9 Steps To A Successful Soccer Parent Orientation Meeting Schedule Agenda

First things first… Attendance is MANDATORY!

If a parent can’t make it in person, set up a time to speak with them directly over the phone and do the meeting one on one. An athlete should not be able to participate in your program until the requirements of the parent orientation meeting have been met.

Okay, so what do you discuss during the meeting?

I like to break it up into 9 short sections…

Start by introducing yourself and the other coaches. Provide a little background about yourself, your experience in the sport, whether you’ve coached before, any certifications you’ve achieved, and why you’re coaching.

Have each of the assistant coaches and administrators (if any) do the same.

This is the time to discuss the goals of your program, and the benefits you expect your athletes to get from participating.

For example:

⚽ How will you balance:

– having a winning team

– helping your athletes have fun

– developing your athletes physically, socially, and emotionally

⚽ How will you determine who plays what position, and how much playing time each athlete gets?

⚽ How will you develop positive character traits and values?

⚽ What do you want your athletes to learn in your program?

⚽ What role does academics play in your program?

⚽ Describe your coaching strategies with respect to practice and competition.

⚽ How will you encourage participation from all your athletes?

⚽ How do you adapt your coaching style to athletes of different age and skill level? And so on.

Next, pass out a copy of your coaches code of conduct to each parent. Your entire coaching staff (including you) should sign it.

One of the most effective strategies for getting parents on your side is to have them walk a mile in your shoes.

I prefer to encourage questions throughout the meeting, so that all team members feel included in the process and have the chance to express themselves.

Still, it’s a good idea to have a formal Q&A period at the end of the meeting. Open up the floor to the parents and athletes to discuss any questions or concerns they have.

Remember, when you’re fielding questions, keep your body language open and neutral.

Sit down and lean forward if you can. Uncross your arms and legs.

Nod your head and maintain eye contact but don’t glare.

Don’t cut the speaker off, even if you disagree with what he’s saying.

Before you respond, show that you’ve understood the question by taking notes or repeating back what the person is saying (ie. “So you’re concerned about the amount of travel involved?”).

End the meeting by providing parents with your contact information and letting them know the best times to get a hold of you.

If they have an issue they’d like to discuss, it’s much better to have them contact you over the phone or set up a time and place to meet that’s separate from the playing field.

In Appendix 1, you can print out a step by step template for running your own Parent Orientation meeting.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be dynamic… or fun… or super-detailed.

You don’t need to be a good “public speaker” (trust me – I can barely make a toast at a wedding without stuttering).

Just keep it informal and relaxed.

Bring some healthy refreshments if you can.

Smile a lot — don’t take yourself too seriously.

The important thing is to inform them about your program and listen to their concerns.

Keep the lines of communication open throughout the season, and you’ll be amazed at how much better your parent relationships will be.