The Calm Before the Kickoff: 5 Smart Moves for Fall Sports Parents to Make This Week

If you're a fall sports parent, this might be your last quiet week until the whirlwind begins. Practice schedules, game nights, last-minute runs to the store for forgotten cleats—it's all about to hit full speed. But this brief pause before the season starts is more than just a breather. It's a golden opportunity.

Before whistles blow and team huddles form, use this moment to set your family—and your athlete—up for a great season. Whether your child is gearing up for middle school cross country or starting under Friday night lights, here are five smart moves you can make this week to start the season strong.

1. Get Clear on Expectations—Before the First Conflict

As athletic directors and coaches, we spend a lot of energy communicating our program's expectations—but we know not everyone reads the handbook cover to cover. This is your chance as a parent to review the key expectations for your child’s team, whether it’s:

• Academic eligibility rules

• Communication guidelines (chain of command, 24-hour rule)

• Attendance policies

• Playing time philosophy

• Social media rules

Take a few minutes this week to re-read the preseason packet or athletic code of conduct your school provided. If there hasn’t been a parent meeting yet, now’s the time to prepare thoughtful questions or even reach out for clarification.

Knowing the rules upfront avoids tension later—and gives your athlete a strong foundation for understanding how to handle challenges with maturity and perspective.

Pro Tip: If your athlete is a freshman, take time to explain what “team commitment” actually looks like in high school. It’s a step up from youth league or middle school expectations.

2. Prep the Calendar—and the Car

You already know the calendar's about to explode with scrimmages, pasta dinners, team pictures, and more. But don’t wait until the first Monday of two-a-days to scramble. Use this quiet week to:

• Add all known game/practice dates to your calendar

• Block off family obligations, church nights, or special events

• Coordinate carpools with other parents (save your sanity early)

• Build a simple “athlete emergency kit” for the car

That last one might sound small, but it’s huge: keep a clear bin in your trunk stocked with deodorant, extra socks, a water bottle, a towel, snack bars, and an old pair of cleats. Your future self will thank you—probably while sitting in traffic on the way to a field 30 minutes from home.

Bonus Tip: For multi-sport households, color-code your calendar. It helps reduce double-booking and forgotten obligations—especially if you’re juggling band concerts, cheerleading, or soccer, too.

3. Talk to Your Athlete—Before the Season Talks to Them

You’ll hear a lot of instructions coming from coaches once the season starts. But before that happens, it’s worth checking in quietly with your athlete:

• What are they hoping to achieve this season?

• Are they excited—or secretly nervous?

• Do they understand what being a great teammate looks like?

This doesn’t need to be a formal sit-down. It can happen over dinner, during a car ride, or while walking the dog. But this conversation could be one of the most important moments you have all season. It sets the tone.

You may find out your child is anxious about a new coach. Or that they’re more focused on earning a varsity letter than you realized. Or that they’re quietly considering quitting—before the season even begins. Don’t assume you know. Ask.

And then, listen.

4. Do a Social Media Check-Up (Seriously, Do It)

Whether your child is in 7th grade or heading into their senior year, this is a perfect time to do a quick audit of their online presence. Why? Because college coaches and recruiters are watching. Even if your athlete isn't thinking about college sports, their teammates might be—and one bad tag or inappropriate post can reflect poorly on the whole program. And what is put on social media now, a future employer can easily find.

According to a 2020 survey from Cornerstone Reputation, 90% of college coaches said they review the social media of potential recruits. And that number has likely only grown.

What should parents and athletes look for?

• Delete or untag any inappropriate content (even if it’s “just a joke”)

• Review bios and profile pictures for maturity

• Set privacy settings wisely

• Follow or engage with positive athletic accounts or role models

This is also a chance to use social media well: post highlight videos, workout clips, or team bonding moments that reflect leadership, commitment, and growth.

For a deeper dive, check out our podcast episode, “Social Media and Recruiting: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know.” It’s a must-listen before the fall season.

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5. Choose Your Sideline Behavior—Now, Not Later

Let’s be honest—none of us plan to become “that parent.” But the mix of adrenaline, high expectations, perceived bad officiating, and social pressure can turn even the calmest parent into a sideline tornado.

So, before the first game whistle blows, ask yourself:

What kind of sports parent do I want to be this season?

Maybe it’s:

• The cheerleader who stays positive—even in a loss

• The encourager who focuses on effort and attitude, not stats

• The quiet supporter who lets the coach do the coaching

Make a personal commitment now, not midseason when emotions are running high.

And remember: “Your athlete is watching you more than you’re watching them.”

The way you handle calls, playing time, or rival teams teaches them more about character than any pep talk ever could.

Final Thought: A Calm Start Leads to a Better Season

Fall sports are about more than wins and losses. They’re about growth, resilience, and relationships. Starting the season with clarity, preparation, and calm will give your child—and your whole family—the best shot at a meaningful, healthy, and memorable experience.

So take advantage of this quiet week. Set the tone now.

Because once kickoff comes, it’s game on.

Want more parent-focused sports tips?

Subscribe to the Talkin’ with the A.D. podcast or check out BetterYouthCoaching.com for weekly content that helps you support your athlete the right way.

And remember: stay positive, stay hungry, and go get better every day.