While parents help their child navigate and learn from the youth sports experience, coaches provide the instruction and supervised practice and game time that let kids learn and test their skills. Parents and coaches naturally complement each other in providing for the needs of young athletes. Parents provide the emotional, mental, and financial support. Coaches provide the structure and technical support. Together, they build better kids.
Parents do not always have a choice of coaches, but they always have the choice of keeping their child with a team. First and foremost, parents have the responsibility of making sure their child's coach is providing a positive and supportive environment. There are many teams and coaching styles and parents need to make sure that the coach is the right fit for their child. After verifying a coaching fit, parents should then:
- Expect professional conduct. Coaches are educators and parents should hold them to the same standards of conduct they would expect from any teacher.
- Support the coach and help their child get the most from the training.
- Communicate regularly and positively with the coach.
- Have their child ready and on time for games and practices.
- Inform the coach of any major life issues facing their child, such as health or family concerns.
- Avoid second-guessing the coach's decisions during games or practices.
- Never provide instruction to their child contrary to the coach's instruction.
- Wait 24 hours after any game or practice before discussing any concerns about particular events.
- Encourage their child to work with the coach. No matter the cheerleader or player's age, he or she should talk to the coach directly. Parents should avoid the temptation to step in and help.
- Express thanks to the coach for his or her efforts.
- Never criticise or demean the coach in front of their child.
- Help with team needs to free the coach's time for practice or game preparation.
