Survey: Managing parents among top reasons youth coaches quit

"The challenge of managing parents ranks among the top reasons coaches have considered leaving or decided to quit, with one coach saying of parents: "They created tension. They instilled distrust. They were worse than children." Other reasons for coaches' disaffection included retirement and challenges within their sporting organizations. More than 35% of respondents said that they also experienced discrimination based on sex, age and physical appearance from other coaches as well as parents of athletes."

"In a 2023 survey by the National Association of Sports Officials, more than 40% of 35,813 respondents cited unruly parents attending youth sporting events as the biggest impediment to their job satisfaction. Respondents to the SafeSport survey shared a similar sentiment, saying that parents had negative attitudes, were unable to hold their children accountable and showed abusive behavior."

"The new survey also asked respondents about the behavior of other coaches toward youth and adult officials. More than half of respondents said that they were aware of other coaches who swore at officials over the age of 18. Nearly 40% said they were aware of coaches who intentionally humiliated officials regardless of their age. SafeSport, a nonprofit organization established by a 2017 act of Congress, is tasked with policing abuse in Olympic sports. Over its nine-year history, the organization itself has been the subject of controversy regarding its effectiveness and management. Its former chief executive, Ju'Riese Colon, left SafeSport last year."

A national survey by the U.S. Center for SafeSport found widespread burnout among youth-sport coaches and frequent verbal harassment primarily from parents of athletes. Managing parents ranks among the leading reasons coaches have considered leaving or resigned, with some coaches describing parents as creating tension and distrust. Coaches also reported discrimination based on sex, age and physical appearance from fellow coaches and parents. Many coaches observed peers swearing at or humiliating officials. Prior surveys of game officials similarly identify unruly parents as a major source of job dissatisfaction. SafeSport has faced scrutiny over its effectiveness and leadership.

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