The athletic triangle, consisting of the coach, athlete and parent(s), is ...

Parent, Coach and Child:
The Athletic Triangle
The athletic triangle, consisting of the coach, athlete and parent(s), is a
natural aspect of the youth sport setting. The coach's and parents' roles in
this process are critical to the success of any program. If parents and coaches
allow their roles to take priority, then we have an upside-down triangle that
is referred to as the professional model. In the professional model, the adults form the upper two-thirds of the
triangle with the athletes (the focal point of the triangle) attempting
to balance the adults. In this model, the emphasis is placed on
CHILD
winning and it is easy to lose sight of the needs and interests of the
young athlete.
However, in the right-side-up triangle, or developmental model,
adults (coaches and parents) are supporting the young athletes.
Sport programs using this approach remain child-centered and do
not become adult-dominated. In the developmental model, parents
and coaches work together to provide a quality experience. In this COACHES
setting, effective communication between coaches and parents
allows for each group to complete their respective roles and responsibilities.
SPORT
PARENTS
While some parents may intuitively understand their responsibilities, or through past experiences with other
children may have been informed about them, other parents do not know. Instead of becoming frustrated with
parents for not understanding their responsibilities, take time to educate (or review) these responsibilities during
orientation. Parents who understand their role or responsibilities are much more likely to be supportive of the
coach - so the focus of the sport experience can be placed on the needs and interests of the young athletes.
ELEVEN DIFFERENT PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE BEEN HIGHLIGHTED
1. Children's Rights - Children have the right to participate in sport; this also includes the right not to
participate. It is okay to encourage a child to participate, but do not pressure, intimidate or bribe a child
into playing a sport or position.
2. Guide Selection - Counsel your child about the competitive level or type of sport. For example, if a child
wants to try out for a traveling team, make sure the child understands the
team may travel every weekend for the next two months and in addition,
practices at least 3-4 times a week. If there are financial issues associated
with a sport selection, then the parent needs to address them with the
child.
3. Respect the Child's Decision - Support the child's decision.
4. Monitor the Child's Participation - What new skills has the child
learned Is the child having problems sleeping at night before a "big"
game Is there any change in the child's attitude about participating in the
activity
5. Entrust the Child to Coach - Trust another adult to guide the child's
sport experience. It also involves accepting someone else's authority.
WOMEN’S SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM/SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER
8700 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
TEL: (414) 805-7104

6. Admit Shortcomings - When one makes a mistake, admit it. Demonstrate to children that everyone
makes mistakes; teach the children that we can realistically accept whatever limitations we have.
7. Accept Triumphs - Regardless of the quality of a child's performance, can you accept the performance
without critiquing it Accept a child's performance "as is" and don't continually seek more from the child.
8. Accept Disappointments - Support your child when she is disappointed or hurt; help her to look for the
positive in every situation.
9. Be Supportive - Attend games/practices, if possible; there are lots of ways of being supportive (e.g., raise
funds, drive, keep score, etc.).
10. Demonstrate Appropriate Behavior - Show self-control; be a role model for the child.
11. Value Volunteer Coaches - Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches; support,
encourage and appreciate them, as they are playing an important role in the child's life.
TOP 10 QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS PLACING THEIR CHILD IN THE CARE/LEADERSHIP OF A
COACH
1. How much experience have you had in teaching children At what age(s)
2. What has been your experience and background with this sport
3. What are some of the most significant differences (racial, disability, economic, social, etc.) you have
experience dealing with while working in a team environment
4. Why have you decided to be a coach
5. Who was the best coach you have ever been coached by why
What coach do you most admire
6. What role do you prefer for parents to play within your team
organization
7. How will you handle decisions on whom and how much each
child will practice/compete
8. What do you expect to accomplish in each practice Is that the same expectation you have during
competition
9. What is your coaching philosophy
10. How do you continue to learn and improve as a coach
BONUS QUESTION: Where is the coach's ego and needs in this powerful environment
Develop any questions you can think of to help you determine if this person is a devoted child advocate who can
swallow personal competitive drive and allow children/young adults to gain experience and develop in a positive
way
WOMEN’S SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM/SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER
8700 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
TEL: (414) 805-7104