“Why isn’t my kid playing?”
“Why is my kid playing THAT position?”
“What is this coach doing?”
“What are these kids doing at practice?”
We have all been done it. We have all sat on the sidelines and thought, or even said these things out loud. It is not because we are bad people or bad parents, we just want our kid to do as well as we can on the field. Here are some things to consider before becoming frustrated.
It’s a Team Game
Soccer is not an individual sport. The coach’s responsibility is not only just to develop your kid by teaching him or her the game of soccer but also to put the eleven best players on the field to win the game. Sometimes the answer to the question of “Why is my kid playing THAT position,” is simply because it gives us the best chance to win the game. Usually, I have found that parents who complain about their kids playing a position, usually have kids that complain about their position, and then they don’t get better. Teach kids that it is a team game. Every position is important. If your kid plays right back, tell him or her to be the best right back they can be. Show him or her videos of right backs on YouTube and point them out in games. Be excited for them.
If You Complain About the Coach, Your Kid Will Also
Don’t complain about the coach in front of your children. If you do you, your kid will do the same things with other players on the team. Over the years, you will have children who play for a coach that you do not think is very good. It will happen. But when parents start complaining about the coach in front of the players, it creates a toxic environment for everyone. Kids will be kids. And when they hear their Mom and Dad complaining about the coach, they repeat what Mom and Dad are saying to the other players on the team. Now, it’s not your kid who thinks the coach sucks, but also the other kids on the team as well. This creates a very negative and divisive environment for the players, and it is very hard for players to improve. So, if you hate the coach, or disagree with them, keep it away from the kids.
Don’t Meet With The Coach Immediately After The Game
The worst time to meet with a coach is after the game. It is a bad time for them, and it is a bad time for an upset parent. Give it a night. If you are still upset with something the coach is doing, set up a meeting. This will allow the coach to decompress and put thought into the discussion, and it will also allow for the upset parent to not just have a cooler head, but also be able to put thought into having a logical, rational discussion with the coach. Most coaches want the best for the kid, and sometimes a conversation does wonders.
We View Our Children Favorably
Every Mom and Dad is going to see the potential in their child. Every Mom and Dad are going think their kid is slightly better than what they are. I know I do it with my own kids. Remember this the next time you get upset. The one thing the Coach does provide is an objective pair of eyes on you kid. Just try to keep this in mind the next time you think your kid should play more, or play a different position.
Remember, What Level They Are
Is your coach volunteering or getting paid. If you coach is volunteering, it probably means that they either have a kid on the team, love being around kids, or just love the game of Soccer. Sometimes, I think parents are a little hard on coaches who simply are just trying to help. Be grateful that someone is willing to spend their time trying to help your kid.
Well, this list certainly doesn’t cover everything. But, if you have a problem with your coach, or are just starting to be around Soccer, I hope this helps. Remember, the whole goal is to teach the kids a team sport and for them to have fun.