The Bullshits....

​The Bullshits
 
 
What is this you ask?
 
While parents and players generally have a lot of negative statements to make at any given time, there are certain points in the season when your team may become infected with what I have termed “The Bullshits”. 
 
Your team is most vulnerable to The Bullshits when you are on a losing streak.  While it is difficult for any team to navigate a losing streak, The Bullshits can quickly turn a difficult situation into a dire situation.  The Bullshits are contagious and pervasive. 
 
The symptomology of The Bullshits is straight forward, basically everything and anything you are trying to achieve with your team is deemed….bullshit…
 
This Team is bullshit
The Refs are bullshit
The Coach is bullshit
My kid’s line is bullshit
The PP/PK line is bullshit
That system is bullshit
That drill is bullshit
This practice is bullshit
This    (insert anything here) is bullshit    
 
 
If your team has The Bullshits then you are losing control and your leadership is being questioned. It can be very difficult to gain back control and you will most likely require a multiple layer response.
 
First layer is your team as a whole.  Hold a team meeting and call a spade a spade, call the team out on their attitude and let them know this will no longer be tolerated and decide upon certain disciplines that will be given if their behavior continues.
 
Second layer is your Lettered Players. Part of being awarded Captain and Assistant Captains should be to develop leadership within the team.  Hold a meeting with your Lettered Players to advise your expectations for them on the ice, the bench, the dressing room and outside of the arena. Your intention during this meeting is to create a collaborative relationship.
 
Third layer is specific to individual players.  Hold an individual meeting with any player you know have been contributing the bullshit mentality.  Be specific about what you have witnessed or heard.  Be specific about what your expectations are for the future and what the consequences will be if the player continues their bullshit.
 
Fourth layer is a general parent meeting.  Just like your team meeting, call a spade a spade, call the parents out on their attitude.  If you are feeling brave, challenge parents to speak to their issues and address them as best you can.  Use this time to break down your current team objectives for the parents so they know where you are trying to take the team in their development.  With parents, it is always best to give them topics to discuss rather than letting them come up with their own.
 
Fifth layer if necessary is to hold a parent meeting with any specific parents you believe are excessively contributing to The Bullshits on your team.  Be direct and straight forward.  If possible address their concern(s) but also be sure to communicate your displeasure with their behaviour.  Depending on their concerns, this may be an opportunity to discuss any issues on or off the ice you are having with their child and how as parents they may be contributing the negative attitude of the team.  If The Bullshits have taken over your team, it can be very beneficial to redirect parental focus back toward their own child and what their child is expected to achieve in his next stage of development.    
 
Depending on how advanced The Bullshits are within your team, will determine how many layers you will need to deal with in order to get The Bullshits under control.  Make no mistake The Bullshits is a team destroyer and needs to be dealt with.