The relationship between the coach and the parent is crucial in ensuring a player has a positive experience. Often times, miscommunication is the primary issue that arises within a team. This can be remedied if clear expectations of communication are established before the season starts. To help make sure coaches and parents are on the same page, here are the points of communication a parent should expect from their child’s coach:

• The coach’s personal coaching philosophy, including his or her expectations of players.
• All schedules (locations and times for practices and games that are available).
• Team rules and requirements, as well as the consequences.
• Emergency plans for injuries, weather, and other emergencies.

As a coach, here are the communication practices that you should expect from your team’s parents:

• Any concerns parents have regarding their child’s participation should be handled away from the field and away from the child or any of the child’s teammates.
• Any scheduling issues should be communicated at least a week in advance if possible.
• Any concerns about the coach’s personal coaching philosophy, expectations of players, or team rules should be addressed as early in the season as possible.

By addressing these points of communication before the season begins, all coaches, parents and players will be able to communicate effectively with each other to better be able to create a positive environment for everyone.

This article was provided through PCA’s partnership with USA Baseball. For more information about keeping perspective in youth sports and other valuable tips, please visit USA Baseball’s Amateur Resource Center by following the link below.