I recently got asked by my friend’s boyfriend if I could cover their private tennis lessons with a child for the week that they’ll be out of town. The bf reached out to me because we’ve discussed previously my experiences with
tennis instruction. I agreed because I thought it was a nice thing to do, and I would get some quick cash from completing four lessons over the course of a couple of weekends.
I thought the first lesson went very well; I felt like the kid was very engaged and made great strides immediately in their form at my instruction – I was very excited to work with them further. Prior to the lesson I checked in with the father if he wanted to see anything specific, but he seemed to be okay with anything. Because of this, I followed the same structure and workout outlined to me by my friends bf.
The problem came at the end of the lesson, after I had said goodbye to the kid and spoke with the parents. The father came up to me as I was changing and asked, “You good?” In a confrontational tone. I was a little confused so I just answered “Yes.” He continued that I should attend a lesson with my friend’s boyfriend in the future, so that I can see what a lesson should look like. He then said if I wanted to be a standby sub for my friends bf, then this would be a good idea. I apologized and asked if he wanted to see anything specific from me next time or if I could incorporate anything that my friends bf does, but he said “No I just need it streamlined.” I replied that that makes sense, and that I followed the structure I was given, but I could do that better next time. He sort of just walked away after that.
Now I’m considering not continuing these lessons as I’m a little put off by this interaction. He was slightly confrontational, and I believe I’m more than qualified to handle these lessons, so any possible changes I made would be justified (Tennis Coach and private instructor for the past two years – competitive tennis since I was 8, part time tutor). I’m also not making a lot of money for these lessons. However, I did tell my friend’s bf I would do this, and I don’t want to mess them up or let them down. So WIBTA for not doing these last three lessons?
Don’t cancel the lessons – focus on the kid. If the father confronts you again, point out that you are actually qualified as a coach and following a lesson plan. If he wants to cancel the lessons, the usual cancellation fees or procedures apply.
This father is the AH. He’s trying to push you around. His kid’s life must be bleak.
NTA If the kid is improving and enjoying your lessons, you could keep them up and try to ignore or stand up to the father (in a respectful but firm manner). You shouldn’t be expected to take the same approach as another instructor. For the child, gaining multiple perspectives could be beneficial. But if you’d rather cancel and not have to deal with some condescending guy, there’s no shame. If you can, I’d try to find another substitute for your friend’s boyfriend (if it’s gonna put him in a tight spot).
NTA if you message friend’s bf as this client might be important them and their income? I mean it’s 3 lessons and then the client is no longer your problem.
The client is the AH, I’ve seen a lot of adults around kids sports who for some reason think they know better than a coach. So if you do keep on do not apologise again, this makes the guy think he has a point. Just keep it professional and suggest he raise his issue with the regular coach on their return.
YTA for making a post about tennis lessons, then putting ‘swim lessons’ in the bot response. I’m confused.