How To Deal With Parents As Little League Coaches?

It is a normal reflex when parents become all emotional and protective about their children. They do not want their child to do too much, so when they feel these little ones are being pressured, their parent instinct comes into play. Parents can be one of the most difficult challenges a little league coach faces, and learning how to deal with them appropriately is vital in your career. Here we will see How To Deal With Parents As Little League Coaches?

Some parents can exhibit inappropriate behaviors, which can end up ruining an already ongoing baseball event. This is why many local league coaches have incorporated parent codes of ethics and conduct alongside other steps, to deal to keep parents in check.

How can little league coaches deal with parents appropriately?

  Learning how to deal with parents effectively regardless of their character, whether negative or positive, is very important as a coach. Coaches must be role models to the little leagues and exhibit positive virtues.

1. Little league coaches should avoid speaking with parents whenever they are angry: Speaking to them in the “heat of passion” can trigger their anger, so it is better to avoid them wisely.
2. Little league coaches need to list out the expectations of the players and the parents at the beginning of the season: Establishing the coaching philosophies at the beginning of the season is vital to keep the little leagues and the parents aware of all that is expected from them.
3. Listen to parents’ comments and make them understand your input: Where your ideologies and that of the parents do not align, it is crucial to listen to them first, then explain your thoughts to them in an understanding manner.
4. Treat everyone fairly: Where the little league coach has a child among the little leagues, they might favor their kids above others if done without care. It is important to treat everyone fairly and equally, including your child.

How to become a little league coach?

  Most young baseball players look up to their little league coach, who plays a crucial role in their lives. They help these young ones to become the best players, producing the best players. Some careful steps are therefore required to become a little league coach.

1. An in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations: This is an essential step for those who want to be little league coaches. It is impossible to lead and expect others to follow your lead when you are unfamiliar with the rules guiding that setting. Those who want to become little league coaches must familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of their league. 
2. First aid training: The little league aspiring coach must be familiar with using first aid equipment. Injuries are almost unavoidable in this game, and basic first-aid knowledge can help in emergencies.
3. Volunteer/Seminar: Little league coaches need to sign up as volunteers. Volunteering gives preliminary knowledge about all that the game entails. Prior volunteering experience gives a candidate the upper hand since they already have a basic understanding of the game, the rules, and the risks involved. Attending seminars also brings them close to the same exposure as volunteering. Attending seminars gives knowledge of the base running, pitching, catching, and other strategy involved in the game.
4. Register: To become a coach, it is essential to register with the National Little League Association. Doing this exposes your background information to the association. They will run a background check on all their candidates; once this is approved, individuals can be allowed to become little league coaches.
5. Exhibit role model qualities: Exhibiting role model qualities requires you to be patient, confident, and a good listener. It is not always easy working with a specific age group, and that is where these critical skills come into play.

Processes involved in selecting individuals as little league coaches

  Three crucial processes are involved in selecting an individual to fill this position. 

1. The application process: The application process involves the little league applicants to fill the Volunteer application. This application can be accessed online via little league.org. The applicants need to note that some information is vital and would be required to access and verify essential details like a government-issued ID card showing your name, address, and birth. It enables the organization to run a background check to know if you truly exist.
2. The Background check process: A background check is conducted on the applicant before they assume any duty. This is in compliance with the little league regulation. The background check is run to know if the applicant has records showing criminal records or has gone against government regulations.
3. Interview process: This is the final stage involved. After successfully passing the first and second processes, the board members will interview the applicant. Anyone who passes the interview stage will be lectured on the role of protecting the minors. Furthermore, reference checks will be carried out by the board members to know whether or not any information differs from what the applicant stated during the registration.

Characters parents should exhibit

  There are specific rules and regulations on the character which parents should exhibit.

1. Respect: Parents need to show respect for players, coaches, volunteers, all participants, and fellow parents. Respect is necessary for all phases of life and baseball games and is not excluded.
2. Code of conduct for all families in your league: Code of conduct and rules guide people’s actions in a particular organization. Some examples of code of conduct and rules will be highlighted here:

• Serve as a positive role model for my kids.
• Do not get involved, and allow my kids to have fun in the game. 
• Take my child through peaceful conflict resolution processes.
• Teach my child to respect everyone regardless of their races and without any form of discrimination.
• Encourage my child to put in their best to learn in the game.
• Appreciate my kids for trying hard and putting in so much effort to succeed in the game.

 Things parents should not exhibit

• Disrespecting the authorities and officials during the game.
• Teaching children to be discriminatory towards other races.
• Coercing children to take part in the game against their will.
• Encouraging practices that put other outlets at greater risk.
• Taking drugs and other unhealthy substances at the event.
• Taking the place of the Coach and refusing to allow the coach to do their work.
• Yelling and comparing your child with others when they lose thereby causing low self-esteem in that child.

 Conclusion

  As a little league coach, you will come across different types of parents, including the troublesome and understanding ones. It is essential to learn how to deal with them appropriately; it makes it easier to enjoy your stay as a coach by being in the parents’ good books. 

Frequently asked question

Can parents be little league coaches?

Answer: Yes, Parents who have interest in becoming a little league coach can follow the necessary application steps.

What should be the best reaction for a coach when dealing with an angry parent?

Answer: The coach should remain calm and try not to exchange words with them.

What does “heat of passion” mean?

Answer: It means to act with uncontrollable rage at that moment.