ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights why we think interactions between parents and coaches are so important within youth and elite sport, why interactions might "go wrong" and how to enhance parent-coach interactions. When discussing parental involvement in sport and the interactions between parents and coaches, two terms are consistently used: support and pressure. These terms are often used as a "catch all" to explain good or bad sport parenting (or coaching) behavior. However, they do have specific meanings in relation to parental involvement in sport, and understanding such meanings is critical for ensuring that literature is appropriately interpreted. The opportunities for children to participate in sport, enjoy their involvement, and achieve their potential are largely influenced by the support they receive from those around them, with parents and coaches having arguably the greatest influence throughout an athlete's life. Based on sound theory and professional practice, a number of suggestions regarding how to improve parent-coach relationships and interactions have been provided.
