Sticky situation
Question
Hi, I am hoping you can help me with this. I am a swim mom and my son has been swimming for almost 4 years. We are on our 3rd head coach who is also coaching my son's practice group. Lately I've come to see a lot of favoritism. Now I know that exists everywhere but this is a bit different. He definitely gives more special attention to the better swimmers (for instance calling them at home) but he also has been giving more special attention to the swimmers whose parents are more vocal. This is leaving the quiet kids and quiet parents left ignored. I'm just wondering how to handle this? A parent actually suggested that I become more vocal and start getting "in" with the coach so that my son gets more special attention. I just don't have it in me to do that. My son is a very good swimmer, top of his age group, but is almost completely ignored.
Answer
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, that's always frustrating to parents and discouraging to the athlete. About the only suggestion I can offer is for you to arrange a one on one conversation with the coach and try to work this out. You don't seem to be the type to create a bad situation, but don't "attack" the coach as this will put him on the defensive and make it harder to let him know how you are feeling.
Good Luck,
George
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