How do I deal with a rude u15 girl's attitude?

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

have you tried speaking to this player about her attitude? I had an U11s player who was disrespectful, showed poor team attitude, and didnt put much effort into training, so during the finals i wouldnt play her. i did try speaking to her and her parents about her attitude to find out if there is was something going on that could affect her attitude as she was normally a little cheaky, but not to the extent i was getting. neither could shed light onto the situation, so i told her she wouldnt be playing, so she could try and understand that to get a place on the court during important games, was something that was earned, through hard work and good attitude. So try talking to her and her parents first, as there could be more to the story than you know, but if there isnt, then you need to come up with a reason for her attitude to change. But make sure you also talk to the club president about what the club stance is on this type of behaviour in case there is some kind of back lash. Just remember she is still a child, and pushing boundaries is something they like to do, so be respectful in whatever manner that it is decided to deal with this behaviour.

Janet Coach, Australia

Stay focused on the group as a whole and ignore most of the individual`s behaviour as long as it doesn`t interfere with the overall training goals. She is possibly lacking in confidence generally and trying to keep yours and others attention with this type of behaviour. Reward the positives and ignore the negatives unless facing a direct challenge to your instructions when discipline (e.g. removal from the activity or game) is the only way to deal with it. Focusing too much attention on the annoying behaviour of one player erodes your position of respect and leadership as coach.

Leonie CurulliCoach, Australia

I've experienced this myself, I agree with the above comments, but what also worked for me was every time she became disruptive at training or wasn't completing the drills I made her run laps. They get distracted very easily and she was effecting the rest of the team training so I removed her. I would then talk to her after training and let her know it's not on I give up my time to train them and if she continues she will not get court time. 

I hope it gets better for you. 

Netball CoachCoach

Thank you your answers. I have spoken to her previously - quiet informal, `whats going on with your`, are you happy?`, is everything ok` etc. I think she is trying to effect the group as she has really plateaued as a player whilst the other girls and now bigger and stronger. She could be the same - if she put in! Time for another chat.

Dawn Quinlivan, United Kingdom

Interesting reading the replies to this. I help with a group of (17-19yrs) and a couple are rude, disruptive and disrespectful. Unfortunately the senior coach does nothing about it, seeming to favour these players which is encouraging their continued poor behaviour :-(

Janet Coach, Australia

It is a pleasure coaching polite players who play well and gel as a team but in life we have to deal with all types good and bad to get to where we want to go. Coaching is not about changing personality types but getting to where we want to go despite the challenging behaviour. Rudeness & open disrespect require discipline but coaches need a fair bit of experience and confidence to address this effectively. The real challenge for a coach is to learn how to manage a group of all personality types and build a team that works well together on court.

Mandy ItalianoParent, Australia

I too have experienced this lack of respect. Another chat wouldn`t go astray. Mention that you are giving your time, for them ! Also, instead of sending the girl in question on the laps. Send them all.... This way she learns that her attitude and behaviour effect the team.. After all it is a team sport. Hopefully while these laps are occurring the rest of the girls will ask her to pull up??

Tricia KilczynskiCoach, England

Do you have a players code of conduct? We have these in our club, all players sign this at the start of the season, they are made aware that this is a club policy and we dont tollerate any one breaking this code of conduct, netball is a team sport and we have to show respect to others etc. We also have a procedure on what we do if this contract is broken, verbal warning, written warning etc before they would be asked to leave the club. Sometimes players need to know there is a consequence to their actions. We never seem to get any issues go as far as written warning or asking a player to leave.

Ken HamiltonCoach, Australia

I have coached for over 30 years and still come across this attitude `thing` with teenage girls. I think that a coach can get too drawn into their problems. A coach is not a social worker. He/she is there to develop the skills and abilities of the girls as PART OF A NETBALL TEAM. This girl needs to be told quite openly , ie in front of the rest of the team, that she is stepping over the line and that her actions/language/whatever are not acceptable. If she does not improve ( and this includes at training ) then the coach should take action by reducing court time to half a game on match days. If still no improvement then she gets only a quarter. They usually get the message. Unfortunately the `attitude` girls are often the better players but a coach just has to bite the bullet or lose the respect and support of the rest of the girls. Parents need to be kept informed of what you are doing and why. In the majority of cases you will get their support. They know their daughters and probably face similar problems with them at home

Dianne JacksonCoach, Australia

The first thing I would do is ask her why she is there. If her answer is to play netball. Ask her how she rates herself as a player, and if she wants to improve. Explain that her attitude is not only holding her back but also the team.. When she plays in a position she does not enjoy give her an achievable challenge (I would like to see you get 2 intercepts this quarter). If she achieves this let her play for a quarter in a position she enjoys and tell her that if she continues to improve she will get more time in that position.Get the girls involved by encouraging them to each plan a drill and run it. When it is her turn this will hopefully distract her and make her realise how hard it is to be a coach when someone is not focused. If she continues down the negative path reduce court time. If she still does not improve her attitude have her sit out a whole game but explain to her parents why you are doing this. They no doubt deal with similar behaviour at home. Good Luck

Netball CoachCoach

SUPPORT FROM PARENTS AND TEAM

When dealing with Bad behaviour enlist the help of the parents, ask the parents if they have observed anything or is there something that you as a coach need to be aware of, in order to help the player move forward in a positive way. Team work can be used with parents too :)

Taking on a new team is never easy, but can be made easier. As a coach you need to go over expectations for players, coach and parents. You will need to lead or set up an exercise to include all three groups (YES time consuming but worth it). Three lists Parents, Players & Coach drawn up on whiteboard for everyone to see, each parent, player and then YOU as the coach have a chance to add to the lists of what is expected from them.

Players Expectations (Parents, Players & Coach made those list up)

• Honesty
• Respectful
• Fair
• Punctual- be on time
• Commitment
• Team work
• Give 100%
• Loyality
• Responsible for her own sports gear
• Gratitude for what mum and dad do for their daughter
• Self-organised
• Give everything new a go!!!
• Ask questions when confused
• Ready and prepared for training
• Listen and apply what you have learnt
• Hard working
• Dedication

Parents Expectations

• Honesty
• Punctual
• Respectful
• Supportive
• Positive feedback
• two way communication
• Help
• Positive support on and off court
• Make appointments with coach for feedback outside training session
• Ride to and from training
• Support on and off court
• No yelling or bad behaviours on the side lines or when going home after game
• Informed opinions

Coach Expectations

• Punctual
• Approachable coach
• Honesty
• Fair
• Open communication
• Organised
• Fun, have a laugh
• listen to the players
• teach something new at every training
• No yelling, talk to players
• Finish training on time
• Developing daughters netball skill
• Encouragement
• Be able to give positive advice
• Consistency
• Enthusiasm

Talked about and agreed to the expectations set out and come to an understanding of what is expected from everyone. Then ensured everyone has a printed copy.

Whenever issues comes up, revise the agreed expectations with team and as a team move forward. Sometimes all it takes is to remind everyone on there roles and expectations.

Hope everything works out :)