Hi!

Would just like youth coaches views on awkward parents! Do you take their considerations on board, or do you have the attitude of I'm the manager?

The latter is my attitude a lot of the time, but at the same time i think, if i upset these people, my players could be on the way out. Tricky subject in my opinion!

Views would be welcome!!

I listen, but don't let parents run your team. Your there to do the training pick the team and anything else that needs to be done. You don't want parents saying you should have done this or that if you get it wrong, then so what you won't do that next time. Make your own decisions and if your best player leaves because of it then so be it. Thats how i go about things, If someone else is running the show whats the point in me being there. If there child is on the bench every week then i can see there problem but not when he gets subbed off and they tell you he shouldn't have been.

I'd pretty much agree with micker. As a coach, you have to believe in what you are doing and don't let people interfere. If a parent does have a grievance, arrange a meeting away from the game/training, rather than confrot it at the time, as both of you will have time to calm down and assess the situation.

are you talking about a Sunday League kids team or about a representative, state league team or something? If I was coaching a kids team I would take on what they said, consider it and pull it apart and do the things necessary they mentioned but only if it would help my team. If I am coaching a state league team I would tell thewm "I'm the manager" and if their player leaves so what? Someone else could always come in and take their place because its a team sport not a sport for individuals.