| Most of the parents are good people. Most of the | | | | "buddy" they might start looking for so "perks". |
| parents will be good or neutral. The helpful parents you | | | | I remember about 18 years ago getting way too close |
| will want to embrace. There are always a handful of | | | | to a group of parents. It was even worse since we |
| parents that will support your effort while coaching the | | | | had the same group of players for both our youth |
| youth football team. | | | | football team for two years and our youth basketball |
| You want to let them be of assistance in every way | | | | team for three years. I will never forget being in a tight |
| possible. These parents can also be your ears on the | | | | game and the one parent blurting aloud, "Hey Jim, How |
| sidelines. If you are having a rough year please ask | | | | about throwing one of those deep passes to Eric"? In |
| these parents for their input. You will want to know | | | | an instant, I knew I had become to close to these |
| who is saying what on the sidelines. The good and | | | | parents. |
| neutral parents understand and appreciate the time | | | | Most parents care about one thing only and that is |
| you are volunteering to coach their child's youth | | | | their kid. They do not care about the team or any |
| football. | | | | other player on the team. They will act like they care, |
| It is quite OK to socialize with the parents, but I would | | | | but if you get too close to them, they will give you an |
| suggest not getting too close. If they think, you are their | | | | earful about their expectations for their kid. |