In this straight-talking episode of "Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless," host Rodney Marshall tackles one of the most contentious topics in youth sports and life: playing time. Coach Rodo dives deep into what it truly means to earn your spot, challenging the common entitlement mindset that plagues sports today.

He argues that playing time isn't a given—it's earned through effort, readiness, and a relentless commitment to improvement, both on and off the field. Using powerful analogies from childhood games and his own experiences as a coach and business owner, he illustrates the difference between expectation and earned reward.

Coach Rodo also addresses difficult conversations with parents who demand playing time for their children and shares his unique coaching philosophy on how to handle disappointment, keep kids engaged in "the long game," and foster a strong work ethic. This episode is a crucial listen for athletes, coaches, and parents who want to understand how effort in sports directly translates to success in life.

Key Discussion Points:

What Playing Time Really Means: It's not about time on the clock, but about the effort you put in when no one is watching.

Earning vs. Expecting: Why entitlement is a dangerous mindset and how to teach kids to earn their place.

Handling Disappointment: Strategies for dealing with setbacks and using them as fuel for future success.

The Long Game: How to keep athletes engaged and motivated by asking questions and teaching in real-time scenarios.

A Parent's Role: Why a child's playing time is not a parent's negotiation and the importance of letting kids advocate for themselves.