I’ve been to a lacrosse parent meeting in a bar (loud), a basketball parent meeting in a lobby (chaotic) and many, many hockey parent meetings in tiny ice arena party/meeting rooms (during which the kids run wild rather than going home to do their homework). I once sat in a glass-walled room and watched my son’s teammates take turns carrying his little brother around upside-down. Meanwhile, one dad explained the family’s entire vacation schedule (we’re going to Europe, aren’t you?) and one mom takes five minutes to say she doesn’t want to go to any out-of-town tournaments. These were not productive meetings.
You may not be able to control every factor that goes into holding a good meeting, but you can control many. Take any of the tips and agenda items that are relevant to your situation for a successful parent/coach meeting.
1. If possible, reserve a room with enough space for both parents of each player.
2. Give enough notice so that both parents can come—and encourage them to do so.
3. Try not to hold long meetings after practice on school nights.
4. Take individual issues offline—don’t let one parent dominate the introductions or Q&A time with issues specific only to one player.
5. Handle as much paperwork as you can by email to prevent distraction during the meeting. (Plus, the more information you can get digitally, the less typing required.)
6. Use an agenda and type notes for any parents who couldn’t make it or join the team late.
Editor’s Note: Thank you to Kelly Kordes Anton with the Grow the Game Initiative for this story.
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