Parent Assistance
There are so many ways a parent can help your program. In fact, regardless
for the size of your organization, it likely cannot survive without parent
involvement at some level. Coaches often make the mistake of not fully using
this valuable resource.
The results are unpleasant:
- Coach is overworked and because that tasks are not well done or done on
time
- The parents who do help are overloaded and burn out
- Other parents want to be more involved, but they feel shut out and the
overworked coach gives them plenty to complain about
Instead of grumpy parents, what if everyone shared the workload? Not only
would the work be easier, but since people could spend more time to do a better
job, the players end up with a much better experience. That alone makes the
effort worthwhile.
There is a risk. What about parents who commit and then don't come through?
Its not like you can punish them by making them do pushups. the answer is to
accept the risk and if a parent doesn't live up to their responsibility, move on
and do the best you can. After all, that's the same action the parents and
player must take if the coach doesn't come through. If a player falters,
everyone just picks up the slack. That's what a team is all about. That's why
players, coaches and parents are all on the same team
to help each other.
Surely the benefits outweigh the consequences in this equation.
Here are ways parents can help
Be a Team Member
- role model for sportsmanship
- encourage appropriate behavior from spectators
- understand the program philosophy
- attend practice once in a while
- ensure your child's on-time attendance to games and practice
- monitor your child's grades
Booster Club
- participate by attending meetings
- participate in fundraising events
- chair one fund raising event
- make sure your child does his share to help with fundraising
- be a booster club committee chairperson
- concessions
- senior night
- program
- treasurer
- secretary
- tournament
- banners
- team schedule poster (with ads)
- webmaster (maintain team site)
- coordinate halftime activities, entertainment
- assign national anthem, presentation of colors for home games
Coach's Helper
- team "doc"
- make sure the first aid kit is available and complete
- make sure ice is handy for games and practice
- become first aid certified
- assist players with minor first aid needs
- team quartermaster
- provide necessary tools such as clipboards and markers
- assist with team special acquisitions like shoes, braces
- provide team with water bottles before game
- team video
- organize video taping at games
- video review and note-taking for coaches
- season highlights
- team statistician
- coordinate game statistics
- prepare periodic reports
- season wrap up
- all-time top ten list
- keep clock/book for our tournament, off season leagues
- team contacts
- maintain phone tree
- help with calls and notification
- team scout
- watch and report on other teams' games
- keep tabs on statewide competition, top teams and players
- team travel agent
- help with logistics for team trips
- food supplies for bus trips
- liaison for parents who want to travel