I have apparently developed another controversial coaching opinion. If you join the cross country team, the cross country meets are mandatory. I know. Pretty extreme stuff. And if there is a club soccer game scheduled at the same time, we are still going to expect you to be at the XC meet. Apparently this requires explanation now. What surprises me more is the outrage this generates. "You mean they HAVE to go?" Yes. That's how being on a team works. We practice so we can compete. The meets aren't optional bonus content you unlock if nothing better shows up on the family calendar. I didn't realize "athletes are expected to attend competitions" had become one of my hottest coaching takes. But here we are.