06/25/2025
A reminder that our volunteers are still humans, with complicated lives, trying to help your children still play the game:
Before you hit send on that negative text or email to or about your coach, or before you decide to complain from your spectator's seat and spread negativity, please take a moment to pause and reflect.
That person you’re messaging or badmouthing behind their backs? They’re not an employee. They don’t get paid for what they do. They stepped up because the team needed someone, and they chose to give their time — not because they had to, but because they care, and because it brings them joy (even when it’s hard).
Have you ever stopped to think about what might be going on in their life right now? The pressures of work, family, and everything else they juggle? Many of them already know there are things they could do better, whether in coaching or admin, but they’re doing their best, fitting it all in between their own commitments.
Our coaches and referees are the people who raised their hand when no one else did. They’re the ones who keep showing up. And sometimes, even the most well-meaning message can land at just the wrong moment — and feel like the final straw. If they stepped away because of that message… who would step in? Maybe someone. Maybe no one.
Your coaches and referees are in most cases, a parent, a colleague, a friend — trying to keep the wheels turning while managing their own busy life. They’ll forget things. They’ll make mistakes. But they’re human.
So, before you send that message or complain behind their backs, maybe take a breath. Maybe start doing this instead:
"Hey Coach, thanks for everything you do. Is there anything I can help with?"
It might just make all the difference.