I would probably approach them right off the bat (if not before you get there) and explain that you did what you felt was best and though you ae sorry they are upset, for the good of the weekend, they need to put their anger aside.

Alexa

I agree with Alexa. If you get the confrontation out of the way right off the bat, you may ease some of the tension so the rest of your time there will be more pleasant. Good luck!

You might rehearse several scenarios so you'll be prepared, but wait until you see what his attitude is before you make an approach.

If I were angry at someone & I had a few days to cool down & admit to myself that I was lucky the person had made me see my mistake, I might be embarrassed if that person marched up to me & opened the subject again.

Good luck.

Any chance that they'll cancel?

I would pretty much ignore it, and let them set the tone for interacting with you, without letting them become snarky. Sometimes, it's best to just forget, since forgiveness isn't going to be forthcoming. Treat them kindly without making it obvious that everyone is probably very uncomfortable about the weekend. If they behave badly, you may have to call a time-out and suggest that everyone try and behave like an adult, at least for a few days. Good luck, it's going to be a tough weekend.

I'm the type to at least attempt to clear the air when possible so I agree with Alexa. But I'd be prepared for an adverse reaction in which case I would calmly let it drop, very quickly, and then just avoid contact as much as possible. When contact is inevitable, I'd act normal but just not talk directly to them.

I can see sylvia's point as well, though. It's up to them to wave it off or just end the conversation quickly if they do want it behind them and aren't angry anymore. They can (and should) say something like, "all is forgiven and forgotten, let's not discuss it further." And hopefully if they do say something like that, they mean it.

Good advice Alexa!

With all due respect, I'd have to say ignore it, put it behind you and don't bring it up. I say that after years and years of dealing with the men in my family who NEVER, EVER apologize, never learn, and never forgive. They just move on. Not very good behavior, but they also NEVER change so not anything I can do about it. If I bring a problem up again, it just starts the battle all over again--every time. Just move on and forget it and hope they do too. Some people will admit their wrong, change, etc., but if they are not these kind of people, don't cast your pearls before swine. Just be nice and kind, which is what anyone would strive for, turn the other cheek. You can't "fix" things all the time, much as we would like to. With some people yes, but with some people no and you just have to let go and let "You Know Who" take care of the rest!

Thank you all for your kind advice. A little more background; the person in question is a hockey coach who will bench kids for GAMES at a time, simply because he feels they are not good enough. I have a strong coaching background and decided enough was enough. (yes, one of the kids was my son). Both the coach and I am on the hockey board of directors and I called the president who called a special meeting. The meeting was tense, but he was reprimanded. We have practice tonight (dh is bringing my son) and a tournament this weekend. I plan on following bits of everyone's advice. I will ignore it and be nice and kind. If he brings it up, I will say I did what I felt was right and I am sorry they are upset. Thank you all for your support.
Jo

Good Luck, Jo. Here's hoping they step up to the plate and decide to be gracious.

That's just plain wrong. I get a coach benching kids for a shift or two if they weren't listening or weren't trying, but an entire game? I also get coaches skipping lines in order to play a game to win, but again, not an entire game. We had a coach that was fired mid-season this year for a similar situation when he refused to correct his behavior. It just wasn't the right fit for the kids.

Some coaches are nuts. In the years my kids have been playing we've had some OK coaches, some awful coaches, but only 2 really great coaches. And the great coaches are worth their weight in gold, not only for their hockey knowledge, but for being excellet role models.

I think you're right to ignore it and be gracious. He might perceive any unsolicited comment as shoving your win in his face.

Good luck in the tourney. Marlboro or somewhere else?

AM

Good luck, Jo. I agree, I think your plan is the best it could possibly be, but it's going to be tense, I'm sure.

Good luck to your boy, too, it's probably just as hard for him.

Annie