5 Game-Changing Rules for Parents of Young Athletes

If there’s anyone who understands the pressure and potential of youth sports, it’s Karch Kiraly—three-time Olympic gold medalist, coaching legend, and father of two. But despite his legendary career, Karch doesn’t believe in pushing kids into early specialization or forcing greatness.

In a recent interview on The Gabby Reece Show, Kiraly offered a refreshingly grounded take on parenting athletes. His insights are not just for volleyball families—but for anyone navigating youth sports with their kids.

Here’s what he wants parents to know:

1. Don’t Push the Sport—Support the Exploration

Karch and his wife made a conscious decision not to steer their sons toward volleyball—even though it was the family’s legacy.

“We weren’t interested in forcing our boys to play volleyball. We were interested in supporting them and encouraging them to try different things.” – Karch Kiraly

Their sons tried baseball, basketball, soccer, and more. Volleyball didn’t enter the picture until middle school—and only because they chose it. Kiraly believes true passion only sticks when it’s self-driven.

2. Separate the Roles: Parent vs. Coach

When Karch stepped in to help coach his son’s struggling high school volleyball team (which went 0–93 in sets!), he knew clear boundaries were critical. So he made a deal:

On the court: He was Coach.
At home: He was Dad—and they wouldn’t talk volleyball unless the kids brought it up.

“We had to lay the ground rules. I’m not Dad at practice—I’m Coach. And when we get home, we’ll do our best not to talk volleyball unless you want to.” – Karch Kiraly

This separation protected their family dynamic and made the coaching experience a success.

3. Let Your Kids Choose Their Own Path

When his son tried football one year—despite never having played—Karch supported it fully, even though it turned out to be a tough experience.

“It wasn’t a good experience—but when you commit to a season, you play the season. And you learn from that, too.” – Karch Kiraly

Kiraly stresses the importance of letting kids try things, fail, and grow. The goal isn’t to manufacture wins—it’s to build resilient, self-directed young adults.

4. Don’t Live Through Your Kids

It’s natural to have big hopes for your child’s success—but beware of crossing the line. Kiraly points out that parents who had athletic careers often have an easier time letting their kids write their own story.

“The more successful athletically parents have been, the easier it is not to live through their kids’ sports.” – Karch Karily

For those who didn’t get that chance, the temptation to “make up for it” through their child’s journey can be strong. Kiraly’s advice: Don’t.

5. Encourage Variety Over Early Specialization

Kiraly strongly believes in the power of multi-sport childhoods. Not only do they reduce burnout and overuse injuries, but they help kids become better athletes overall.

“There are huge benefits to playing a variety of sports… It leads to healthier athletes who are less prone to injuries.” – Karch Kiraly

He credits soccer for sharpening his spatial awareness and timing on the volleyball court—proof that cross-training builds elite skill sets.

For the Love of the Game (and Your Kids)

Karch Kiraly’s approach to parenting in youth sports is refreshingly simple—and backed by experience at the highest level:

Support exploration, not pressure.
Let them fail and find their own path.
Encourage variety, not early commitment.
Be the guide, not the puppet master.

Whether your kid is playing for fun or dreams of the Olympics, your job as a parent is the same: foster love for the game, character through commitment, and perspective beyond the scoreboard.