Both Parenting and Coaching are extremely challenging in today’s world. We must realize that coaches and parents should have the same goal, to see that each athlete has a positive experience and becomes a well-rounded individual.
Communication you can expect from your athlete’s coach:
- Philosophy of the coach.
- Team and individual player expectations (Player Contract)
- Location, dates, and times of all practices and games.
- Adherence to CIF, Conference, and school rules.
Communication that coaches can expect from parents:
- Non-confrontational situations.
- Appropriate concerns can be expressed directly to the coaches outside of practice, games, or the playing field.
- Specific questions about philosophy or expectations of their child.
- Notification of any absences prior to practices or games.
- A phone call to set up an appointment to discuss a concern.
Appropriate to discuss
- Treatment of your child (mentally or physically).
- Ways to help your child improve.
- Concerns about your child’s behavior/academic problems.
- Eligibility
- Work Ethic
Inappropriate to discuss
- Playing time
- Coaching
- Team strategy
- Play calling or substitutions
- Another athlete
- Practice Organization
Steps for resolution
- Player speaks directly to the head coach
- Player speaks with head coach and Athletic Director
- Parent may talk to the head coach (by appointment): Head Coach, Parent & Student-Athlete all in attendance.
- Parent may contact the Athletic Director (by appointment): Athletic Director, Head Coach, Parent & Student-Athlete all in attendance.
- Parent may contact the Principal (by appointment): Principal, Athletic Director, Head Coach, Parent & Student-Athlete all in attendance.
