Sideline abuse and the parent-coach connection

Parents and Guardians play a crucial volunteer role in making sure grassroots sport takes place, being the transporter, supporter, spectator, consoler, officiator and educator. 

Coaches are the custodians of club values, influencers on the coal face and the behavioural role models for players – for better or worse. 

Strong and clear communication between these two critical players in the sport eco-system is too valuable to ignore – and with an increase in entertainment options available to modern kids, participating in community sport cannot be taken for granted. 

Julia Walsh is a leading academic in sports culture, high performance environments and is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for young people to thrive in sport. She’s a Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University and a Director of the 2021/22 Women’s National Basketball League Champions, the Melbourne Boomers. 

Resources: 
Parents, can’t live with them, can’t live without them!

> Club Respect helps sports clubs build and maintain a deep culture of respect.

> Club Respect is a national harm-prevention initiative by the Dugdale Trust for Women & Girls, of which the Victorian Women’s Trust is Trustee.