To make the season more enjoyable/manageable for you and the children it is important to get the parents involved. Appoint one parent to be the Team Manager. He or she will work with the parents leaving you more time with the players.
1. APPOINT A TEAM MANAGER
- Duties: Takes care of non-coaching chores. Organizes the parents and assigns specific duties such as:
- Fundraising – Car Wash
- Telephoning – Phone Tree
- Game Refreshments – Treats
- First Aid – Maintaining Kit
- Transportation – Car Pooling
- Communication – Information Letters
- Social Functions – Planning & Supervising
- Paperwork – Registration, Medical Forms
- Field Preparation – Put up nets, Chalk lines
- Photographer – Action video or shots of games
- Equipment – Distribution, maintenance & collecting
- Miscellaneous Details – Arrangements for photos, awards, other
2. WITH MANAGER
- Prepare – Practice Session Guidelines
- Where will practices be held?
- What are practice session rules?
- How many sessions are mandatory to attend?
- What are the consequences for missing practice?
- What time will practice begin and when will it end?
- How often will there be practices during the week?
- How will the child get home from the practice field?
- What procedure should be used to excuse the child?
- Can parents observe a practice session — participate?
- Prepare Game Day Guidelines
- Where will games be played?
- How many games will be played?
- What time will games be played?
- How will the child get to and from the games?
- What procedure should be used to excuse the child?
- Supervisor – who is in charge in case of emergencies?
3. MEET WITH THE PARENTS
Manager Arranges a Pre-Season Picnic for player families. Picnic discussions should include:
- The Two Team Concept
- Team One: You and the Players
- Team Two: Team Manager and the Parents
- COACHES & PARENTS’ BACKGROUND AND PHILOSOPHY
- Mutual aims and goals for the upcoming season
- Attitude towards winning/losing and sportsmanship
- Sideline behavior at practice and games
- Your reasons for coaching this particular team
- Your time availability for practices, games & meetings
- Your soccer background: coaching, playing, licenses
- Their reinforcing technique development using “buzz” words
- They encourage practice at home with their active participation
- Discipline: Handling a mild case, handling a severe case
- Injuries: Handling a mild injury,handling a severe injury
- Their participation in social functions provided by the club
