Proactive Communication - Coaches

Proactive Communication: Controlling the Narrative

Strong relationships with families are built through regular, open communication — and when it comes to keeping families informed, over-communicating is almost always better than leaving room for guesswork. Normalizing these regular touchpoints helps foster trust and ensures families feel informed and engaged.  

It’s also important to be mindful of the unique power dynamic that exists between coaches, players, and families. As coaches, we often have important conversations with players about their progress, performance, or expectations. Recently, we’ve seen a few instances where follow-up conversations with families were necessary to clear up confusion or correct miscommunication after a player relayed information at home. We know it’s hard to have to navigate those potentially tense conversations, and the goal is to make those situations less common through proactive communication.  

One effective way to minimize the need for these types of follow-ups is to control the narrative through proactive communication. Whenever you have a significant discussion with a player, make sure another adult is present. We always want to have someone who can corroborate your side of the story if questions arise later. After the conversation, follow up with the family that same day to summarize what was discussed. This ensures families hear the information directly from you, reducing the chances of misunderstandings or mixed messages.  

In addition to proactive communication, it’s also important to have a clear plan in place if adjustments need to be made based on these conversations. Whether it’s revisiting a player’s role, adjusting expectations, or addressing concerns, clear and timely communication helps ensure everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.  

At the end of the day, proactive communication isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a positive, transparent environment for players and families alike.