As a coach, one of the most common problems you will encounter, are the misunderstanding or lack of communications, between your expectations of who and how the game is played to the parents and players expectations. Setting them out for everyone to see in the beginning of the season can prevent a lot of arguments and unhappy parents and players.

Tip 1 The team needs rules.

In the beginning of every season, I list the rules that I want my players and parents to follow through out the season on paper. I explain those rules and consequences to breaking those rules by word and by paper in the form of a contract. The rules are simply stated. At the bottom I have the parents and the players sign the contract. My signature will already be signed below. I then give them a copy of the contract and put my contract in my binder.

Tip 2 Dont let a player slide.

Enforce all the rules on your contract. If a player breaks one of those rules, follow through with the above said consequence. If you dont, the rules wont be taken serious and your team will quickly become out of control.

Tip 3 Sportsmanship

At practice or in a game, your players, parents and you are expected to be on your best behavior. That means no swearing, fighting, insulting or yelling at the ref. If a player starts while on the court, pull them off and sit them on the bench to calm them down. If they continue to act out, warn them you will send them to the locker room or out of the gym. Then follow up on what you warned if they dont settle down. Tell the parents and players ahead of time of what you expect from them in situations that can get ugly. Most times, the players and parents will take their lead from how you as a coach handle things. Be on your best guard.

Tip 4 Being late or absent

Everyone has different reasons why they show up late: other commitments run late, car breaks down, traffic jams, you name it and they will come up with it. As a coach you have to decide on each of them. When our players come late they know they have to run laps. If they miss a practice before a game, their playing time is cut. That all is part of the contract that you enforce from the beginning.

Tip 5 Disruptive Behavior

Now and then you will may have a player who is having a bad day and acts out during practice. You can handle this a couple of ways. One would be to call the player over, find out what the problem is and tell them it is unacceptable on what they are doing. Show them another way to handle the situation better. Another way is to make them run lines on the court to cool them off.

Following these five tips can help prevent some problems down the road. Of course you know as a coach, there is always going to be something. Good luck and remember to teach your players to learn the game, play the game, and have fun doing it!