I don't put it on the kid, I put it on the parents as it should be. Kids need to learn accountability and responsibility but when they're 100% dependent on their parents it changes that equation some. Expectations are clearly defined before the first practice even begins. That way they know EXACTLY what they've signed up for and are getting into.
There's always those parents who seem to think they're the exception or ought to be the exception for everything and that doesn't just extend to sports practices, it usually bleeds into everything else they have excuses for.
If after the parents meeting and going over the parental contract they have issues with it they can come to me privately and we can talk. Football isn't for everyone and that's okay.