If you have parents that shout instructions to their kids from the stands, you probably already know that can be problematic.
Nothing worse than a kid continually looking at their parents for approval during a game (instead of the coach) and often times the parent yelling instructions that contradict what you want.
Not to mention it really confuses the athlete when everyone is yelling instruction. Who should they listen to??
Solving the Problem
I think the key is good communication with the parents and educating them…
For starters you can send out a letter to the parents. You can also share this excellent video by Kevin Eastman with parents. It really does a good job explaining the issues and comes from a credible NBA coach.
Great video I suggest you listen to. Makes you think twice about what it’s really like for the kids out on the court/field/pitch.
http://www.keepersofthesandlot.com Check this out great video!
Tremendous.
Hi Jeff
Thanks for such a great, timely article. I have used your letter as a template to send out to my parents. I do not agree with your statement with regard to the referees though. I bet that if you had some time to reconsider your statement you would want to change it as well. This is how i worded my letter. Others may find it helpful
Regards
Keith
3) Don’t complain about the Ref’s calls.
Yes the refs are being paid to be there. They have decided that refereeing is something that they would like to do for whatever reason. I am sure they were well aware of what they were getting themselves into. That being said the refs that we encounter at this level are not professionals (far from it). Most do the job for the love of the game. They give up there weekends and evenings for usually very little compensation and a lot of flack. They are human and are going to make bad calls the same way that players make bad shots and coaches make bad decisions. That is part of youth basketball and is what we signed up for. So accept it and try not to pay attention to the calls made.
My experience at this level is that if an incorrect call is made the ref usually realizes it on their own and will make amends at the time or a little later on in the game. If the ref is yelled at or made to look bad in front of a gym full of people it’s a lot less likely to receive favourable calls later. That is my coaching style, my personality. We have all seen other coaching styles and parent behavior that is different than my way. Don’t worry about it. Let them act like idiots if they choose. As the Head Coach of this team, I will be enforcing my approach of respecting the refs to the players and will be expecting the same from the parents.
The same standard will also be expected towards the score keepers, time keepers, and tournament officials.