Role of the Parent

Parenting and coaching are both extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when your child is involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on him/her. This begins with clear communications from the coach of the sport.

Parenting and coaching are both extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when your child is involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on him/her. This begins with clear communications from the coach of the sport.

1. Philosophy of the coach
2. Expectations and goals the coach has for your child as well as for the team/season
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests
4. Team requirements, special equipment, strength and conditioning programs
5. Procedure if your child is injured during participation
6. Team rules, guidelines and consequences for infractions
7. Lettering criteria
8. Team selection process

1. Concerns should be expressed directly to the coach
2. Parent's contact number, both home and emergency
3. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance
4. Notification of special medical conditions
5. Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible

As your child becomes involved in his/her programs at the middle and high schools, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when thing do not go the way you and your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged. It is the first and most integral step to understanding and resolution.

1. The treatment of your child
2. Ways to help your child improve
3. Concerns about your child's behavior
4. Concerns about your child's academic performance
5. Safety of your child

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you had hoped. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. The five items listed below should be left to the discretion of the coach:

1. Playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Play calling
4. Offensive/defensive philosophies
5. Other student athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. Be willing to accept opinions and/or knowledge that you may not want to hear.

When a conference is necessary, the following procedure should be used to help resolve any concerns.

1. Student-Coach — open-door policy for all coaches
2. Parent-Coach — done by appointment

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow is:

1. Do not attempt to confront a coach immediately 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.
2. Call the coach to schedule an appointment. The phone number for the high school will be posted at parent meetings.
3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the school athletic director, he/she will set up a meeting for you.

What can you do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?

1. Call and schedule an appointment with the school athletic director. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary.
2. Call the school principal to discuss the situation.
3. Contact the Central Office only after going through school athletic director and school principal first.