Parent / Coach Communication
Parent/Coach 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 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 team.
3. Location and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, i.e. fees, 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. Concerns expressed 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 Blair Schools, 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 ToDiscuss With Coaches
1. The treatment 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 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 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.
If You Have A Concern To Discuss With A Coach. This Is TheProcedure You Should Follow
1. Call to set up an appointment with the coach.
2. The High School telephone number is 426-4941.
3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Activities Director, Mr. Rogers. He will set up the meeting for you.
4. 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 resolution.
What Can A Parent Do If The Meeting With The Coach Did Not Provide A Satisfactory Resolution?
1. Call and set up an appointment with the Activities Director to discuss the situation.
2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.
Research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance of success during adulthood. With this in mind, Blair Schools has established these programs. Many of the character traits required to be successful participants are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope the information provided within this pamphlet makes both your child’s and your experience with the Blair Activities Program less stressful and more enjoyable.
