Parents must be supportive of the coach and the team. But it's a natural thing that parents are most concerned about their own child. Most parents are really good people who are just trying to do what's best for their child... as it should be. The coach, on the other hand, is first concerned about the team and secondly about individual players. Now a good coach will care and a show real interest in each of his/her players individually, but the team always comes first.

As a parent, you cannot be objective. Most parents honestly believe their own son/daughter is better than he/she really is... it's rarely the other way around. They see all those uncontested shots made, with no pressure, in the driveway and flashes of game highlights in the past, but they don't know what is happening in practice.

Parents primarily want to see their own child playing a lot of minutes, not sitting on the bench. On the other hand, coaches are trying to win. And there is nothing wrong with wanting to win at sports... but not at all costs. So a coach is going to play those players that will help his team win, those players that are performing best in practice and have good attitudes and come to practice.

Sleep on it, and then talk the next day... oftentimes things look different, less important, in the morning and by then usually both the parents and the coach are rested, more receptive, rational and respectful.

Parents, don't interfere with practices. Practice is like a class and the gym is the coach's classroom. The coach might allow you to watch, but keep a low profile.

If you qant to assist your childs sport join the committee and ensure they get to training

Playing time issues... we will discuss almost anything with parents, but playing time is not open for discussion with parents. We make this policy known at the first parent-player meeting in the pre-season. Parents cannot be objective, and do not know what is happening in practice. A player may discuss playing time with the coach, but not parents... that's our rule. 

On the other hand, coaches must be willing to discuss other problems and issues with parents. Again, most parents are good people who just want what's best for their child, just like we all do. So be willing to meet with parents, be receptive and respectful.

A parent should be able to talk to a coach much like he/she should able to talk to one of the child's teachers.