Make sure your team experiences a positive and successful season by getting everyone involved onto the same page from the very start. Avoid parent/coach conflict, and instead become a powerful force of encouragement and support by working together. As a coach, it's your responsibility to take the lead in these relationships and to set behavioral standards. Let them know that yelling on the sidelines won't be tolerated, and that problem parents will be addressed. This is best done in a pre-season meeting between coaching staff and parents before the first practice, so that everyone fully understands the season expectations ahead of time.

There are several things to focus on when leading this meeting. In addition to simply introducing yourself to the parents, coaches should outline their coaching philosophy and goals for the season. This is a good time to hear from parents what they hope to get out of the season for their kids, and to make sure their goals align with yours.

The pre-season parent meeting also is a good time to deal with season logistics such as schedules, equipment and volunteer needs. Parents play an important role in making sure their kids arrive on time, get enough sleep and have the right equipment.

This agenda will guide your meeting. Use it as a reference to ensure you’ve touched upon all critical discussion points prior to the start of the season.

Are you a league administrator, board member, or athletic director? Positive Coaching Alliance has partnered with thousands of youth sports organizations and high schools to provide training to coaches, parents, athletes and leaders. To learn more about partnering with PCA visit: https://positivecoach.org/forms/request-more-information/