Don’t Fight a Crocodile in the Water with Dr. Mark Rerick, CMAA – Univ. of North Dakota

"If you're going to fight a crocodile, don't do it in the water." Dr. Mark Rerick explains that his goal is to change the nature of conversations with parents by emphasizing the department's core values. It is important to control when and where you are having discussions with parents. Here are some of the communication guideline subjects that will not be discussed with parents: team selection, playing time, play calling, other kids, strategy, and wins and losses. Redefine the scoreboard and give parents something else to talk about. "Assess the things you value; don't value the things that are the easiest to assess" (paraphrased from Mitchel Resnick). Use this statement as the goal when having conversations with parents.