7/29/2010 11:09:36 AM permalink
AnnieSokol Posts: 9	I have coached 8th grade volleyball for three years now and it always seems like we get one parent that likes to cause problems. What are some approaches to this since 8th grade volleyball only has 8th graders on the team? We had one mom go straight to our principal to complain about our coaching. We have three different teams in 8th grade and some parents of course think their daughter should be on the A team. We have try-outs and provide all the results if requested but they still get upset. It makes wanting to coach very difficult.
	7/29/2010 1:11:59 PM permalink
CBittle Posts: 2	Coaching athletics would be much more enjoyable if we (coaches) didn't have to deal with parents. One item I find that I use a lot when having a conversation with a parent is: As a parent you have the luxury of worrying about one child. As the Head Coach, I have to worry about x number of players each year. To be fair and consistent, I have to worry about the program each and every year. It is my job to keep the interests of the program in mind when making decisions. On occasion, I have told parents the bottom line is I am the Head Coach and I have to make decisions. I realize these decisions will not make everyone happy and that is the tough part about being a Head Coach. I would also encourage you to communicate with the principal. If you have the principals support, he/she will refer the parent to follow protocol and speak with the coach first. I have coached at jr. high, jr. varsity and varsity. I have coached boys and girls at all levels in the sports of basketball, football and track. Lastly, as the course suggests with parent resource room, there should be a parent resource on a webpage as well as a mandatory parent meeting. I hope this helps.
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