You know the one. Arms folded, slightly too close to the pitch, voice carrying across two postcodes. "PASS IT!" "SHOOT!" "GET RID OF IT!" Sometimes it's aimed at their own kid. Sometimes it's aimed at everyone else's.
Every grassroots coach has dealt with this parent. Most of us have handled it badly at least once — either by ignoring it until it becomes a real problem, or by snapping at them in front of everyone. Neither works.
Here's what does.
Understand why they do it
This is important, because the reason changes the approach.
Most touchline coaches aren't trying to undermine you. They're anxious. They want their kid to do well, they can see things going wrong, and they don't have a way to process that anxiety other than shouting instructions.
Some played football themselves and genuinely think they're helping. Others are nervous their child is being overlooked. A smaller number — and this is the harder group — actually do think they know better than you.
The first two groups respond well to being included. The third group needs a boundary.
The pre-season conversation that prevents 80% of problems
If you do nothing else, do this: at the start of every season, set expectations with parents about touchline behaviour. Not in a heavy-handed way. Not with a printed code of conduct that nobody reads.
Just a quick chat at the first session. Something like:
"During matches and training, I'd love it if you could keep encouragement positive — clapping, cheering, well done. The reason I ask is that when kids hear conflicting instructions from the sideline and the coach, they freeze. They don't know who to listen to. One clear voice helps them make better decisions."
That's it. You've explained the why. Most parents will respect it because it makes sense.
When it happens anyway
It will happen anyway. Someone will forget, or a new parent will join mid-season. Here's a simple framework.
First time: Ignore it in the moment. After the session, have a quiet word. Keep it light. "I noticed you were giving Jake some instructions during the game — totally understand the instinct. Could I ask you to leave the coaching bits to me during sessions? It helps the kids focus." Smile. No drama.
Second time: A bit more direct, still private. "We talked about this a few weeks ago — I really need you to let me coach during the session. If you've got feedback or ideas, I'm happy to chat afterwards."
Third time: This is where you involve the club. Speak to your club welfare officer or committee. Document what's been said. This isn't about being petty — it's about creating a safe environment for the kids. If a parent is consistently shouting instructions, corrections, or criticism from the touchline, that's a safeguarding conversation.
The redirect technique
One of the most effective things I've seen a coach do is give the loud parent a job. Seriously.
"Dave, could you do me a favour and run the subs rotation today? I need someone to keep track of who's been on."
Or: "Could you set up the cones for the next drill? I'm short-handed."
It sounds too simple, but it works. It channels the energy. It makes them feel involved without them directing traffic from the sideline. And most people, when they feel useful, stop trying to coach from the touchline.
What to do when it's directed at their own child
This is the bit that's harder to watch. A parent screaming at their eight-year-old for losing the ball. Telling them to "stop being soft" when they're upset.
You can't coach that parent in the moment without escalating things. But you can do two things:
First, protect the child in the session. If a kid is visibly affected by what their parent is saying, go over and quietly encourage them. "Great effort, keep going." Give them a role that rebuilds their confidence. Sub them into a position where they'll get some success.
Second, have the conversation afterwards. And make it about the child's development, not the parent's behaviour. "I noticed Alfie went a bit quiet in the second half. Kids at this age respond really well to encouragement — even when they make mistakes. If he hears positive stuff from you on the sideline, he'll be more likely to try things."
You're framing it as a coaching tip, not a telling off. That matters.
When it crosses a line
There are times when it's not just annoying — it's harmful. Verbal abuse, racist language, aggressive behaviour towards children or other adults. That's not a touchline management issue. That's safeguarding.
Report it to your club welfare officer immediately. Document the date, time, and what was said. The FA has clear guidelines on this and your county FA can support you.
You are not expected to deal with abusive behaviour alone.
The bigger picture
Touchline behaviour is one of the biggest reasons grassroots coaches quit. That's a fact. And losing coaches means kids lose opportunities to play.
If you're using a tool like InsideFooty to track player development across the Four Corners, sharing that data with parents can actually help. When parents can see their child's progress — confidence improving, communication growing, technical skills developing — they start to trust the process. They stop feeling the need to coach from the sideline because they can see it's working.
Most parents just want to know their kid is in good hands. Show them that, and the touchline gets a lot quieter.