When we sent a questionnaire out to coaches asking what they would want in an online site like this, we received the most requests on the following topic. In essence, coaches wanted to know how to most effectively deal with the misunderstandings, miscommunication, presumptions, and assumptions made by parents and athletes with regards to their role and contribution to a team. This request came as no surprise, as I too have been there.

There is a tightrope to walk at times when you are trying to ensure every one’s satisfaction. When it comes to meeting the expectations of players and their parents it can seem nearly impossible.

We have put together a set of documents that you are welcome to utilize if you feel they can be of benefit to your program. They are intended to help coaches to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to the inevitable conflict or misunderstanding that will arise.

We believe it will be helpful in communicating with athletes and their parents a clear understanding of their roles on the team and how much they will contribute in a game situation. There are also contracts between the player/parent and the coach so that assumptions are not made that a parent gets the same information that a coach has told their child. There are handouts for players and potential players to establish an understanding of expectations coaches have for their program.

For example: off-season participation at team camps, summer leagues, and/or discipline in individual work-outs, etc. Those expectations will depend on your personal preferences.

What I want to mention is that some of these “contracts” or expectation agreements can be passed out prior to summer vacation so players and parents are fully aware of their options well in advance. It is also a clear way to communicate your own expectations of how you will choose the 12 – 15 players that will make up the team.

Please check them out. You will find them listed on the in the file-sharing application. Please provide your feedback if you do. We’d love to know if/how we can perhaps improve on them.