How to deal with an over bearing parent

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

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  • Hi Gemma hope your well and safe apart from this issue.

    Well done for stepping up with your club and your team.

    After coaching my sons team for a season and a half and being a parent on the sidelines before that we’ve been quite lucky to never have problems like this.

    However during a pre season game we did have problems with vocal parents and I had to speak them all about keeping quite during games.

    my advise is speak to them all and tackle it head on you maybe surprised they respond well to it the club should also be backing you on it. If you want / need specific advise drop me a message if you like and I’ll give some tips 07989213007

    best wishes

    james

  • Thank you James. I'm pleased to hear that all it took was a word from you to solve the problem. Fingers crossed I have the same success. I'll be sure to update you all with the outcome. Best wishes.

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