We have an interesting dilemma this season.  The club for safety reasons will be pursuing a policy of strongly recommending that players who qualify for age dispensation (lower 20% percentil in weight) will be advised (strongly recommended) to register in the next lower age group.  The son of the U13 team this year will definitely be on that list, and recommended to play in the U12s.

Will the boy stay in the U13s (defy the safety issue) in order for the father to continue coaching? 

Will the boy play U12s, and the father apply to be a coach in his sons new team?  How will he react if he knows there is already an established coach in the U12s?  Will the father forego coaching for the safety of his son?

I can see how that might happen.  However that would be a failing of coaches in following a policy of fairness, rather than an issue with A-team/B-team concept. 

I find it hard to imagine that fringe players are so bad, that the coach would not give them a run, they would suffer chronic lack of game-time, and leave the club.  If there is so much disparity between the A-team and the bench players, then that would point to an issue with training.  And whose responsibility is that?

My opinion:  if you pick bench players for the A-team, be prepared to play them, at least 75% game-time or as deemed fair by the player.  Otherwise don't expect to have any keen bench players. 

In 2010 Fred was the A-team coach in an A/B arrangement.  In 2011 there were insufficient numbers for two teams, so all of the B-teamers were folded into the A-team.  Fred left the B-teamers sitting on the sideline, while last year's A-team got full games week in and week out.  Those B-teamers who Fred was forced to play due to illness or injury were constantly shouted at, and made to feel responsible when the team did not win (which was often, the team did not do well, and there was very low morale all year).  I noticed also there developed a rather toxic elitist culture amongst the boys, which resulted in some bullying and demeaning of weaker players, although Fred remained oblivious to this and did not act on it. 

In the 2011 year book Fred wrote this:

For the boys who came up from last years lower grade team it has been a huge step. The different style we play, the intensity of the game and your own self confidence all contribute to how the team goes.  To our new boys who had not played the game before it was an eye opener, we hope you enjoyed the experience.  To the players who were with me last year, thankyou for supporting our little club.  To the others a big thankyou also, we hope you all turn up again next year.

Registration for 2012 starts in February.  I am told that at least three of those B-teamers will not be returning.  Unless there is significant recruitment, there may not be the numbers to form a single squad.

If your A-team coaches are including all the boys in training, and the message is that "they are part of a huge squad and can step up if they want", then the boys are in a very good place.  You are very fortunate to be a B-team coach in that environment.

However, I would strongly recommend that you monitor the happiness of the B-teamers on the bench for the As.  Ensure that they get a game on the weekend, whether in the As or Bs.  i.e. they only sit on the bench as a reserve if they have already played a game that day.  Otherwise I would recommend strong words to the A-team coach, the age manager, and/or your coaching coordinator.  Suggest minimum 75% gametime, or no reserves will be provided.

If a lad is capable of A-grade, but wants to play B-grade, then that is his choice.  A player should never be forced to play in a higher grade if he does not want to.  Conversely, if the talented player in your B-team wants to go into A-grade, then you should be encouraging it.  Never try to horde talent in the lower grade, it will bite you.  Often it is not up to the coaches to decide where the boys play, they decide.  They know, having fun playing a great game in a team with friends is what it is all about.

Finally, I hope you don't feel downtrodden as B-team coach.  As previously stated, I spent two years coaching a B-team.  And I loved every moment.  The challenge of teaching the boys, and seeing them improve, was uplifting.  Some of the boys I have trained are now playing representative rugby.  Whenever I come to the games to see the boys play, they always come over and have a chat with me, I feel their gratitude and respect.  It is a wonderful feeling.