The Importance of a Preseason MeetingHaving a good preseason meeting with parents is critical to having a good season. Ideally this meeting should be done before the first game. One or both parents should be required to attend. Having the meeting before or after a practice or game is often too chaotic. I suggest setting up a separate meeting at someone's house on Sunday afternoon or weak night.
Agenda:
1. Introductions
2. Discussion of coaching philosophy*
3. Seasonal information
a. Handouts (schedules, rosters, post game drink schedule, other information. See "parent's handout" below.)
b. Uniforms
4. Expectations
a. What parents/players can expect from coach
b. What coach expects from players and parents (attendance, equipment, sportsmanship, etc).
5. Other issues/discussion
Discussion should be open and friendly. Answer questions. Get feedback. Be sure to cover issues such as playing time and sideline behavior. A little consensus here saves a lot of frustration down the line.
For a good handout to give to parents go to parent's letter.
*Coaching Philosophy: what is your coaching philosophy? Why do you coach? Know why and be able to communicate it to parents. Do your reasons include fun? Player development?
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