Parents shout from the touchline
Conflicting instructions, criticism of kids or referees, nervous players freezing
Why it happens
- Parents care and want to help, but don't know what you're working on.
- Instructions from the side clash with what you've coached, so players freeze.
- Nobody has told them what a good touchline sounds like.
- Close games and big hits make emotions run high.
What to say
✓ Say this
- Tell parents at the start of the season what you're coaching and how they can help.
- “Please cheer effort and good choices. Leave the coaching to me.”
- “Thanks for the support today. The kids loved it.”
- Have a quiet word in private, not in front of the players.
✗ Not this
- Shouting back at a parent across the pitch.
- Ignoring a parent who is criticising a child or a referee.
- Making it about winning when you talk to parents.
- Blaming parents in front of their children.
What to do
- At the start of the season, tell parents what you're coaching, how contact is progressed, and how they can help.
- Ask parents to cheer effort and good choices, and to leave the coaching to you.
- Agree one simple touchline rule with your club, such as “cheer, don't coach”.
- If a parent keeps shouting instructions, have a quiet word in private after the session.
- If a parent criticises a child or a referee, speak to them calmly and involve your club welfare officer if it continues.
Common coaching mistakes
- Waiting until there is a problem before talking to parents.
- Arguing with a parent in front of the players.
- Ignoring a parent who criticises a child or a referee.
- Making the season about results.