As a coach, you'll often have to work with the parents of your athletes. The

chances are that you are a parent yourself. If that is the case, ask

yourself what kinds of things would you expect of a coach when they are

dealing with your son or daughter. What would you like to know about their

experience as a coach? What would you like to know about the interaction

between your child and the coach? You probably had those kinds of questions

as a parent, however, now that you are the coach, other parents are looking to

you for answers. It helps to remember that "informed people are cooperative

people."

How do people become informed? In the most simple and direct way. You talk

to them, one on one or as a parent group. Tell them how you are going to

conduct yourself, what expectations you have of the athletes and how you will

treat them. Tell them what your expectations are of them as parents.

Another way to inform parents is to write them a letter, addressing the concerns

that any parent would have. Tell them a little about your philosophy, your

expectations, and create an avenue of communication. Good coach-parent

relationships create a positive environment for the athlete, and everyone

benefits.

Coaching Basics

by Lorne Adams, February 2000

Creation of this document supported by the Sport Alliance of Ontario and the

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

This document may be reproduced with credit to the author, Sport Alliance of

Ontario, and Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.