ECB Coaches Association links Coaching Insight 2019 | Page 20
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Engaging parents
As well as creating a
welcoming environment,
this pre-season chat can
help avoid problems
further into the season.
If a parent expects their
child to open the batting
but sees them coming
in at 11 in June, it’s going
to frustrate them. If you
discuss where you see
that child’s strengths
before the season
starts, that parent’s
expectations will be
closer to where they
should be.
At that club event, and
at the start of the first
training session, the
obvious thing to do is
also the most important.
Just ask. Invite them to
get involved.
One piece of research
from Australia looked
at the reasons why
parents didn’t take part
and 90% of them said
it was because they
weren’t asked.
So ask, and have a role
ready to give them. That
could be just backing
up or tidying up, but
it could be helping
run some breakaway
sessions. If so, get the
icoachcricket app out,
show and tell them
clearly what you want
from them.
However, if you’re
planning on using them,
have the first activity set
up before parents are
due to arrive, so you’re
free to meet and chat
with them.
Once that’s all set
up and they have
bought into their role,
encourage them. Praise
them. Thank them. Ask
them at the end of
every session how
they’re finding it. And
ask them for feedback
on your coaching –
they may spot things
you can’t and make
you more effective the
following week.