Team Communication

Recently, my TikTok algorithm has been showing me a lot of memes about GroupMe and coach-parent communication. I admit they are funny, but most of them show my pet peeves. Understand that I am a coach who owns several groups, but I am also a parent who is a part of several parent groups. To make things more interesting, I use two different apps for team communication and emails.

Pet Peeves

As the TikTok videos show, a coach will send a message, and then all the comments follow, ranging from jerseys to arrival times, team outings, playing time, being late, and every other type of comment imaginable. Of course, it's funny because we all know a parent who fits the stereotypes in the video.

But seriously, let's take a look at this:

• As coaches, we spend time making sure parents have as much information as we can give them or that we know.

• Please take the time to read any emails that are sent. We are sending them for a reason.

• Don't reply all; no one wants to receive emails that don't apply to them.

• Teach your kids to read emails. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

• Don't mute the team app. You don't need to turn on notifications, but at least be aware that there is a message.

• Take the time to scroll through the messages in the team app. I'm sure the question you have has already been asked or answered.

• All apps have a calendar feature. Check it before you ask if there is practice today.

• If the coach asks who will not be at practice, don't tell us that your kid is going to be there. That's not what we asked.

• Please send us a direct message about things that don't affect the other parents. Everyone doesn't need to know that little Jenny is not going to be at practice.

Please be respectful of everyone else and their time. And if you start to get sarcastic responses, it's probably because what you're asking has already been answered.

*Thoughts are my own. This article does not reflect every parent. There are some outstanding parents who step in to help coaches.