It takes time for a player to adapt to a new coach, just as it takes time for a student to adapt to a new teacher. What many people might not think about is that parents also need time for adjustment with new coaches.

As a parent, you may already be questioning if your child’s coach is the right one to lead the team. Some parents coach for that exact reason – then there’s no question the coach is getting the job done. However, for the parents who don’t coach and the kids who don’t call the coach mom or dad, this can be a tough time adjusting.

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As the next season approaches, always remember that a coach is a volunteer doing the very best they can. Every decision made might not be the most popular one, but it is the coach’s decision and therefore must be respected as long as safety is not an issue.

Let little things go.

Most of the little things parents get frustrated about usually aren’t that big a deal in the grand scheme of things. Parents fight over everything from practice drills to positions 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.

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Any time my sons questions their coach, I explain that it’s a good experience to play for different coaches with varying personalities, just like I strongly believe it’s good for kids to have teachers with different teaching styles. I remind them that part of being a good athlete is adapting to situations on and off the field.

However, if you think there’s an issue that needs to be discussed, don’t be afraid to meet with the coach and ask why things are done a certain way. Just be sure to approach it in a way that’s respectful and not accusatory.

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, just how no parent or player is.

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years with perspectives as a parent, coach and board member. 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.