The new coach scheduled a parent meeting before the season. Most parents bring up playing time. Most coaches mentally tune out within 90 seconds.
The pre-season meeting is for two questions. Get them out early.
The two questions
One. What’s your communication pattern? Email, text, app? When can I expect to hear from you and when shouldn’t I expect to?
This sets the rules. Some coaches are responsive. Some aren’t. Knowing in advance saves you from the email you sent at 9 p.m. that doesn’t get a reply for three days, and the resentment that builds while you wait.
Two. What does a kid look like when they’re succeeding in your program? Beyond playing time. What are you watching for?
This question moves the conversation from playing time to growth. The coach who has a thoughtful answer here is the coach you can trust. The coach who can only talk about wins is the coach you’ll have problems with later.
What to never bring up
Your kid’s playing time. Specifically, that you think they should play more. The pre-season meeting is the worst venue for this conversation.
The coach hasn’t seen your kid play yet at this level. They’ll evaluate over the first three weeks. Bringing it up now signals that you’re going to be the parent who counts minutes, and the coach will quietly adjust how they communicate with you.
If playing time is an issue later, that’s a separate conversation. Different setting. Different framing.
What to actually share
Your kid’s name and which one is yours. Most coaches don’t know yet.
One thing they should know about your kid. Not a brag. A practical thing. He’s a quiet kid who hears better than he talks. Don’t read his quiet as not listening. Or: She’s been dealing with the family illness. Don’t be alarmed if she has bad days.
That’s the meeting. Twenty minutes. Done.
Texting the new coach is the related communication piece.