There are sprint coaches that train only 400-meter runners and down and require the 400-meter runners to run the 800 meters in competition. This way the distance coach is off their back. When there is not much competition, sprint coaches will put their sprinters in the 800-meter race to give their athletes more opportunity and experience. The 800-meter runners should be trained with the sprint coach. This would eliminate conflict.
If the sprinter runs a good 800 time, the distance coach will say the sprinter can run the 800 meters. The decision will come down to whether or not the athlete wants to run the 800. If he wants to run the 800, you will still be coaching this athlete. It's all about opportunities for the athlete, not about control.
The sprint coaches I have talked to agreed the athlete could run the 800 meters. In high school it is almost necessary in order to find out the area of expertise and in which event the athlete will excel. It could take four years of high school for an athlete to discover their event, and it could take until they are in college. Sometimes high school is the training ground and college is where decisions are made.
Coach Payan
www.CoachesEducation.com