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How to deal with an over bearing parent

Gemma McCulloch

So I reluctantly stepped forward to coach/manage my son's U8 team. It has taken me completely out of my comfort zone but we're three matches in and I have to say I'm loving it. I don't have an assistant yet so am doing the coaching and managing myself. This is all new to me and it's the first year the boys have played in a league so new to them as well. We've yet to win a game but we keep smiling and I ensure I encourage the boys to just have fun whatever the outcome. My issue is one of the dad's. Every match so far he stands on the sidelines shouting at the boys telling them what to do and where to stand. He is contradicting what I'm telling the boys and what I'm trying to encourage them to do during the match. Being a man his voice carries further than mine. This weekend he surpassed himself. After one of the quarters my team were standing on the pitch waiting for the other team so they could start the next quarter. This dad ducks under the respect line, runs onto the pitch and moves the boys to where he thinks they should be. It completely undermined me in front of the kids, parents, opposition and referee. My question is have you dealt with something similar and if so, how without causing a fall out? Any suggestions greatly received. Thanks. Gemma

Parents
  • 0

    Hi Gemma. Football needs people like you so well done on taking on your coaching journey! Unfortunately we come across people like this from time to time. Here are a few things which I used ( and still do ) when I was first starting out. 

    They are children first and foremost who want to have fun playing football

    5 a side foundation mini soccer is a version of football designed for learning

    All the children will see is an angry adult making lots of noise for no good reason!

    Mini soccer appears to be the same version of the adult game to some people, a gentle reminder that the children are taking their first steps in the game is a good thing to do 

    You will work out. Get to know your players and their parents and remember you are doing this for the greater good and your players will not forget the positive impact you are having on them ( & their parents )

    Best of luck..

    Paul

Reply
  • 0

    Hi Gemma. Football needs people like you so well done on taking on your coaching journey! Unfortunately we come across people like this from time to time. Here are a few things which I used ( and still do ) when I was first starting out. 

    They are children first and foremost who want to have fun playing football

    5 a side foundation mini soccer is a version of football designed for learning

    All the children will see is an angry adult making lots of noise for no good reason!

    Mini soccer appears to be the same version of the adult game to some people, a gentle reminder that the children are taking their first steps in the game is a good thing to do 

    You will work out. Get to know your players and their parents and remember you are doing this for the greater good and your players will not forget the positive impact you are having on them ( & their parents )

    Best of luck..

    Paul

Children
  • 0 in reply to Paul Mizen

    Hi Paul, many thanks for your response. Every thing you say I completely agree with. When the parents were first made aware I would be the coach I made sure to include in my introductory email that my main ethos is that the boys have fun. Passions run high and people get caught up in the moment and I suppose it's our job is to not only support the kids but also ensure the parents stay within the guidelines.