09/30/2024
***Dilemma Of The Day***
Dear Hacker & Mack,
My son is playing football at a very competitive high school. There’s another game Friday night, and he’s already a nervous wreck.
He is 14 years old. His coach is a former professional college player and a former college coach. The coach wants to win, and he runs the team like a college team. Everyone takes it seriously, especially the coach. The other parents seem to love it, but it’s making my son physically sick.
When my son makes a mistake, even in practice, the coach berates him in front of all the other players. I asked around, and he did this to all his players. It’s not like he’s picking on my kid, but I think it’s so wrong. I don’t think a coach has the right to yell at my kid-or anyone else’s.
At practice, he told my son to get his head out of his ass. I understand that it’s competitive, and the team is very good, but it’s just a game.
I think I need to talk to the coach and tell him to back off. My husband thinks this is a terrible idea. He says this is how sports are when they get competitive. Do you think I should say something or leave it alone?