Yes, 18 year olds can make their own decisions. However, the structure is unsafe. If it weren't, you'd see more events follow a similar structure. HS and Club kids make the 18 game/month schedule? Sure. Adults w/full agency have sufficient information to sign on to that schedule. Especially young adults. They are the most informed and capable of making that decision. And, of course, the club coaches/ECNL/HS ADs/coaches only have the best interests of the athletes in mind. What could I possibly be thinking?
When the expectation is not about reporting for training but b/c they are expected to attend summer school, the best thing an incoming freshman athlete should do is tell the coaches, "no. I'll be there when I arrive." That always goes over well.
But your money quote that "Everyone had execues [sic] successful people don't use them and find solutions not problems" really nailed it. My poor kid is still striving for success - I hope she finds it b/c I need that validation - and I'm just wallowing away at my keyboard. If only we had people to help guide us. My poor children.