Parents Aren’t the Problem: What Coaches Must Change First (Mitch Hull)

01/09/2025 28 min Temporada 2

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode, Rob welcomes back Mitch Hull for a honest conversation about how to fix youth sports. They explore the root causes of parent conflict, why playing time dominates every sideline conversation, and what coaches and athletic leaders can actually do to shift the culture. From parent meetings to post-game behavior, Mitch shares practical, field-tested advice on how to create transformational environments rooted in purpose—not pressure.This episode is for anyone who’s tired of the noise around youth sports and ready to do something about it.Topics CoveredAre parents the disease or the symptom?Why every conflict eventually comes down to playing timeHow to run a parent meeting that sets the toneWhy kids quit—and how coaches and parents unintentionally push them awayWhat it means to “coach the experience,” not just the outcomeSimple tools to humanize the game and build real connectionKey TakeawaysParents judge what they see, and if coaches don’t show value beyond playing time, that’s all parents will care about.Playing time is finite—so give parents something infinite to hold onto: their child’s experience, character, and growth.We can’t wait for others to fix youth sports. Coaches must lead—early, often, and intentionally.Small, consistent moments of connection (thanking officials, affirming opponents, celebrating effort) transform culture more than any policy ever will.The best programs teach kids how to respond to adversity—not avoid it.Rapid Fire WisdomBuild trust early: share your “why” with parents and athletesTrain coaches to lead, not just manageNormalize mistakes and model healthy response to pressureReinforce values through routines (trash pickup, handshakes, put-ups)Resources + Links🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://beyondcoaching.alitu.com📰 Coaching insights, articles, and tools: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com📚 Books:• Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete• Athletic Department Leadership and Developing CoachesAvailable now on Amazon.