Q&A for How to Tell Your Coach That You Are Quitting

Remember, it's your choice to do this. If you decide that it's time for you to leave, weigh your options. If it's truly what you want, then go through with it.

Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that everything will be all right. The conversation will be over before you know it, and you will feel relieved and relaxed after it has taken place. Try not to focus on the reaction of your coach or teammates. Think instead about how this will benefit you. You will have more time to relax. You will not be as stressed. Perhaps you will be able to heal from an injury. By looking at the positive side, talking to your coach will seem less scary.

Academic reasons are a common reason for people to leave a sport. Remember that school is very important. Very few athletes become professionals. Your schoolwork will help you prepare for a successful and fulfilling career, which is also important in your life. This does not mean that your sport isn't important; it just means that you are prioritizing something else in your life.

Be direct and straightforward. You can say, "I need to quit the team" or "I think it is time for me to leave the team." You might even say, "I need to move on to other important things in my life." As long as you are firm and clear, your coach will get the message.

Yes. What matters is that you tried it, and realized it's not your cup of tea.

Still follow the same guidelines. It's up to you whether you want to share this piece of information or not. If you want them to know, you can tell them that their coaching style makes you uncomfortable (or whatever it makes you feel), or you can ask your parents to address the coach about this for you.

Conversations like this are always awkward, but they still have to happen. Just remind yourself that it's a quick conversation and you'll be done with it in 5 minutes. Then go get it over with.

First of all, it's okay to quit because you're injured, it's not your fault, and your coach will definitely understand. Secondly, it's okay to be upset and even to cry about this. Your coach will also understand that. Ask your coach to speak with you in private somewhere so that others can't observe the conversation. If you really can't stand the thought of crying in front of them, send an email or text message.

I would try to remember that the team can only get better if good players make the choice to join and stay. If you still want to leave, then just explain to your coach that you're dissatisfied with the team's performance and don't feel inspired enough to continue.

Talk to your parents about it first. If they're okay with you switching, then talk to the coach. Let them know that you appreciate everything they've done for you, but that you think you have a lot to learn from the other coach.

You might want to start out by telling them why you are quitting. Your happiness and contentment are more important than what the team will do when you are gone. Don't worry about what your coach will think or what your team will think, because you need to do what is right and best for you.

Not really, but it's helpful in case someone tries to talk you out of it. It's also less likely your coach will have their feelings hurt about you quitting if you have a genuine reason for doing so.

If you have a chance to leave when the sport has not started competing, try to go for it. That will make everything easier for you, the coach, and your teammates.

Try talking to your coach about the amount of playing time you are getting. Also, try to get some private lessons to improve your skills. If nothing changes, then it's probably time to leave the team.

That is a 2-for-1. Whenever I quit, I had to tell both my coach and my dad; both were equally frustrated at my decision to leave. Just be honest. Even if he is angry or disappointed, he will get over it and will feel good knowing that you're happy.

You are allowed to quit a team if you have lost interest in participating. When you're ready, arrange a meeting with your coach and say that you want to quit because you’re no longer interested.

Ask yourself if you actually enjoy playing your sport or if you are just treating it like a chore or fulfilling someone else's expectations. The answer to this question should help to guide you into understanding better what the right choice is for you.

Explain why you no longer enjoy playing the sport and give other reasons, like being mistreated by your coach and teammates, or hating the sport, or wanting to go in a different direction with your spare time now, or doing more academics instead.

If you don't want to discuss that you are quitting the team for another team, you can just say you are quitting for personal reasons. However, if you are close to your coach, be honest with them.

I have had this fear when I quit the jazz band in high school. I had some friends who were part of the band who I had known since middle school. I stayed in the band until my friends became rude and betrayed me and I realized I don’t have to put up with something I did not like to have friends. After I left, I found a new group of understanding and nice friends. They are not true friends if you have to be part of something you don’t like. Instead you should look for more true friends after quitting.

Use “I” statements. Instead of “I want to quit the team because you are rude” Say “I want to quit because I don’t enjoy coming to practice anymore” If you love the sport and want to keep playing, consider joining a different team or discussing it with your coach. You could say something like “I feel uncomfortable when I am told ____(whatever the coach says). No matter what, use “I“ statements.

Let the coach know. Tell them “I’d like to discuss my future on the team. I really have no desire to continue playing ____(the sport). I appreciate all you’ve done for me and I’m so grateful but it’s time for me to move on.” If he tries to offer you something to stay on the team (like personally teaching you) politely refuse. Say “I appreciate your offer but I’m afraid I just don’t like the sport. I wouldn’t want to waste anybody’s time.”

Arrange a time to meet with your coach. When you meet with them, be honest. Tell him/her that you are leaving the team because you have had problems with your teammates. Your coach will likely understand.

You could, but it is better to do it in person to show that you respect him enough to say it to his face.

Tell them that you would rather not say and if you feel you have no choice, just tell them your grades have to come first, that your family expected that.

Then tell your coach and parents about it. The culture of the team needs addressing, to prevent the bullying from harming you and other team members. Don't struggle with this alone!

Maybe try to tell him or her that you would like to switch positions before telling him or her that you would like to quit. If you are able to work something out, then stay on the team. But if you can't come to a consensus, then maybe it is best to quit but only after trying.

No, but you could speak with the coach first about reassigning your position. If you can't reach a compromise, then feel free to quit if you're not enjoying yourself.

If you do not feel comfortable telling them the reason, then you can always simply say that you're quitting for personal reasons. If you're close to the coach, just tell them the truth.

It should always be your call, ultimately. If you have a good reason for quitting, and you're not doing so just because things are getting too difficult and you don't want to work hard, then it's fine. Just discuss it with your parents and come to a decision, then talk to your coach.