Why Parents Should Be Fans and not Coaches!

Video Highlights

0:11 Set tone and expectations not just for your players, but for parents.
0:27 Describe to the parents that you would like them to be fans before parents.
1:05 Begin routine at drop offs by designating drop off area.
2:00 Players need to rely on coaches first to get coaching or advice.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Set Tone and expectations not just for players, but for parents

Parents must know what is expected from them at the start of the season, but it is important to take age group into account.

DEScribe to parents that you would like them to be Fans before parents

When parents show up for the game a coach should want them to be fans and spectators rather than parents with a personal investment in the success of their own child because that's when they tend to begin doing their own coaching from the stands. They may begin to set unreasonable expectations and do not necessarily know what the team is working on at the plate, on the mound or in the field. Parent must know that their primary role is as a facilitator and support system for that year.

Begin the routine at drop off by establishing drop off areas

By doing this, the players can walk to the field together, constructively talking about the game or some personal stuff to get themselves focused in on the game or practicing at hand rather than having parents walking with them or carrying their bags. This helps them transition to what college or pro baseball players experience where they don't have or need the same support system that they had when they were younger. They learn to rely more on themselves or their coaches or their fellow players in times of adversity.

Players need to rely on coaches first to get coaching or advice

Coaches have a master plan as to where they want the team to go, but it's good to have feedback from the players. If the players are having trouble with a particular part of the game they should be coming to the coach and asking for extra help rather than going to a parent who may give them conflicting advice. If the parents are on board and know their role, hopefully they will send their child to the coach or another player to find the answer they need. This then forces the child to trust in and rely on their coach. This will result in a culture change where in time of adversity, the child is turning to the coach or their peers. If the child is comfortable enough, he will be able to confide in the coach who, by knowing what issues are going on, can be more helpful. Also the players will start seeing the coach as the go to resource for coaching help, whether it is a mental or mechanical issue that is not allowing him to reach his full potential.