Create Clear Communication Channels • Collect parent contact
Coordinate Consistent Messaging • Use the same prevention language as parents: emphasize choice, leadership, and protection; not punishment. • Highlight the link between substance-free habits and peak performance. • Revisit values mid-season with both parents and players.
BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS:
information for quick updates. • Designate one assistant coach or team parent as the communication liaison. • Send periodic “Parent Partnership” updates. These can be short reminders about team values, upcoming events, and positive examples of athletes living those values.
Hold a Pre-Season Parent Meeting (and Make it Meaningful) • Schedule a mandatory pre- season parent meeting focused on your team’s values, expectations, and commitment to substance- free play. • Use this time to introduce MADD’s Power of Parents and walk parents through key conversation starters. • Provide both parents and athletes with a Team Code of Excellence to review and sign together. • Emphasize shared goals: protecting performance, health, and team reputation.
Provide Parents with Tools to Talk at Home • Send home MADD’s Power of Parents Handbook or provide the downloadable link: available for middle school and high school ages. • Encourage parents to use the conversation scripts to discuss alcohol, cannabis, other drugs, and driving safety. Including always wearing your seatbelt and never riding with an impaired driver. • Encourage parents to establish family agreements that mirror the team’s Code of Excellence. • Tell parents to have these conversations before weekend games or planned celebrations.
Example Update: Just a quick reminder: our team commitment to play clean and lead well is still in full force as we head into tournament season. Thanks for reinforcing that at home. It makes all the difference!
Example Update: We’re proud of how our team represented our program at last week’s service event. These are the kinds of moments that make our culture strong and substance-free.
Why it matters: Teens are more likely to make safe
decisions when they know expectations
COACH TIP: —
are clear and non- negotiable across both home and team environments.
Partner with parent volunteers to form a celebration committee that helps organize safe, fun, substance- free events throughout the season.
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