my concerns and he completely understood and was not aware my son was getting the work-out at school as well. The coach used to play pro ball so he is very familiar with all baseball injuries and wants to make sure my son stays healthy. So he will still participate in the batting lessons and onfield practices, but will take-it-easy with the strength & conditioning portion.

I also brought up the 'parents not talking to the coaches' rule and he said that it's in place to make them more responsible as they get older and continue playing baseball. He assured me that when our kids well-being is at stake, he wants to hear from us.

So all is well again in our little world of baseball. Smile
bballmanbballman10,000+ posts
Jwls, good deal. The coaches sound very reasonable. The whole situation just sounds like a lack of communication. Usually when the coaches are not big on communication, it is due to not wanting parents to be complaining about playing time or positions or other game related issues. Any coach worth his salt will be open about health and safety issues. Good job and good luck to your son.

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