[Ed Law]

I can probably offer some suggestions since there had been quite a few problems with parents in the past especially in the first 2 years.

The most important thing is communication ahead of time. Before students join the team, I have an information meeting with all the parents. I explain how drive team members are selected, how team captains are selected, the requirements to earn varsity letter, what jobs students can do during build season and how positions are assigned by the coach (me) at the competitions. I also have a 10-15 miinute interview with each student and their parents in the fall to better understand individual needs and concerns.

I always model our team like a sports team in our school. If parents decide who plays what position on a football team, I will let that happen also. If parents decide what the strategy should be in the second half of a basketball game, I will allow the same. If parents decide who will be team captains on other sport teams in school, I will also follow. If parents come down during a sports game to the sidelines and offer suggestions to the coach, I will let them come to the pit and tell me how they want the robot fixed.

I have had parents who wants everybody on the team to rotate to be driver and I should not be overly concern about winning. I have had parents who did not attend the information meeting or read the meeting minutes or emails explaining the requirement to get a varsity letter and then accuse me of being bias when he found out his son did not get a varsity letter and others did. It boils down to they only care about what their son/daughter gets and not for the benefit or long term sustainability of the team. They always want exceptions because they think their child is special.

I had a long conversation with the school's athletic director. I learned that coaches of all sport teams in our school face similar issues with parents. He gave me some very good advice. He said as long as my decisions are for the benefit of the team and I have the long term benefit of the students in mind, I don't have to give in to what the parents want and the school will back me up if parents complain. He also said communications ahead of time of expectations is important.

I make the final decisions on everything for the team but I listen to the opinion of the assistant coach, other mentors, team captains, other students and the team manager who is a parent. I looked at the strong teams in Michigan and every one of them have a strong leader. In most cases a successful team cannot be run by a committee. Decisions have to be made quickly and consistently and without hidden agenda during the build season. Some people call me a dictator. My answer is always to tell them politely to start their own team and run it the way they want if they think they can do a better job.

My most important job is to ensure a sustainable program so students will continue to be benefited by FIRST programs in the school district. However I do recognize the importance of working closely with parents. They are partners and can be a tremendous resource to the team. I have been very fortunate in the last two years having very supportive parents on the team.

If you have specific situations and would like advice, you can PM me.