02/28/06 Playbook

We didn't introduce anything this meeting, but instead went over what we saw during the scrimmage versus Fordham and what we needed to work on, like fully committing to the dump, correct handler movement, etc. We also made sure to say that the effort was a positive one (we won) and covered basic rules questions so that the newer players will be better prepared for our first spring tournament this weekend.

The other notable thing was that there were a complaints by a few rookies and perhaps a returner regarding Zac and I's (mostly my) sideline criticism. The complaints were voiced through a returner who told one of the captains. Someone felt that we were "laughing at them" and "being too negative" at times. While I'd rather address it with the player specifically to let them know our intentions and compromise about it, since we do not know who it is, we're just going to have to be more sensitive in general.

It's clearly not Zac and my intent to make anyone feel badly. We certainly do not remember laughing or being extremely harsh at any point during the scrimmage. In fact, we've toned down a lot of our criticism and tried to be extra-careful and positive. It seems like this is just one of those differences between Women's and Open, as some of these girls have never been in a team sports environment. It is difficult for them to understand that we are criticizing their play rather than themselves as a person. If this were a real varsity team with a real coach, he'd be exponentially worse than Zac and I have been in the criticism department.

When we laugh or joke after messing up something like 12 endzone plays in a row, or our trap zone has 3 marks (it did at one poitn during the scrimmage, and no double team was called) can we really help it? We clearly don't think Women's ultimate is a joke, we're coaching it. Even though we may have looked down upon it a little in the past, we consider ourselves a part of this team now. We do not see mistakes as "wow we taught them this stuff, and they fucked it up" but rather "shit, we didn't allocate enough practice time to it or we didn't stress it enough at meetings." The Femme's play is a reflection on us. When the captains say to Zac and I that someone complained about "you guys" making fun of "us" there is an implied separation. The person(s) that complained believes there's "the team" and there's "Zac and I." That is not how we see it and the main reason why these complaints are somewhat troubling or hurtful. We are part of this team, for better or for worse.

Nevertheless, I understand this is club sport. Nobody is being paid to be here. We have to treat this seriously, and as Zac said, the absolute worst nightmare for us is for someone to quit because we were being too harsh. While we need to work on focusing on positives and being more sensitive, some of the players need to receive criticism better and have thicker skin. What Zac and I say already is toned down to a level far below a normal sports coach.

I'm glad however that the majority of the Femmes like the way we're coaching, and I'm sure we can put this issue behind us.