Posted by: Jim Chandless
in Sport 2.0 on May 13, 2010
The single most common question I get from people when it is discovered that I coach youth sports is, "How do deal with the parents?" It's a question that seems so common that it almost assumes there must be an inherent disconnect between coaches and parents. Why? Parents and coaches are on the same side, with the same mission, and the same goals. So what is behind the perception that a coach has to be at odds with the parents of the kids they coach? And more important, what does that mean for youth sports?
Every season is special. There is always something that makes a team feel different than any other. It isn't always a positive difference, but there is always a difference from team to team. I was fortunate enough to be the head coach of THE team one season. We had it all. Great players, great attitudes, great parents, and yes - even a great record. Everyone felt good about coming to practice. They were good students. They won games with sportsmanship and teamwork. They honored their parents and their school. Their parents honored the game and each other. It was the perfect season. And I almost failed as their coach.
