As I reflect on my coaching week I had to communicate with parents through messages, phone conversations, and face-to-face meetings. The communication with parents was filled with a variety of questions, topics, and issues.
That got me thinking about the coach-parent relationship.
When I started my coaching career, I was reluctant on building a relationship with parents, but as my career progressed, I realized that parents play a significant role in athletes' development and can be a great asset to you and your sports program.
When building a positive coach-parent relationship, COMMUNICATION is key. Communication between coaches and parents must be clear and concise. Don't get defensive or involved in a screaming match. Any issues that arise must be handled professionally and respectfully.
At the start of every season, hold a PARENTS MEETING. This will allow coaches to communicate your plan, expectations, and guidelines for the season and discuss any questions parents may have. Important that the coach's expectations are clear and constantly reinforced throughout the season.
For any relationship to be successful, there must be a level of TRUST. Coaches - Parents need to know that you have their children's best interests in mind by treating athletes equally and fairly and showing consistently that you care about their well-being and development.
Parents - Coaches, need to know that they have your support, by volunteering and getting involved in club events, showing appreciation of the coach's time and effort in developing the athlete and program, and not gossiping behind their backs to other parents and athletes.
As coaches, we understand that parents form an important part in an athlete's development, but its important parent allows the coach TO COACH. There is nothing more frustrating for a coach when parents yell out instructions during training and games.
It confuses the athlete, leads to unwanted pressure, and undermines the coach's strategy and plan, coach-athlete relationship, parent-athlete relationship, and parent-coach relationship.
Over the last few years, parent EDUCATION has become a big focal point for sports clubs and teams. Many parents who sign up their kids for sports might not have played the sport themselves or don't understand or have the knowledge on development and coaching.
Educating parents will give them an understanding of your philosophy and strategies. It will also give them an appreciation of the sport, the rules, and the skills involved in making well-rounded athletes.
Parents will always be involved and have opinions on the child's athletic journey, and yes there will be disagreements and up and downs between coaches and parents. But it's important you respect and trusts each other, and your goals and expectations are in the best interest of ATHLETE.
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