Tips for a Little League Coach Dealing with Troublesome Parents

Unfortunately the biggest problem in little league sports is not the child being disappointed in losing. The biggest problem in little league sports is not your child being injured. The biggest problem in little league sports seems to be the behavior of the children's parents. It seems like every week there is a new story about a parent being arrested for causing trouble at a little league game. Dealing with coaches is reportedly the leading cause in little league coaches quitting. So how does a little league coach deal with these parents?

Dealing with parents, or problems with anybody really, can always be improved by communication. At the beginning of each season have a meeting for the parents. Make it very clear to the parents what your plans and goals are for the season. If the little league coach is a very competitive person coach and he wants a competitive team then tell the parents it will be a very competitive team. If the little coach is more about teaching and kids doing their best, tell the parents that. Explain to the parents how starting positions and play time will be decided. Tell the parents the rules, if a player will not get to start for missing a practice then tell the parents that. This will hopefully avoid a problem in the future where the parent complains about their player not starting. It's important to have this meeting before the season gets started while it is still possible to move players to another team. Tell the parents that you will not be offended if the parents decide they don't like your philosophy and want to move their play to another team.

It's important to try and have everyone attend the meeting because they'll be more likely to listen and you can possibly get an early idea of what coaches could be a problem. There is a good chance all the parents will not be able to make the meeting though. For those parents make a printout of all the things you went over in the meeting and when they come to pick up their child give them the printout. Be sure to tell them it's very important they read it and decide if they want their child to remain on the team.