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Post by Castor on May 26, 2014 15:39:50 GMT -6
Possibility of taking over a program that, for the most part, normally has good athletes and good facilities. The main drawback to the job is this town is notorious for having parent problems and "crazy parents."
What are some things you can do to get parents on your side and supportive.
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Post by coach2013 on May 26, 2014 16:14:51 GMT -6
1) communicate expectations
2) build relationships- play nice with the parents
3) make all of your testing results/weight room and speed/agility testing and so on PUBLIC knowledge.
When your loud mouth Dads are running on about the problems someone will inevitably say "why isn't your kid lifting and why is he so slow, hes not going to play quarterback being 5 foot 7 with 5.6 speed?"
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Post by freezeoption on May 26, 2014 18:14:52 GMT -6
I would put that in a monthly newsletter. I would send out a newsletter at schools where the communication wasn't very good. I did it for each sport I coached. Scores, stats, whatever you wanted, I put practice times, etc. A one page newsletter can keep them informed, and you can let know who is doing good in the weight room, then they will have a idea, and that helps with communication.
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Post by jg78 on May 26, 2014 19:12:25 GMT -6
Definitely have a parents meeting as soon as possible to communicate your expectations clearly and eliminate as many potential problems and excuses as you can right from the start. Beyond that, do the best you can and always keep your cool no matter what any parent says to you.
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Post by holmesbend on May 27, 2014 20:07:07 GMT -6
I'll second, third, etc the Parent Meeting. BUT..I need to make all the good/bad public knowledge.
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Post by PIGSKIN11 on May 28, 2014 23:02:09 GMT -6
Use nails....
long ones....
they stick to the board better
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Post by shocktroop34 on May 29, 2014 5:46:53 GMT -6
I knew of a coach that used to set up film at a local restaurant. He would invite dads to come in and watch it with him. The purpose was that most parents don't watch the game from a coaches perspective.
I'm not sure how it worked out for him. I do know that he ran a relatively successful program.
I'm not sure I could do this, but, just adding another thought.
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Post by s73 on May 29, 2014 6:53:09 GMT -6
Possibility of taking over a program that, for the most part, normally has good athletes and good facilities. The main drawback to the job is this town is notorious for having parent problems and "crazy parents." What are some things you can do to get parents on your side and supportive. One thing I've always done which is similar to the newsletter mentality is to call the parents of the kids who are not doing what they're supposed to be doing. For example, Johnny isn't showing up to lifting, I call home to let mom and dad know so that when the fall comes and they are complaining about his playing time I have something to reference. I think this serves 3 purposes: In forms parents so they cant pull the old why didn't you tell me Gives me a point of reference if playing time becomes an issue w/ this family Hopefully it motivates the kids who aren't showing to show up and in turn makes us a better program. I guess in short, my approach is to be proactive. JMO. |
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Post by bigm0073 on May 30, 2014 19:52:21 GMT -6
Clear guidelines.. You coach, players play and parents parent...
team rules must be signed by parents and players
coach will not discuss playing time or position with parents.. Never.. I will discuss a kids physical, mental or emotional well being.. Playing time and position does not fall into that category.
can not approach coaches after a game.. At all levels.. 24 hour cooling off period..
Parents will gripe,, parents will complain, parents will second guess and some will bash you.. Deal with it and get over it. Can not make decisions with parents in mind.. Only the team and your players.
We we tell our parents there are not any landing strips in our program for the hovering helicopter parent. They hover elsewhere but not with our kids or program.
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Post by newhope on Jun 2, 2014 9:43:59 GMT -6
To go along with much of what has already been said: Have a parent's meeting, go your expectations, have them in writing so there is no misunderstanding (especially from anyone who missed the meeting), stick to your guns on what you have said--and perhaps most important of all, make sure you have gone over those expectations with administration and that they back you completely on those expectations.
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coachgeorge51
Sophomore Member
Cliches and mottos is mindless verbal nonsense.
Posts: 151
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Post by coachgeorge51 on Jun 10, 2014 17:20:22 GMT -6
You have to get the kids on board, not the parents. They will screw you over every chance they get and I am a parent of three teenage sons, and have seen and heard it all. Parents are never loyal to a coach in any way, shape or form. Please don't kid yourself, brother. Set your expectations and be prepared with to have very thick skin.
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Post by 90rocket on Jun 10, 2014 21:47:00 GMT -6
I have to agree with Coachgeorge. Even the good parents are just "agents" for their kids. My favorite parent is the one who I never talk to specifically about football.
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Post by Underdeveloped on Jun 12, 2014 19:59:50 GMT -6
Had a parent hand me $500 before our first weight room the other morning. Said "use it to help the program" (he's a doctor). He then says, "what does ______ have to do to be varsity this year?"
I put the money in my pocket and said "get quicker, stronger, meaner,, don't miss weights, and basically be a better player. We have a lot of ________". and then I walked off. Gave the money to an assistant and asked him to deposit it to our account.
Never been that uncomfortable at the weight room in a long time. Parent has never asked me a thing about football in a 2 years. Kid is a junior and now he wants him to be a varsity guy. Kid is very slow. Has no quick twitch. He is big... But is completely deaf in one ear. A very nice kid but to this point hasn't shown the toughness mentally or physically to play the game at a high level.
If the kid does win a job now it looks bad If he doesn't the parent will blow smoke all over town. With parents it is NEVER a winning situation.
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Post by coachjm on Jun 12, 2014 20:15:06 GMT -6
Bottom line is the relationship of the parent and coach are conflicting by its very nature. The parent is responsible for supporting, advocating, and helping their child. The coach is responsible for supporting, advocating, and helping the entire team. Many times those things align many times they don't. Bottom line, show and effort to communicate well, listen when necessary and continue to make the best decision for the TEAM and let the chips fall where they may. No easy answers when the wishes of a few are in conflict with wishes of many.
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