I coach middle school basketball and we give out three awards. Our awards ceremony is this week and I found out today that my team already knows who is getting awards etc. I am ticked. However then I found out that the player getting the coach’s award is angry with me and badmouthing me to other coaches. This player feels they should be getting most outstanding player, not coach’s.

This player was one of the most outstanding players on the team but she was more, she was a leader. The coach’s award was defined as:

The coach's award is an award given to the player who demonstrates the most leadership, sportsmanship, team spirit, and skill throughout the season. This person is chosen by the coach.

The outstanding player award is being given to a player that won the game on the foul line and really hustled and played amazing defense- she stood out. I was told most outstanding wasn’t necessarily the best.

I just feel really crappy. I don’t want to give awards out at all. I thought I was honoring this girl.

Did I mess up?

You're fine. Just explain it as you did on the forum. "This player was one of the most outstanding players on the team but she was more..." I think it speaks for itself. You're saying she was an outstanding player, but the coach's award is more than that. It's the highest award.

Yea. Just be honest and stand behind your decision. Show you truly care about them... which it sounds like you do. All you can do is what you feel is right.

Next year, you can reevaluate whether you want to give out awards. Another option is to let them players/team vote on who gets the award. Make it a private vote so nobody knows and feelings aren't hurt. So not tell them how many votes they got. Just give the award. Or just don't do awards next year.