Ivan Gil
Tel: 804-334-8074
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Ivan, a few unconnected (though obviously interrelated) thoughts:
1. Ask the team?
2. Do you know anything about the kid—is (s)he likely to be an asset or a disruption? Not that I would suggest that such a question should be asked under normal circumstances, but at this late date, it seems more relevant.
3. Is it reasonable (in terms of parents’ attitude, kid’s attitude, etc.) that the child might be able to join, but have a lesser role at the tournament than some others (a “helper” but not a full team member, for example)?
4. You already have eight—nine is, like, more. I (like at least some others) think six or seven is the optimal size. Do you feel like you can fit another child into the mix, one who doesn’t know what’s gone on so far, etc.?
5. If (as seems likely) you don’t know the answers to most of the above, is it reasonable (again, given attitudes, etc.) to have the kid come to a meeting, meet the team, and see what the chemistry is like? The risk there is that you wind up saying “No, sorry” without a good, sharable reason, of course (“the other kids just didn’t like him” would be uncomfortable at best).
You have a challenge here for sure. Wish I had a better answer.
--
Phil Smith III
Coach, The Capital Girls (retired)
Team 1900 (2002)
Team 2497 (2003)
Team 2355 (2004)
Team 1945 (2005)
From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ivan Gil
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2012 1:59 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VADCFLL-L] New Team Member
Good afternoon,
I have a bit of a quandary and I'm hoping that someone will be able to provide me with an answer. Our is composed of eight children and have been meeting since the end of July and we just had a parent that has asked if their child can join the team. How should I answer this question? Is it too late in the game? Have the other children done most of the work (and they have), is there a rule as to when we should cutoff membership, should I put it up for a vote with the team? I do not want to take this opportunity away from this child by telling him no, he can't join as I feel that would discourage him from joining next year but I also want to be fair to the rest of the team. Please provide me with the wisdom that comes from being a veteran as I am rookie coach.