Stefani,

That is a hard question and most FLL coaches have faced it at one time or 
another.  The unfortunate reality is that these kids have many different 
obligations tugging at them and they, and their parents, sometimes do not 
view FLL as important as other things.  I've been coaching for a while and 
I've seen it in one or more team members every year.  While it is my modest 
opinion that these kids cannot do any other activity that will help them, in 
the long run, as much as FLL will, my opinion does not matter much when it 
comes to the other activities in which they are involved.

Here is how I handle these situations, while I may gripe to my wife, the 
kids are always welcome to come participate.  I prefer some participation 
over none at all.  I try to keep them involved but at this age. it is is 
hard at times.  In the end, they get to go to the tournament and enjoy the 
fun and excitement that is FLL.  My hope, which does not always pan out, is 
that they will catch the desire to come back and do more the following year.

I guess the one caveat is how you might incorporate them into the various 
presentations and at the tables.  If they are not prepared, their involvment 
will have to be paired back a bit.  However, at the end of the day, I can 
guarantee you they will be as excited as the other team members.  That 
excitement may not last past the the next day or two but then again, that 
team member may extremely motivated for the following year.

I hope this helps,

Lloyd O'Hara
Coach, The Crestwood Monarchs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stefani Griffin" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 3:49 PM
Subject: [VADCFLL-L] Quick Question


> Hello everyone!  I have a last-minute conundrum that has come up.  We
> have a mandatory practice today for the team and one member (who has
> chosen to miss over half of our practices) has once again not come.  I
> feel like it isn't fair for the team to do all the hard work and one
> student gets to "ride the coat-tails".  In your personal opinion(s),
> should we chalk it up to a learning experience and just let them come to
> competition?  Should we (and can we) just go to competition without
> them?  Any advice is appreciated!
>
> ~Stefani Griffin
>
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