Coaches and Conflict: Top 5 for Outsmarting Parent Conflict

1) As you build your schedule for the year, create a simple communication plan beginning with the parent meeting.

• Think about it this way: What do you want parents to know or do?

• What support documents do you need to provide?

For your parent meeting, meet in smaller groups, so the dynamics will foster connection and interaction. More meetings now = fewer meetings later.

• People will ask questions and give feedback in smaller groups when they won’t in larger gatherings. This also allows parents to see you as a person, not just the coach/boss.

• Share something personal like a picture of your family, or a favorite coach that inspired you as a player.

2) Explain the evaluation process and how playing time is earned.

• Things that get measured get managed.

• Lay out ground rules for parent communication with the help of a mentor and input from your AD/Administrator.

3) Establish yourself as a credible communicator and leader. Get a coach, or mentor to give you honest feedback on your presentation skills.

• The goal is always to communicate that coaches and parents are on the same team; we all want to be a part of a player’s growth as a strong leader.

• Hammer the language; repetition is necessary. When people start making fun of the message, the idea is just starting to sink in.

• Check your defensiveness, that’s always a credibility killer.

4) Invite parents to watch or participate consistently, possibly five to six times per year. Pull back the curtain so they can see behind the scenes.

• Ideas include watching video, attending special practices, participating in radio shows, taking pictures for social media….

• There is no end to what you can do here. Parents love to have the inside track.

5) When parents want to schedule a meeting because they are upset, do the following:

• Slow down the timeline for the meeting. Schedule out at least three days so everyone has a chance to calm down and you have time to get a plan for the meeting.

• Have an appointment immediately following the meeting so you don’t get hijacked into a long and draining meeting. Be sure to communicate this early. “Sure, I can meet with you at 2pm on Thursday of next week. I have practice at 3, so that should give us plenty of time.” An hour is a generous amount of time for any parent meeting and spares everyone unproductive repetition.

• Talk to your AD and ask what is needed from you during the meeting. Ask for what you need as well. Work together on a plan.

Bonus: Be proactive and use social media to your advantage. This provides a consistent and controlled source of information that highlights your program. Practically speaking, you are the face of the program, so people learn about you too.

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Amanda Box | box.amanda@icloud.com | 601-896-4622 | amandabox.org