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oaching a Youth League team is excit- <br />ing and rewarding. But from time to <br />time, you may experience difficulty with <br />parents. Some may want their children to <br />play more orthey might question some of your <br />judgments as a coach. This is normal, so <br />don't feel that you're alone if this happens. <br />Here are a few thoughts to remember <br />when dealing with parents: <br />• Always listen to their ideas and feelings. <br />Remember, they are interested and concerned <br />because it is their children that are <br />involved. Encourage parental involvement. <br />• Express appreciation for their interest and <br />concern. This will make them more open <br />and at ease with you. <br />• No coach can please everyone. Don't try. <br />■ Know what your objectives are and do what <br />you believe to be of value to the team, not <br />the parents. <br />• Make certain all parents know your ground <br />rules. Have rules, regulations, your philo- <br />sophy, practice dates and times, etc. printed <br />on a sheet of paper you can pass out to all <br />parents. Have a parent meeting before the <br />season begins to discuss your operating <br />procedures if necessary. <br />• Resist unfair pressure. You are the coach <br />and it's your responsibility to make the <br />final decisions. <br />Most important, be fair. If you treat all <br />players equally you will gain respect. <br />Be consistent! If you change a rule or <br />philosophy during the season, you may be <br />in for trouble. If you do change something, <br />make sure the parents are informed as <br />soon as possible. <br />• Handle any confrontation one-on-one and <br />not in a crowd situation. Don't be <br />defensive. Don't argue with a parent. <br />Listen to their viewpoint, and thank them <br />for it. <br />• Don't discuss individual players with other <br />parents. The grapevine will hang you every <br />time. <br />• Ask parents not to criticize their children <br />during a practice or game. Don't let your <br />players be humiliated, even by their own <br />parents. Explain that you must be under <br />complete control of your team when they <br />are on your "turf'. <br />• Don't blame the players for their parents' <br />actions, if negative. Try to maintain a fair <br />attitude. <br />o Parents must accept the fact that umpires, <br />coaches and other league officials are <br />volunteers and should not be subjected to <br />criticism during ball games. <br />Always remember that you will be dealing <br />with all types of children and parents with <br />different backgrounds and ideals. One of <br />your main challenges as a coach is to deal <br />with these differences in a positive manner <br />so the team's season will be an exciting and <br />enjoyable experience for all. <br />7 - <br />I <br />s <br />I Dealing <br />With <br />Parents <br />oaching a Youth League team is excit- <br />ing and rewarding. But from time to <br />time, you may experience difficulty with <br />parents. Some may want their children to <br />play more orthey might question some of your <br />judgments as a coach. This is normal, so <br />don't feel that you're alone if this happens. <br />Here are a few thoughts to remember <br />when dealing with parents: <br />• Always listen to their ideas and feelings. <br />Remember, they are interested and concerned <br />because it is their children that are <br />involved. Encourage parental involvement. <br />• Express appreciation for their interest and <br />concern. This will make them more open <br />and at ease with you. <br />• No coach can please everyone. Don't try. <br />■ Know what your objectives are and do what <br />you believe to be of value to the team, not <br />the parents. <br />• Make certain all parents know your ground <br />rules. Have rules, regulations, your philo- <br />sophy, practice dates and times, etc. printed <br />on a sheet of paper you can pass out to all <br />parents. Have a parent meeting before the <br />season begins to discuss your operating <br />procedures if necessary. <br />• Resist unfair pressure. You are the coach <br />and it's your responsibility to make the <br />final decisions. <br />Most important, be fair. If you treat all <br />players equally you will gain respect. <br />Be consistent! If you change a rule or <br />philosophy during the season, you may be <br />in for trouble. If you do change something, <br />make sure the parents are informed as <br />soon as possible. <br />• Handle any confrontation one-on-one and <br />not in a crowd situation. Don't be <br />defensive. Don't argue with a parent. <br />Listen to their viewpoint, and thank them <br />for it. <br />• Don't discuss individual players with other <br />parents. The grapevine will hang you every <br />time. <br />• Ask parents not to criticize their children <br />during a practice or game. Don't let your <br />players be humiliated, even by their own <br />parents. Explain that you must be under <br />complete control of your team when they <br />are on your "turf'. <br />• Don't blame the players for their parents' <br />actions, if negative. Try to maintain a fair <br />attitude. <br />o Parents must accept the fact that umpires, <br />coaches and other league officials are <br />volunteers and should not be subjected to <br />criticism during ball games. <br />Always remember that you will be dealing <br />with all types of children and parents with <br />different backgrounds and ideals. One of <br />your main challenges as a coach is to deal <br />with these differences in a positive manner <br />so the team's season will be an exciting and <br />enjoyable experience for all. <br />