The
most successful sports seasons are the ones that begin with a preseason
meeting for parents and players. A preseason meeting sets a positive
tone for the season by opening the lines of communication early so that
everyone, parents, athletes, and coaches, understands and agrees on
what they expect from one another.
If your child's coach calls for a preseason meeting, be sure to attend. It is never a waste of time.
If one isn't planned, ask for one.
What to Expect
A good preseason meeting:
- Gives parents the opportunity to find out the coach's style, philosophy (especially with respect to playing time, expectations and goals for the upcoming season.
- Gives the coach a chance to set expectations for parents in terms of sideline behavior, getting players to practices and games on time and in uniform, etc.
- Provides an opportunity for coaches and parents to develop a team charter
- Provides an opportunity to set behavioral boundaries to prevent abuse and harassment.
- Gives coaches a chance to educate parents on the rules (parents sometimes forget that the rules aren't always the same as the pros or older kids use; knowing the rules can prevent misunderstandings during the season)
- Allows for an exchange of important information between coaches and parents (e-mail addresses, phone numbers, season schedule, maps to away games etc.)
- Provides a forum for parents to have their questions or concerns answered
- Offers parents a chance to become involved in the team as more than just a spectator, such as by becoming a team administrator (a/k/a "team mom"), organizing a "water and orange" schedule, getting and distributing directions to away games, organizing car pools, or helping out at practices.
