ECB Coaches Association links Coaching Insight 2019 | Page 20

18 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.