Just finishing a season head coaching my daughter's house-league (local association) 3rd grade team. The upcoming winter season is a combined league of 3rd and 4th graders who played in fall (not including best 4th graders, who will be on travelling team). They will be on 10 foot hoops and 5v5, where third grade fall season was 9 ft / 4v4. Practices are 1 hour two weeknights per week with games on Saturday.

I'm new to this (previously only done 1x/week leagues with first and second-graders as my daughters, now 7 and 9, have come up), and the coaching bug has bit me big-time. I've been reading a lot here and elsewhere, investing a lot of thought into practice planning, etc. I am excited to continue coaching youth basketball for as long as my daughters choose to play, perhaps longer.

For the upcoming 3rd/4th grade season I mention above, however, I've got a weeklong vacation that would cause me to miss at least two practices and a game, as well as another conflict during the season-end tournament, which could mean missing at least another 1 and as many as 3 games. Entire season is 6 regular-season games and a double-elim tournament.

Coaches, what are your thoughts on whether it's right for me to sign up to head coach knowing this, and delegate heavily to an assistant for two important stretches of a short season? I'm leaning toward signing up to be an assistant and continuing my learning process from a different angle. If you agree with that option, how would you recommend I maximize my time as an assistant in this age group not only to help the head coach and players, but also benefit my growth as a coach and presumably prepare me for coaching 4th graders next fall?

First off, good to hear you've got the coaching bug. Fun stuff and well worth the investment, you won't regret it.

Do you know who your assistant will be yet? If you do, you could talk this over with them.

It doesn't sound like you'll miss that much during the regular season. I could see feeling like you're putting a burden on the assistant a few games/practices. Tough call. Assume you'd be practicing during before the tourney also?

Signing up as the assistant isn't a bad idea. You don't have full responsibility, but you're still able to take another season to learn. If you choose that option, I don't think you lose out too much on the coaching experience. Most head coaches rely on their assistants pretty heavily during practices and games.

Coach: I have coached over 50 years from high school to professional and Morgan Wooten says it best. and I quote 'So you want to be a basketball coach? I know of no more rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling job than working with young people on the basketball court. There is nothing else I would rather be doing. As far as the other stuff is concerned, Coach Rob and others have given you good advice. Merry Christmas Coach Mac. .

I got this note in a Christmas card from my 7th grade point guard.I have had this group since 3rd grade and don't have a kid on the team.It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
Dear Coach
Merry Christmas! Thank you for everything you do for the team. You've helped us become who we are today.as basketball players,good teammates,and good people. We couldn't have done it without you, and we wouldn't be the team we are without you.
From Timmy

This is why we coach,the wins and losses come and go like the wind but the impact we can have on the kids can last forever.

Coach Wallace