Parent Orientation

Setting up a Parent Orientation is a great way to kick off each season and get everyone on the same page before the program begins. Orientation for parents can happen in the few weeks before your season, and is the last step to organize your program before it starts. We all know the first week of the season is going to be pretty hectic so anything you can square away prior to the season starting will be beneficial to you and your program. Here are some of the many benefits of holding orientation for both your youth sports parents:

1. Set expectations and review policies.

2. Will open discussion and answer questions. This is much more effective to conduct in person than relying on staff or parents to do it themselves electronically.

3. Meet the league administrators before the season starts.

4. Gives an opportunity to see and tour the facilities prior to starting the season.

5. Helps build trust.

Adding a Parent Orientation prior to the season can take a lot of headache off your plate of things that may come up during the season. Many times we give things to parents at the point of registration, follow up with emails, or post it somewhere and hope they are reading and understanding what is required of them and their child to participate in your program. It’s best to make orientation mandatory for all or turnout may be low. Try to make it short, engaging, and informative. Conduct your orientation as soon as registration ends, but before they start any league activities, including skills assessments.

Here are many things you can do at an orientation to take it off your plate prior to the season:

• Review rules, policies, and procedures.
  
  
• Set expectations for practices and game days such as parking/seating areas, sportsmanship, and code of conduct.
  
  
• Verify contact information and other important information you need on your rosters.
• Introduce the league administrators.
  
  
• Open a line of communication and talk about how you are going to communicate with them throughout the season and how or when they should reach you.
  
  
• Go through general schedules and how the league is structured.
  
  
• Review how players are evaluated and how teams are formed.
  
  
• Show videos on examples of poor sportsmanship, game day expectations or anything else that will provide perspective on what you are trying to achieve.
  
  
• Tour the facilities
  
  
• Get feedback and answer questions

If you put in the time and effort to handle all these loose ends and moving parts prior to your leagues starting it will pay dividends when the season starts. Staff and coach orientation is a given and all leagues will hold it in some capacity. Adding a parent orientation will take your program to the next level and show parents you are organized, communicate, and run a smooth and seamless operation. Parents in turn will have confidence in your program and know what you expect of them to ensure everyone has a great season each and every time.