Follow these tips to help in making parents an asset in your upcoming season.
Some coaches only want to coach kids, not deal with unruly or unreasonable parents. But kids bring parents with them. Here’s how to make parents an asset to your team by setting clear expectations and avoiding problem parents.
- When your team has been formed, call players to tell them you are excited they are on your team. Then ask to speak to their mom or dad. Tell the parent that you look forward to working with them to help their child have a terrific experience this season, and that you will soon send a letter or e-mail explaining your Double-Goal (winning & life lessons) coaching philosophy.
- Use a parent meeting to review the principles of Positive Coaching (ELM Tree of Mastery, Filling Emotional Tanks, and Honoring the Game). Ask them to promote these ideas with the team. Tell them you know your team will get bad calls, but ask them to commit to Honoring the Game no matter what.
- Explain that the Emotional Tank and the ELM Tree of Mastery are research-based concepts that are keys to their child’s performance. Ask them to fill E-Tanks and reinforce the ELM Tree with their child throughout the season.
Positive Coaching Alliance develops BETTER ATHLETES, BETTER PEOPLE through resources for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes. In addition to 1,000+ free audio-video and printable tips and tools at PCADevZone.org, PCA has partnered with roughly 3,000 schools and youth sports organizations nationwide to deliver live group workshops, online courses and books that help those involved in youth and high school sports create a positive, character-building youth sports culture.