How to Deal With Critical Parents When Coaching

Having to deal with critical parents is one of the biggest problems with coaching. Some parents overestimate their child's athletic abilities, and sometimes those parents let their frustrations get the best of them and become critical of the coaches, umpires or other players. Follow a few guidelines to deal with critical parents when coaching.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Remind the critical parents that their child is learning a lot more than just the sport. They are learning about teamwork and friendships.

2. Tell the parents that if they have a problem with their child, the umpire or the way you are coaching to please talk about it in private and not during the game or in front of other parents and children. It is embarrassing to everyone involved but most importantly, to the children.

3. Explain to the parents when they are being critical that every child is an important part of the team regardless of playing ability. The team needs support from the parents, not criticism.

4. Host a team meeting with the parents if you're coaching a team. Explain to them what you will and will not accept and that you expect your rules to be followed.

5. Address issues with critical parents when you are calm. You don't want your emotions getting out of control, especially in front of your players. Walk away and address it later.

Tips & Warnings

• Never yell at the parents or make threats. Parents are the most important people in a child's life and it can really scar the child.

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[choicearizona]

on 1/31/2008 This topic had me remembering two years ago, when I coached my son's sixth grade basketball team. Two overbearing parent's drove me crazy. One yelled so hard at his kid during a game, the child would break down crying - during the game. Another parent would scold me for bad coaching (it was 6th grade folks). I told the parent there was nothing I could do to keep his kid out of the NBA. I even offered the job to him, but of course he declined. I can laugh now. http://www.arizonahomeownerinsurance.biz