Communication is Key!

 

Keeping the lines of communication open between athlete, coach and parent are key to the success of any team.

 

PARENT-COACH RELATIONSHIP

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents, when your children become involved in school athletic programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child.  This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program.

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COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD'S COACH

• Philosophy of the coach.

• Expectations the coach has for your child as well as for all the players on the team.

• Locations and times of all practices and contests.

• Team requirements, Le., fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning.

• Procedure should your child be injured during participation.

• Discipline that may result in the denial of your child's participation.

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COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach.

• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.

• Specific concern in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

• Medical or physical limitations of your child.

 

As your children become involved in the athletic programs they will experience some of the most challenging and rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that times may also arise when things do not go the way you or your child wants. At these times, discussion first with your child, and then with the coach, if needed, is encouraged.

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APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

• The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.

• Ways to help your child improve.

• Concerns about your child's behavior.

 

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

• Playing time.

• Team strategy.

• Play-calling.

• Other student-athletes.

 

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you or he/she may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for the team and all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach.  Some situations may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help resolve the issue of concern.

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IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH, THIS IS THE PROCEDURE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW:

• Call the coach to discuss or to set up an appointment.

• If the coach cannot be reached, call the Director of Student Activities (DSA).  He or she will set up the meeting for you.

• Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.  Meetings of this nature do not generally promote resolution.

 

WHAT CAN A PARENT DO IF THE MEETING WITH THE COACH DOES NOT PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION?

• Call and set up an appointment with the DSA to discuss the situation.

• At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.

• Every effort should be made to resolve the problem at the school.