This question is the most asked at every league meeting after the youth football season ends. Why would a player not want to return? I will list some the reasons I have heard over the years below:
- Did not like the sport
- Too large of a time commitment
- Hated the coaches
- Coach played him in the wrong position
- Afraid he was going to get hurt
There are many more reasons , but these are the most popular. Let’s look at a few of these that a most troubling.
Did not like the sport
This can be the most troubling of all reasons. Does the kid no longer want to play since it wasn’t any fun or did the youth really not enjoy the sport. Some kids are just not cut out for football, and that’s OK, but if a kid is quitting because the coaches didn’t make it any fun, the organization has serious problems. Coaching youth football takes a special person who has allot of patience and knows how to make it fun for the players and teach them some good football skills. Too many coaches make things too complicated. Check out on of our Beginner Level playbooks to see how to keep it fun.
Hated the coaches
Nothing boils my blood more than watching some idiot yelling and screaming at the players, when this ass has no clue what he is doing. These are the “high school” football morons who think beating the crap out of the kids through running and hitting will make them better. I wish there were laws to prosecute these egotistical morons. These are kids, not the Pros so get some perspective and make sure the kids are enjoying themselves.
Coach played him in the wrong position
There is a simple solution for this one and that is to have an unbiased grade on every player for every skill and position. The best, and easiest, way to accomplish this is by using the Tryouts and Evaluations for Youth Football book by Jim Oddo. He has put together a well thought out grading system which makes perfect ammunition for any parents questioning who plays which positions.
I hope this post helps all organizations who are looking for answers on why they may be losing players to the great sport of youth football.
