[ayso45-coaches] ball ownership protocol

[Welch, Brent]

Now that we're at the end of the season and the flurry of lost ball
emails is starting to grow, I want to make another plug for
"player ball ownership".  This is something I learned a couple
years ago when I was a U8B coach.  The idea is simple.  

Before the first day of practice when you blow up all your balls,
you label each ball with "Team 8" or whatever.

On the first day of practice you bring a bunch of permanent markers
with different colors.  As you give each player their ball, you
instruct them to put their name on it, and decorate it however
they want.

Then, at the parent meeting that is probably also at that first
practice, you explain that each player is responsible for their
own ball.  They take it home that very first day.
They need to bring it back to every practice and to every game.

They can do it.  They really can.  Of course, sometimes they forget,
and I do always bring a couple of extra balls.  But, letting the
player control their own ball means (a) they have some chance
they might actually kick it around between practice, and (b) they
are given some responsibility.  Even a 7 year old can handle it,
and it is good for them to learn how.

Finally, it unburdens you, the coach, from freaking out at the
end of games and practices when you can't find every ball.  The
dread of having to steal a ball from your own son or daughter
at the end of the season so you can give the rest of the team
their balls is gone.  It isn't your problem.

I mentioned this early in the season, but I think it is 
easier to appreciate now.  For next season!

--
Brent Welch
Coach "Ice Torpedoes" U10B-8