Hi {{first_name}}
Thanks for a great response to our new Program Director’s Playbook. I’m Chad Henry and I love sharing lessons from my own experience in your shoes. One thing that I learned early on was that parents in your club can make or break the program’s culture. So this week we offer a guide to making parents part of your process, instead of part of your problem. Please let me know if this is helpful here. And if you are not interested in receiving this newsletter, please use the unsubscribe link below.
Chad and the Signature Locker Team
🥅 This Week’s Play: Making Parents Part of Your Process Instead of Part of Your Problem
Every coach has felt it: the sideline whisper, the post-game critique, the “why isn’t my kid playing more?” conversation that always seems to happen five minutes after the final whistle.
Parents can be your biggest headache—or your most powerful ally. The difference comes down to how you engage them.
This week’s feature breaks down six ways to bring parents into the process without giving up your authority—from preseason meetings that set expectations to the “Zip the Lip” challenge that resets sideline culture.
Because when coaches and parents are aligned, communication gets clearer, the noise fades, and kids get what they came for: a better experience on the field.👇
👥 3 Quick Wins for Managing Parents All Season
1️⃣ Keep Feedback Loops Open.
Parent engagement isn’t a one-time meeting — it’s a rhythm.
Set predictable check-ins (monthly or mid-season) so questions don’t pile up into frustration. Proactive communication beats reactive damage control every time.
2️⃣ Turn Parents Into Ambassadors.
Pick one or two parent volunteers to help with logistics or community building — not to micromanage. When parents have a defined role, they channel their energy into helping instead of hovering.
3️⃣ Celebrate the Right Things.
Spotlight effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork in your team updates. When parents see what behaviors you value, they start cheering for those too — reinforcing your culture from the sidelines.
