With the passing of Labor Day, kids all over the country have now met their new teachers. It’s not always easy to adjust to a new personality and teaching style. But most kids really have no choice.

The same is true when playing for a new coach.

1. Be positive from the start

No matter what you may or may not have heard about the new coach, give them a chance. A decision that might have upset one parent last season — for instance, their child not getting to start because of a missed practice — might be a rule another parent completely supports.

2. Coaches are volunteers

Try to remember that coaches are volunteers doing the best they can. Every rule or decision they make might not be the most popular one, or in the players’ or parents’ opinion, the best one, but it is the coach’s decision and therefore has to be respected as long as safety is not an issue.

3. Let the little things go

Most of the little things that frustrate parents usually aren’t a big deal in the grand scheme of the season. Common parent criticisms include how drills are run, if they are effective, what plays are called, and what positions players are being put in on the field. My rule of thumb as a parent is if it’s not jeopardizing the safety of my child, I keep my opinions to myself. After all, I didn’t volunteer to coach.

4. Don’t let your child hear your negative comments

Even if your negative comments are completely accurate, it’s never healthy to allow your child to hear you criticizing the coach. On the flip side, try to find something positive and make sure your child does hear that opinion.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you need to discuss an issue with the coach, don’t be afraid to ask for a meeting and ask why the coach does things a certain way. But try this approach: “Coach, I’ve never seen such-and-such handled that way, and am just wondering why you do it that way.” You still might not like the answer, but at least you’ll have one.

Don’t make the season any longer than it has to be. Accept early on that not every coach is perfect … and neither is every athlete or parent.

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 8- and 10-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.