“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.”
Michael Jordan
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 benefits to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.
COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD’S COACH:
Philosophy of the coach
Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all players on the squad
Locations and times of practices and contests
Team requirements, i.e. special equipment and off-season conditioning
Procedures should your child be injured during participation
Discipline that may result in denial of your child’s participation
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 exceptions
The treatment of your child, mentally and physically
Ways to help your child improve
Concerns about your child’s behavior
Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible
It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgments based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those described in the next segment, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES:
Amount of playing time
Team strategy
Play calling
Other student/athletes
IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE:
Call to set up an appointment with the coach.
If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director.
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 usually do not promote positive resolutions.
WHAT CAN A PARENT DO IF THE MEETING WITH THE COACH DID NOT PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION?
Call and speak with the Athletic Director.
At this meeting, further appropriate steps can be determined
Parents are encouraged to discuss issues and problems with the Athletic Director. However, if a parent has specific complaints regarding a coach, then the coach must have the opportunity to be present to meet with the parent.
Information obtained from: http://www.section1athletics.org/