I have coached a team (different members each year) for 3 years, as well as
run a club in the off season for two of those years. Most kids want to be
there and really work hard. With the few kids that I have found truly hard
to handle and that disrupt the group, it has usually been that they were
not really interested. They were just there because a friend was there or
the parent wanted them there. So, make sure to consider whether the
child is truly interested.
-Wendy Bretton
From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Barrett
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 12:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VADCFLL-L] How to deal with team member who thrives on negative
attention...
How do you deal with a team member who thrives on negative attention? I'm
an engineer and have always had great respect for teachers. After my first
season of FLL a few years ago, I decided that I could never be a teacher. 3
hours each weekend took it all out of me. I couldn't imagine working in an
environment like that full time! And for the most part, my teams have had
really good kids who listen and like to learn. Again this year, I have a
good set of kids. One of them, though, likes to push the boundaries of
acceptable behavior just a little too far and seems to thrive on the
attention it brings him. He struggles with anger management, as well.
I coached him last year and was hesitant to including him on the team this
year. I did work with him individually last year and I could see him grow
throughout the season. While this is a Good Thing, it also took time and
energy away from the rest of the team (which in my mind, is not fair to
everyone else).
I have talked with him and his parents about the upcoming season. We've
discussed specific incidents from last year and expectations for this year.
While this is a good start, I know that a 30 minute conversation is not
going change who he is. And I'm not looking forward to being a coach who
continually watching out and correcting behavioral issues and refereeing
interactions.
So what strategies do other coaches employ to deal with disruptive team
members like this? Any and all ideas are appreciated.
Thanks,
John
--
John J. Barrett
Industrial Medium Software, Inc.
1616 Anderson Road
McLean, VA 22102
(c) 703-231-5094
(p) 703-286-0818
(f) 703-286-0888
http://www.industrialmedium.com <http://www.industrialmedium.com/>
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