Coaches are back to work. Many work more than just  'in season'.  Some never stop except  for a week or two or month respite.

So there is no better time for parents and communities  to vow to respect the men and women that give countless hours to kids for not nearly the monetary return they are worth or due. A vow to respect these men and women regardless of whether or not  sons or daughters are getting the playing time parents think they are being shorted.

Two of my kids participated in athletics in high school. One played more than the other. Naturally, I was more concerned with the one that didn't play as much or garner the attention I felt was deserved. I feel bad about this in retrospect.

Seeing coaches from a writer's vantage point  (neutral) for 30 years and not as a parent (vested interest) I know now more than ever coaches need more respect and far less criticism. Coaches are staying coaches for far fewer years than they used to largely due to lack of respect and an inordinant and ever-increasing amount of sniping from the stands. They deserve better.

So if you are a parent of a high school athlete or  vested member of a particular high school community as a fan, dig deep to respect this year -- and from now on. Resist rant and ridicule. That effort can go a long way in making coaches'  time  worthwhile when their long hours and little pay make it easier to walk away. Coaches need a self-steem boost as much as kids. Make that commitment. It only takes a little will power.