Expert: Dennis Girardi - 4/22/2007

Question
How do I respectfully but effectively tell one of the parents that his help at practice is not needed. I am the head coach and I have 2 assistants and 2 more volunteers, but this particular person wont take the hint that we have all the help we need. He is very loud and controlling and the kids and other coaches are not happy with his style.
The team is 5 year old pre k t-ball.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,
Here are some choices for you.
"A" works everytime.....
a) Tell the parent that you have way too much help on the field right now in the coaching end, but would he be interested in helping with the scorekeeping, treats, equipment mngr., or Fund raiser co-ordinator for
the team, etc.... then give the practice handouts to all the other coaches.
b) Come to practice with a "practice agenda" for that days workout.  Hand these to each of the coaches and volunteers, excluding the unwanted parent. A few times at doing this and he may get the hint.
c) At the beginnning of practice, assign assignments for each coach and volunteers, excluding the parent. (Exp. 1 person takes hitters, another hits grounders, etc..) Maybe then he'll get the hint.

If he's real stubborn, you can also do "a" first, then "b" and "c"....  This will take care of the problem in a few practices at most.

Please, please get back to me and let me know which one works for you.  My bet is on "A."

Dennis