Like
any other profession, the coaches talk.
Make no mistake on this point.
Coaches (from rookie up to high school varsity) know and talk to each
other about who the team-oriented parents are and who the problem parents are
from previous seasons. Once you get tagged as a problem parent that can be a
hard label to shake. Take the long view
and work hard to be a parent the coaches look forward to working with every
season.
However, when you do have a legitimate problem with a coach,
the problem should be addressed. Don’t
let problems slide to avoid the “blacklist.”
That’s not the point here. Just
address the problem in the correct way. This means during office hours or at
the very least a sidebar with the head coach away from the other assistant
coaches, the players and parents. Do not criticize the head coach in front of
the players or other parents. This
creates confusion, divided loyalty and a toxic environment. And What About Game Day Instructions from the Bleachers? Just Don’t! Players play, parents support, and coaches coach.
