Every soccercoach knows what I'm talking about. Those parents who know exactly how to win the game, what formation is best for the team and, ofcourse, where to put his/her own child. What is the best way to deal with those parents?
First of all, there are several ways to deal with them. Some coaches think it's the best to invite them to trainings, explain how they work and really get the parents involved. Personally, I think it's better to keep them as far away as possible.
I once had a parent come up to me and said:' It's not going the way it should be, you have to use that substitute (which was her child, ofcourse) because you need an extra striker. All the parents watching agree with me'. Sure enough all the parents agree, because there is no way most parents openly disagree with the one who is an expert at using their voice so loudly people on the other side of the pitch can hear.
I thanked her for her openness and her comming up to me (most of the times they don't even have the guts to say it in your face). I then explained I had an idea of how to play and which players I needed for that kind of play (note: I didn't tell her what idea) and that I would use a substitute when I thought it was necessary.
She went back and I didn't hear a thing for the rest of the season. You don't have to get into an argument, just be clear on how you deal with things and you're not going to do anything unless you want to yourself. Maybe they'll try another time, maybe not, just never let them get the upperhand.
oh how true this is.
ReplyDeleteParents are always giong to be present when their kids are playing so all coaches need to have an idea of how they will deal with the fact that their methods will be called in question.
It helps if the parents understand up front if there is a particular club ethos or philosophy or if the coach has a certain set of values - i.e player development over the result.