Hi there, so whenever we have sports nights, there are always (the same) 2-3 cadets that sit out, and when asked why they are sitting out, it’s either the same reason or a new thing, and they say it prevents them from walking around/moving etc (despite doing drill (at the normal standard) for a good 20/30 minutes at the beginning of the night) and it’s been a continuous occurrence for the past couple months.
I was wondering if anyone has had this issue and what they did in response to it?
Assuming you’ve tried the carrot; it’s good physically, develops their teamwork, is fun(!), then you’ve only really got two options.
Just make them do sport. Not a fan of this approach, not everyone enjoys or feels comfortable doing sport and this isn’t the military. It doesn’t actually matter. And if you manage to break one forcing them to do something they’ve said they don’t want to do you’re on a sticky wicket.
Accept they’re not going to do sport and don’t make a big deal about it. Other stuff for them to do, or just have them watch and help with any scoring admin etc. Becoming a referee in a sport is just as good an achievement as playing it, for example. That way you don’t reward those that simply can’t be bothered, you’re just occupying those that genuinely don’t want to do it.
Ultimately they’re kids, it’s their hobby, we’re here to facilitate them enjoying themselves.
While I do agree with Rexan in that they’re kids who are here to enjoy themselves, so they’re not inherently worthy of ‘punishment’, a disrespect of authority can be contagious.
They’ve worked out that they can socialise and enjoy their night without taking part; remove that option.
If they’re sitting out, give them other things to do that don’t involve them being together. One could be a go-fer for the duty NCO, one could be sent to the adult SNCO for taskings. One could be told to complete any classification exams they’ve got outstanding.
Essentially, split them up.
Yes, what they’re doing isn’t bad, but if they get away with what’s essentially mutiny (if you take a colossal pinch of salt and squint a bit!), then it might not end with them unless you nip it in the bud.
Ahhh, this is what happened on pirate ships too!
I think you’re both dead right, you shouldn’t force them to do an activity if they don’t enjoy it but at the same time be seen to challenge it if it happens regularly or risk being made to walk the plank😱
If they don’t want to partake in the sport, get them to run the sport instead. Referee, timekeeper, whatever.