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Post by soccerfutbolfam on Oct 9, 2015 13:09:07 GMT -5
The discussions about Refs and Parents has been good.
Let's talk Team Managers - their responsibilities and how they may/may not impact a team or a game.
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Post by SoccerMom on Oct 9, 2015 14:16:41 GMT -5
You're kidding right? Team managers have no impact on a team or a game...and if they do, the problem is with the coach allowing such a thing
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Post by parentsoccerfan on Oct 9, 2015 14:59:41 GMT -5
Unfortunately, it hasn't been our experience so far that the Team Manager doesn't influence roster and coaching decisions. I'm interested in seeing other responses.
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Post by soccerfutbolfam on Oct 9, 2015 15:18:26 GMT -5
You're kidding right? Team managers have no impact on a team or a game...and if they do, the problem is with the coach allowing such a thing I wish I was kidding. I can support ParentSoccerFam - in that I have witnessed first hand a TM taking control and making demands of coach and club However, you have made some really great posts so far on other topics. What duties would you say fall under the TM?
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Post by spectator on Oct 9, 2015 15:20:56 GMT -5
Based on my observations, team manager's kids do end up as rostered on top teams (Academy) or on Select as starters or the ones that never leave the field. Now is this because the team manager has influence, because the coach may be showing favoritism to the kid of the person willing to take on the role or, maybe - gasp - that team manager's player is actually a good player and deserved the spot? I'm betting the latter more often than not - it's just really easy to point the finger at the manager for somehow 'influencing' the coach's decisions.
But in my opinion, the responsibilities of an effective team manager should be:
1. Communication from the coach to the parents - practice times, changes, games, tournaments, any information to be passed on about the team (not individual players)
2. Communication from parents to coach about general things - conflict dates for games or tournaments; practice attendance - who's missing due to illness or school, etc.
3. Coordinating events for the team (end of year parties, coaches gifts, etc.)
4. Tournament check in (if a tournament manager isn't part of the team), and paperwork for GA Soccer - rosters, game cards, scores, etc.
Any one on one communication about specific players should be between the coach, player/parent not through the manager.
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Post by soccerfutbolfam on Oct 9, 2015 15:23:54 GMT -5
Based on my observations, team manager's kids do end up as rostered on top teams (Academy) or on Select as starters or the ones that never leave the field. Now is this because the team manager has influence, because the coach may be showing favoritism to the kid of the person willing to take on the role or, maybe - gasp - that team manager's player is actually a good player and deserved the spot? I'm betting the latter more often than not - it's just really easy to point the finger at the manager for somehow 'influencing' the coach's decisions. But in my opinion, the responsibilities of an effective team manager should be: 1. Communication from the coach to the parents - practice times, changes, games, tournaments, any information to be passed on about the team (not individual players) 2. Communication from parents to coach about general things - conflict dates for games or tournaments; practice attendance - who's missing due to illness or school, etc. 3. Coordinating events for the team (end of year parties, coaches gifts, etc.) 4. Tournament check in (if a tournament manager isn't part of the team), and paperwork for GA Soccer - rosters, game cards, scores, etc. Any one on one communication about specific players should be between the coach, player/parent not through the manager. I have to agree with these spot on. Unfortunately, I've witnessed the last statement about 'specific' players and the TM keeping them off of their child's team because they don't like the child/parent. That has been evident to many and caused some problems and people leaving the club.
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Post by rifle on Oct 9, 2015 15:53:09 GMT -5
So I assume all these unhappy folks wanted to be team manager, right.. but just didn't get the job?
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Post by parentsoccerfan on Oct 9, 2015 16:36:16 GMT -5
So I assume all these unhappy folks wanted to be team manager, right.. but just didn't get the job? This is an interesting statement because it implies: 1) You have no right to voice concern unless you have volunteered to be TM or you are TM yourself 2) If you are volunteering your time as TM you have an inherent right to certain things
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Post by soccerfutbolfam on Oct 9, 2015 17:30:58 GMT -5
So I assume all these unhappy folks wanted to be team manager, right.. but just didn't get the job? This is an interesting statement because it implies: 1) You have no right to voice concern unless you have volunteered to be TM or you are TM yourself 2) If you are volunteering your time as TM you have an inherent right to certain things I love your logical thought process parentsoccerfan. And to answer rifle - no. They had no desire to be TM of that team. Just parents desiring a good coach and training oppty for their child(ren).
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Post by spectator on Oct 9, 2015 18:52:35 GMT -5
So I assume all these unhappy folks wanted to be team manager, right.. but just didn't get the job? This is an interesting statement because it implies: 1) You have no right to voice concern unless you have volunteered to be TM or you are TM yourself 2) If you are volunteering your time as TM you have an inherent right to certain things I don't think that was where rifle was going with that comment. Team Manager is a volunteer job - and a thankless one. Most of the time the loudest complainers about the team manager were not the ones rushing to volunteer for the job. I read that comment as sarcasm - brilliant sarcasm at that! Everyone is willing to gripe but few are willing to stand up and do the job - whether it be coach, referee, or team manager.
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Post by rifle on Oct 9, 2015 19:53:15 GMT -5
Sarcasm indeed.
Many people in club soccer are Awesome. Some are not. Being TM exposes you to the best and the worst.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Oct 9, 2015 20:09:41 GMT -5
WOW. This is very, very bad. I can not stress enough on this. I don't stand for it and no other parent should as well.
At no point should a TM influence a team or coach what so ever. If you have a good coach he/she wouldn't allow this to happen. This makes me sick that "parents" think they know how to develop a player/team. If that is the case, go get certified and coach/train for 15 years and then maybe you will get some respect when is comes to development but most likely the coach won't listen to you in regards to lineups etc anyways.
The TM responsibilities is to help make things run smoothly. Communicate to the parents and let the coach know of any issues (with the parents of course). If the parents have issues they need to be addressed directly to the coach and not the TM.
I have been TM for over 10 years and a coach. I still don't tell my sons coach on how to do his job.
If your TM is doing this, then I would just go to a different team or club. I have seen this time and time again. What coach would listen to a TM that is a parent. Not qualified and really has no clue what so ever on development....URG!!!
Parents just need to stay out of it! Yes, we want the best for our children..but let the coach... coach. If your child needs extra training...get them training. If your child isnt getting the play time..you can speak to the coach, guest play with a team or just changes teams all together. If you think your child should be playing a different position, talk with the coach or guest play.
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Post by rifle on Oct 9, 2015 20:10:50 GMT -5
So I assume all these unhappy folks wanted to be team manager, right.. but just didn't get the job? This is an interesting statement because it implies: 1) You have no right to voice concern unless you have volunteered to be TM or you are TM yourself 2) If you are volunteering your time as TM you have an inherent right to certain things Your characterization of what I said is creative, but inaccurate. TM is an administrative role. Should have no more input regarding on-field decisions than any parent. If you perceive something different, talk it over with the people directly. If you get no satisfaction, escalate the concern to the club. TM should not be an entitlement. Having said all that, I have absolutely seen people volunteer to do it in hopes of gaining leverage. A good coach/club structure will shut that down quickly.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Oct 9, 2015 20:18:56 GMT -5
Agree rifle... A good coach/club will shut that down quickly.
The only benefit that a TM gets, is a free entry into Disney.
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Post by newposter on Oct 10, 2015 9:40:38 GMT -5
This happens at ALL levels of soccer. I know a TM parent who was selected prior to tryouts for team in one of the PROGRAMS discussed on this forum often. Not sure how that happens...
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Post by rifle on Oct 10, 2015 13:29:09 GMT -5
It isn't hard to believe, and it doesn't have to be some sinister plan. With recruiting, a player will often have an invitation before "tryouts".
....in my experience, parents will often quietly take one step backward when a club asks for volunteers, or inquire if they can buy their way out of being involved. All this is related to my sarcasm above.
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Post by newposter on Oct 10, 2015 14:34:01 GMT -5
The only invitation given was from parent to coach. Believe me when I say that...all I can say is wow.
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Post by rifle on Oct 10, 2015 15:11:45 GMT -5
If I am following this correctly, then the player must be a stud. That status goes far in youth soccer, and you can bet some parents will rub it in everyone's face.
If not, and the parent has obtained some mythical swagger from nothing, then it sounds like a good situation to avoid. Sometimes you lose a year learning this the hard way.
Regardless, it isn't "normal".
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Post by newposter on Oct 10, 2015 15:14:33 GMT -5
Player would not make any top teams in Metro area. None!
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Post by allthingsoccer on Dec 13, 2016 10:51:27 GMT -5
Wow. I must say this year has been quite interesting to say the least.
Always one or two a year. Parents whining about play time/ tactics etc.. Coach doesnt get my son enough praise. ?? lol
And not one has spoken to the coach about it. So funny how some parents just get in the way of the child's soccer development. Its pretty crazy.
my rant for the day
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Post by SoccerMom on Dec 13, 2016 11:49:53 GMT -5
Wow. I must say this year has been quite interesting to say the least. Always one or two a year. Parents whining about play time/ tactics etc.. Coach doesnt get my son enough praise. ?? lol And not one has spoken to the coach about it. So funny how some parents just get in the way of the child's soccer development. Its pretty crazy. my rant for the day I have to agree with you, we have a couple of those ourselves. I am the TM and when they come complaining and whining I say, hey I'm not the coach go talk to him if you have any issues
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Post by allthingsoccer on Dec 13, 2016 11:54:03 GMT -5
I know me to. I want to sit and watch the players play. I don't want to hear it on the sidelines.
We had one that thinks I have the coaches ear. Not sure I know what that means but no way most coaches listen to the TM about lineups, how to coach etc...It amazes me they would think that. I just want to make it as smooth as possible and for the team to bond.
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Post by SoccerMom on Dec 13, 2016 12:08:29 GMT -5
Agreed, so I do try not to sit next to these parents. I really don't want to hear their sideline coaching either, sad part a lot of them don't even know what they're talking about.
I mean at the end of the day, do you really want me to go tell the coach all the crap you're talking on the sideline? I didn't think so
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Post by forsythsd on Dec 13, 2016 12:14:35 GMT -5
I'd guess that team managers DO influence player placement. How could they not, even if subconsciously? But this goes both ways.
A really good team manager's kid is more likely to stay with the coach. This means she's less likely to be moved down OR up.
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Post by SoccerMom on Dec 13, 2016 12:34:49 GMT -5
I watched a kid get moved to the second team a couple of weeks ago when his team was done with the season, his mom is the TM for the team. I don't think being TM guarantees any kid a spot
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Post by Soccerhouse on Dec 13, 2016 13:51:20 GMT -5
I've seen it both ways though good and bad conversations with the coach. Some are extremely approachable, others not. Some get very defensive and aggressive others are unreal individuals and get it.
I have seen favoritism towards TM children and I've seen coaches that didn't give a rats ass whose kids anyone is.
Only comment I'll make in addition is as the club got larger the family atmosphere dissipated.
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Post by soccerfutbolfam on Dec 14, 2016 15:12:46 GMT -5
I took the year off of being TM. Ended up with two really good tm's. However, one is the 'one' many people hear about - wants their kid in front of every coach and thinks they're the best. Granted, the kid is good, good skills, but lacks team mentality and wants to show boat. Can't have a winning season if one kid is always trying to dribble out of the side and down the front. That will work with lower level teams, but not the high level competitive that most Academy's should be striving for.
Anyway, it's been a riot sitting and watching all of the parents turn their heads as the TM talks the coach's ears off before, during and after the game. Not to mention during parent meetings -setting everyone else's meetings back 45+ minutes.
But, you can't lay that on the TM. The coach has to be responsible and take the lead.
On the flip side, I had a coach who wouldn't talk to anyone this year. Just walked on and off the field - gave a few hi's...and chewed a couple of kids out. Other than that nothing...the team started off strong but his lack of involvement and over all lack of care drove the team down. It was sad to watch.
All in all, it comes down to the coach doing his/her job and the kids doing what they're supposed to be doing.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Dec 14, 2016 15:40:38 GMT -5
Yeah I have heard stories about TM's controlling the team (or coach). Pretty sad. No coach should allow any parent/s dictate how he/she coaches. Amazing.
If that happened on our team (when im not TM) I would say something big time.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Dec 16, 2016 3:05:02 GMT -5
The primary job of a TM is to facilitate the smooth running of the team and to a larger sense the club. Sometimes that is with communicating the needs of the Coach or the club. In other situations the TM is the wing-man for the coach. This is especially true with new or young coaches. Sometimes the coaches don't know how things run with the club or isn't aware of issues that start out small and need to be curbed. That's where the influence of an experienced TM comes in work with the coach for a hopes of a successful season. However, when it comes to player development, playing times etc. now that's where the TM duties die and the it becomes the exclusive domain of the coach. The other side of the coin in regards to being a TM is also to be the first responder for the club. Say you have a coach who is just horrible, non-communicative, dismissive of parents, players etc. It is your job to first discuss with the coach the concerns on behalf of the team. If that doesn't work, then you escalate. You don't want the club finding out at the end of season when there is a mass exodus of parents/players and not give the club a chance to rectify the situation.
On a side note, more parents should volunteer to act as TMs. Like many before me have stated, it's a thankless job. Always chasing parents down for signatures, paperwork or money. No one wants to do that. You know what you signed up for just do your part as a parent and take are of business(my rant of the day).
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Post by soccerdaddy on Dec 18, 2016 8:29:06 GMT -5
Team managers are the voice (secretary) of the Coach and Club. They carry out the agenda. They provide information, collect money and keep up with players and parents. They report back to club and coach. Not an easy task with the parents I've been around before ( I am one of them!)
Team manager has no say whatsoever when it comes to rosters other than this is the roster for games put together from the coach. If not, the TM is putting themselves and the coach in a very bad situation and therefore breaks the trust between the parents. This will not help with team unity, it trickles down to the players.
They should stick with ONLY being the direct point of communication for the parents and should NOT have influence on decisions from Coach and Club.
TM should get papers signed, send weekly updates and collect money.
The problem is having a child on the team causes other parents to assume the worst. Just like when you have a coach's child on the team, It's easy to assume favoritism.
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