[Ky1976]

Parents are often the real problem with high school sports, and in the 16th region, the most visible one—well, we all know who that is.  HS coaches can be the problem too—sometimes they're too busy avoiding the overbearing dads to actually coach, like they're trying to dodge a tackle instead of calling the play!

Coaches can handle overbearing parents better by:
1. Setting Clear Boundaries: Establishing and communicating guidelines for parent behavior and involvement.
2. Open Communication: Regularly updating parents on team policies, expectations, and their child's progress.
3. Parent Meetings: Holding meetings to discuss roles and expectations, and to address any concerns.
4. Staying Professional: Keeping interactions respectful and focused on the athletes' best interests.
5. Involving Administrators: Seeking support from school administrators when necessary to enforce boundaries.

Today, many high school coaches struggle with the leadership skills needed to effectively communicate with parents. For whatever reason, there seems to be a disconnect, with some coaches avoiding tough conversations rather than addressing concerns head-on. While this isn’t to say it’s the right approach, it’s clear that a lot of kids and parents have become softer in the process—caught up in the “everyone gets a trophy” mindset where expectations sometimes don’t match up with the demands of competition and growth. The lack of tough conversations and clear boundaries is leaving both athletes and families without the guidance and accountability they need to truly succeed.

In the case of Ashland coaches, it’s clear that for the players and dads was on the same page, there had to be a mutual understanding of expectations—like agreeing on how many shots the son would take in a game, what son role would be, and anything else that could cause a disruption. This kind of clarity is crucial because it ensures that both the player and coach are aligned in their goals, while also managing the dynamics between family and team. It’s a tough balance to strike, but when parents, coaches and players set clear, reasonable expectations, it can create a more harmonious environment both on the court and at home.  #ATOWNWAYS