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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 the school's athletic program, 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
Communications you should expect from your child's coach
1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, i.e., fund raising, special equipment, off-season conditioning.
5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
6. Discipline that results in the denial of your child's participation.
Communication coaches expect from parents
1. Communicate directly to the coach.
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specific concern in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.
As your children become involved in the programs at your high school they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches
1. The development of your child, mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child's behavior.
It is very difficult to accept your child's not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for 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, such as those that follow these, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches
1. Playing time
2. Team Strategy
3. Play calling
4. Other student athletes
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. it is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the others position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, this is the procedure you should follow:
1. Call to set up an appointment with the coach.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the athletic director. He will set up the meeting for you.
3. 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 promote resolution.
National surveys indicate the majority of high school students involved in extra-curricular activities are able to successfully maintain high grade point averages (GPAs).
Many of the character traits required to be a participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.
It is our goal in the Bulldog athletic program to provide each student athlete the very best opportunity to have a positive experience. Understanding the value of being a student first will enhance that opportunity while building a solid foundation characteristic of quality athletes. |
