Playing on a team is a unique and fun experience, however as we grow we may find ourselves contemplating whether or not being on the team is still for us. While I am an advocate for finishing what you started, there are situations when it is okay to quit the team.
4 Reasons You CAN Quit the Team:
1. Off season: In the off-season you can reevaluate your commitment, passion and time you have for your sport and your team. The off season provides you more time to adequately assess your overall sport and life goals, priorities and feelings. Importantly, you have time to speak with your coaches, parents and teammates.
2. Injury: The normal aches and pains, and yes even injuries are all a part of playing sport. However, a major injury such as a torn ACL, or a concussion, for example, are legitimate reasons to reexamine your desire and ability to play the game. Quitting because your body says it is time is always a responsible choice.
3. Priorities have shifted: Maybe when you were nine, you lived and breathed soccer, but now you have other activities and commitments that require your passion and attention. There is nothing wrong with growing and changing. Again, examine your priorities after and before each season so you don’t find yourself overwhelmed during season.
4. Harassment: No one should ever be subject to a bully, even if that bully is a coach. If you are in a demeaning environment, or a victim of verbal or physical harassment, do not stay quiet. Find a trusted adult; parent, athletic director, teacher, and make them aware as soon as possible. No coach should force you to quit because of their actions. But please understand you have a right to a safe place to practice and play!
4 Reasons You CANNOT Quit the Team:
1. Middle of the season: As you gathered from above, quitting in the middle of the season is a selfish move. It leaves your team and coaches in a bad spot and is overall irresponsible. There are always exceptions to the rule, but if you committed to your teammates, you owe it to them to stick it through to the end.
2. Playing time: If you feel as though you are not getting enough playing time, or should be starting when you are not, quitting will not solve the problem. It will only prove to the coach that she was right in not playing you. Work harder. Complain less. Be the first to practice and the last to leave. If you still feel as though you’re not playing as much as you’d like, make time outside of practice to discuss it with your coach. Being open to learning, and verbalizing with your coach how much you care is a Win-Win.
3. It’s not fun anymore: Fun is a relative measure. Reflect on why you feel this way. Is it because you’re not playing as much as you’d like? Is it because your coach has a different style than you’re used to? Is it because your priorities have changed? Or is it you who needs to adjust your attitude? If you can figure out the why, you’ll be able to make a decision you won’t regret.
4. I don’t have any friends: This is a tough one because relationships are very important to a girl’s overall experience in sport. However, like the issue above, often this takes some real reflecting on your part. How hard have you tried to be and become a friend? Why do you feel you have no friends? Is there a bully on the team? If you can address the specific issue of friends, either with yourself, the coach or even your teammates the more likely it will resolve and the less likely you will quit.
Often times in the world of sport, we can lose perspective. Why do you do sport? If you have lost sight of your answer to that question, take the time to self-reflect.
Quitting is not as negative as we often make it out to be. However, quitting responsibly will lead to less regret and less conflict. 
What are other reasons you can or cannot quit the team?
Share in comments or on the She Plays Facebook Page.
Play Now. Play YOU!
XO, Coach D
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