How You Are Creating Playing Time Problems on Your Team

You’ve likely experienced a version of the following. 

• Player A is a starter.
• Player B is a reserve.
• Player B believes they work harder than Player A in practices and games.
• As a result, Player B grows resentful and frustrated because they aren’t getting more playing time.

How should we, as coaches, manage this situation within our team?

I believe the solution lies in communication and the consistent application of two key thresholds:

Threshold #1: Eligibility – The ABCs

Players must meet team standards in practices, games, and off the field. These standards are based on:

• Academics
• Behaviors
• Commitment

To be eligible for playing time, a player must meet all three criteria.

Threshold #2: Performance

Once a player meets the eligibility criteria, their playing time is determined by performance—the goal is to put the players on the field who give us the best chance to win.

Why Eligibility Matters More Than You Think

Threshold #1 has come up a lot recently in some conversations with coaches in the TOC Community. We recognize if Player A consistently falls short in effort, attitude, or becomes a negative influence, Player B’s frustration is valid. In such cases, trust between coaches and players deteriorates, and it’s no wonder when players and parents begin to lose faith in our decision-making.

Here’s the reality: A lot of playing time issues can be avoided if we, as coaches, do three things consistently:

1. 1. Clearly communicate the two thresholds. Hold a team meeting or create a presentation that explains how eligibility and performance work together to determine playing time.
2. 2. Define specific behaviors that impact eligibility. Be crystal clear on what actions or decisions will render a player ineligible. For example, if a player misses a practice before a game for a non-emergency reason, they should be ineligible to play.
3. 3. Consistently enforce these standards. If a player fails to meet the eligibility threshold, even if it’s your best player, they need to be benched. Consistency is key.

When I walk coaches through this checklist, they often express concerns about the “gray areas,” especially regarding the consistent enforcement of standards. My response is always: How’s that working for you?

It shouldn’t surprise us when athletes and parents are frustrated by unclear playing time decisions. Lack of communication and inconsistent enforcement lead to confusion, which breeds resentment.

The Challenge for You

Here’s a question every coach needs to ask themselves: What specific behaviors or actions would make a player ineligible, outside of egregious misconduct?

You need clarity. Define what will make a player ineligible and communicate that early and often. And more importantly, have the courage to enforce it.

In Chapter 18 of The Culture System, I shared stories of coaches who took a stand on standards, even at the expense of losing talent. John Wooden famously benched top players like Sidney Wicks and Bill Walton for missing practice or displaying poor attitudes. In my own coaching journey, I once benched our best player for the first third of a season due to his inconsistent effort and poor attitude in practice.

Similarly, on the Coaching Culture Podcast, Division 1 Ice Hockey Coach Eric Lang discussed how, in the process of resetting AIC’s culture, he benched top players and even left them behind for being just a few minutes late to the team bus.

Why High Standards Matter

When you enforce high standards, you risk losing talented players. That’s the price. But if you don’t enforce your standards, your team will lose trust in you. People will believe that you stand for nothing.

So, what do you stand for? It’s time to get clear, communicate, and enforce those standards.

Need help with playing time issues on your team? You need to take the Playing Time System Course, as it will help you eliminate nearly every playing time issue within your team, I guarantee it!