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Parent Orientation Meeting |
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All coaches are encouraged to establish
effective lines of communication with team parents early in the season
by holding a parent orientation meeting. This may take the form of a
casual discussion in your living room, or could be combined with a
team picnic. Whatever the format, the time you invest will pay
dividends for all concerned throughout the season. If a meeting is
impossible, the following information could be put into a letter to
parents/players, but a face-to-face meeting is preferable.
Purpose of a Parent Orientation Meeting
Enables parents to understand the objectives and goals
of the program.
Enables parents to become acquainted with you, the
coach.
Inform parents about the nature (and inherent risks)
of the sport.
Inform parents of your expectations of them and of
their children.
Enables you to address any concerns of the parents.
Establishes clear lines of communication between you,
parents, and players.
Allow you to obtain parental support (assistant
coaches, team parents, etc.)
Things to Consider when Organizing the Meeting
Hold it early in the season, preferably before the
first team practice.
Having the players present is optional.
Prepare any handouts you would like to distribute, for
example:
Team roster
Schedule of practice and games
Club rules
Team goals/rules
Summary or outline of the meeting
Be prepared and be organized to conduct the meeting
efficiently.
Important Points to Cover
Coach introduction
Give some background information about yourself (why
you are coaching, experience)
Coaching philosophy
Discuss your methods for teaching skills
State the importance you assign to having fun and
developing skills
State the importance you assign to winning and losing
Discuss any team rules and guidelines, disciplinary
procedures
Discuss your philosophy regarding player rotation,
substitution, playing time
Specifics of the program
Practice schedule (how many per week? how long?)
Game schedule (how many? when do they begin?)
Minimum playing time (what is the rule in your local
club?)
Equipment required (shirts, socks, shorts, shin
guards)
Or recommended (ball, soccer shoes, water bottle)
Inherent risks (soccer is a contact sport, albeit a
relatively safe one)
Medical insurance (KYSA insurance provides secondary
coverage)
Team Management
Ask for volunteers as team parents (snack schedule,
help with nets/flags)
Set up telephone tree and /or car pooling system
Coaches Responsibilities
Demonstrate leadership and good sportsmanship
Treat each player fairly
Have organized practices and teach soccer fundamentals
appropriate to the age group
Provide a safe environment (arrive at practice on time
and remain after practice until every child is picked up by an
authorized adult, ensure that the players' equipment conforms to the
club guidelines).
Contribute positively to the development of each
player's self-esteem
Help each player set individual and team goals that
are attainable
Give parents a schedule of practices and games in a
timely fashion
Allow each player to play half of every game
Respect the referees, know the rules, and conduct
yourself in a controlled manner on the field
Player Responsibilities
Bring proper equipment to each practice and game
Inform the coach in advance if it is necessary to miss
a practice or game
Make each practice challenging
Work toward good sportsmanship and teamwork
Respect the referees
Be supportive of teammates all of the time
Parent Responsibilities
Be supportive of all the players (criticism does not
improve performance)
Help your child understand that he/she is contributing
to a team effort
Focus on mastering skills and having fun, not winning
Avoid material rewards for your child (the reward is
the fun of playing!)
Attend games and cheer the team
Refrain from criticizing the opponents; be positive
with all players
Respect the referees (They will make mistakes, but
they are doing their best. If you feel you are better qualified, see
you club's referee coordinator- he/she could easily find work for
you)
Refrain from coaching your child during games (try to
understand and respect the difference between the roles of the coach
and parent.
Answer Any Questions From The Parents |
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▪For more information, please contact us at:
StateOffice@kysoccer.net
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  This website is the official website of the
Kentucky Youth Soccer Association, Inc., 443 South Ashland
Avenue, Suite 201, Lexington,
Kentucky 40502 - Phone 859-268-1254 -
Facsimile 859-269-0545 © Kentucky Youth Soccer Association 2009. All rights
reserved. No commercial reproduction, adaptation, distribution or transmission
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