Coach / Parent
Partnership
Research shows when we as parents
support our children's coaches, athletes learn
more and will have a better sports experience.
Developing an effective coach / parent partnership is the first step.
Consider these suggestions to help kick-off your partnership:
Recognize the Coach's Commitment
Coaches commit many, many hours of
preparation beyond the hours spent at
practices and games and often times do not
get paid. Try to remember this whenever
something goes awry during the season.
Make Early, Positive Contact
As soon as you know who your child's
coach is going to be, consider introducing
yourself, let him or her know you want
to help your child have the best possible
experience. Meeting the coach early and
establishing a positive relationship will
make conversation easier if a problem
arises during the season.
Fill the Coach's Emotional Tank
When coaches are doing something you like,
let them know about it. Coaching is a stressful
job, and most coaches only hear form parents
when they have a complaint. A coach with a full
emotional tank will do a better job.
Let the Coach Coach
Your child is trying to concentrate amid the
action of a game and do what the coach asks.
A parent yelling out instructions does not help.
More often than not, it confuses the child,
adds pressure and goes against the coaches'
instructions which could undermine the playercoach relationship. Do your best to resist the
urge to yell instructions from the stands.
Responsible Sports Parents working together with Responsible Coaches help create
a positive youth sports environment for our kids.
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