✅ Practices open to parents: good or bad idea? (S2.11)
- janie724
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
Episode of November 11, 2024
In the world of cheerleading, managing parent-coach relationships is a crucial topic. While some teams choose to open their practices to parents, others prefer to keep these moments private to avoid distractions. But is it a good or bad idea to invite parents to attend practices? This is the question addressed in episode 11 of season 2 of the Kick's Cheer Podcast .
In this article, we'll explore Alexandra Guimond, co-owner of ACE Athletics cheerleading gym,'s perspective on this topic and give you insight into the pros and cons of such an approach.
The benefits of opening practices to parents
🗣️ Strengthen communication
One of the main benefits of opening practices to parents is the opportunity to improve communication between coaches and parents. When parents can observe practices, it allows them to better understand the work being done by athletes and coaches. Alex mentions that this allows parents to be more informed and, therefore, reduces misunderstandings about team decisions.
💞 Create an environment of trust
Alex emphasizes that transparency is a key element in team management. By allowing parents to see practices, they can better understand the challenges athletes face. This can build trust between both parties. Parents feel reassured by seeing their children train in a structured and professional environment, and coaches have the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise.
Promoting parental involvement
Some parents enjoy being involved in their child's journey, and attending practices allows them to actively participate. Alex mentions that he's even set up virtual "coffee meetings" with parents to discuss concerns, goals, or simple questions. These meetings are beneficial for everyone, as they allow for a better understanding of each family's expectations.
The disadvantages of opening practices to parents
Potential distractions
If parents are present during practices, they can sometimes become a source of distraction for athletes. Alex shares an experience where some parents stood behind the glass of the practice rooms and tried to give instructions to their children. This can disrupt the athletes' concentration and impair the effectiveness of the training. The goal of a training session is to keep the athlete focused on the day's objectives, and this can be compromised if athletes are constantly seeking validation from their parents.
Unrealistic expectations
Parents who regularly attend practices can sometimes have unrealistic expectations about their children's performance. For example, Alex shares a case where some parents felt their children absolutely had to get key roles in the choreography. This type of pressure can harm group dynamics and individual athletes' progress. Maintaining some mystery around practices can help limit these expectations and avoid conflict.
🥊 Power conflicts
Another major issue Alex mentioned is the issue of authority. When parents are overly involved, there can be power struggles between them and the coaches. A parent who tries to give direction during practice may challenge the coach's authority, which can disrupt the hierarchy and create an atmosphere of confusion. It is essential that roles are clearly defined: the coach leads the practice, and the parent supports the athlete without interfering in the training process.
How to manage this opening?
If your gym chooses to open its doors to parents, Alex recommends a structured approach to avoid any unpleasantness. Here are some strategies:
Clear communication of expectations : The team should clarify from the outset what the expectations are regarding parental involvement. This includes simple rules, such as not interfering during practice, not giving instructions to athletes, and respecting the coaches' work.
Limit access : Rather than opening practices to all parents at all times, it may be helpful to limit access to specific times, such as start-of-season meetings or feedback sessions. This helps maintain a balance between transparency and coaching effectiveness.
Establish communication channels : Instead of requiring constant parent presence, it's best to schedule regular communication times, such as in-person or online meetings. These spaces allow parents to answer their questions without disrupting training.
Continuing education : Another tip from Alex is to educate parents about the specifics of cheerleading. This can include training, explanatory materials, or even dedicated sessions to explain techniques and roles in routines. The less knowledge they have, the less likely they are to intervene inappropriately.
⚖️ Conclusion: Finding balance
Opening cheerleading practices to parents can offer many benefits, particularly in terms of communication and family involvement. However, it can also lead to distractions, unrealistic expectations, and power struggles. The key lies in balance: providing parents with limited but transparent access while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of practices.
Ultimately, every gym is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. What works in one club may not work in another. The key is to create a culture of openness, respect, and trust so that athletes can focus on their development and parents feel supported without encroaching on each other's roles.
If you are the parent of a cheerleading athlete, think carefully about how you can support your child while respecting the coach's role. Open and honest dialogue is always the best way to navigate the exciting yet challenging world of cheerleading!
I hope this article helps you better understand the issues surrounding opening cheerleading practices to parents. What are your thoughts on the matter? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!
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