Parent-Coach Communication

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIPS

COMMUNICATION

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 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.

If You Have a Concern to Discuss with a Coach, This is the Procedure

You Should Follow

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 other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure is to be used to help promote a resolution to the issue.

COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE

1. Call the coach to set up a meeting.

2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the athletic office at 727-3225 ext. 3410. A meeting between the parent and coach will be

set up for you.

3. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during or after a contest/practice. These can be emotional times for both

the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

4. Use the 24-hour rule - wait to discuss a situation with a coach until 24 hours after the contest or practice.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS

WITH COACHES

1) What the expectations are for your child during practices and games.

2) Ways to help your child improve.

3) Concerns about your child’s behavior.

4) Academic support and college opportunities.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO

DISCUSS WITH COACHES

1. Playing time.

2. Team strategy.

3. Play calling.

4. Other student-athletes.

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 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 must be left to the discretion of the coach.

What Can A Parent Do If The Meeting

With The Coach

Did Not Provide A Satisfactory Resolution?

1. Call and set up an appointment to meet with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.

2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined if the situation is still unresolved.