Ideas for clubs on how to engage with parents
Dealing with parents/carers can be tricky for clubs and coaches even those with lots of experience. Parents want what is best for their child and may not always fully understand player development principles and the challenges facing clubs and coaches.
That said junior rugby league cannot run without parents, they take the children to training, matches and many contribute positively by volunteering, whether that’s as a coach, team manager, first aider or fund raiser etc
There a few steps we can take to help develop a positive relationship between parents and carers and clubs and coaches...
- Welcome Pack: Provide a welcome pack with club values, schedules, roles, and expectations.
- Group Chats or Apps: Use tools like Team App, WhatsApp, or Stack Team App for real-time updates and connection.
- Regular Updates: Weekly emails/newsletters with match reports, upcoming events, and volunteer needs.
- Pre Season Meeting: Best practice would be for coaches to hold a pre season parents evening, (perhaps tie this in to wider social event) the coach should clearly set out what parents can expect from them, (honesty, punctuality, RESPECT, equal opportunities for all players and FUN!) and then outline what they expect in return from parents, (no shouting at Match Officials, communicate when child cannot attend training or matches, support on a matchday etc)
- Volunteer Jobs: Offer a range of roles — team manager, first aid helper, BBQ duty, scorer, water runner, etc.
- Micro-Volunteering: Some parents might only have 15–30 minutes — give them one-off, low-commitment tasks.
- Skills-Based Involvement: Tap into parent skills (e.g., graphic design, coaching, admin, sponsorship outreach).
- Parent Info Nights: Host a session on the rules, safety, and pathways of rugby league to build confidence and understanding. The RFL has developed a Parents Workshop. This can be found on the RFL website.
- Positive Sideline Behaviour: Promote positive sideline behaviour via the RFL RESPECT programme.
- Family Events: Hold BBQs, trivia nights, fun days — opportunities to mingle off the field.
- Parent vs Kids Games: These are always a hit and create fun memories. (These should only run for teams U14 and above and should be touch or tag)
- Social Media Features: Highlight “Parent of the Week,” share behind-the-scenes snaps, and celebrate contributions.
- Thank-You’s: Publicly acknowledge efforts — via social media, newsletters, or end-of-season awards.
- Volunteer Rewards: Small gestures like coffee vouchers, club merch, or a shoutout at presentation night.
- Feedback Channels: Create ways for parents to give ideas or concerns (surveys, meetings, suggestion boxes).
- Committee Involvement: Invite parents to join or observe committee meetings - transparency = trust.