Parent/Coach Relationships-
Both parenting and coaching are very difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding between coaches and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a more positive experience for everyone. Parents have the right to know, and understand, the expectations placed on them and their children. Coaches have the right to know that if parents have a concern, they will discuss it with the coach at the appropriate time and place.
What parents should expect from their child’s coach:
1. Modeling trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
2. Consistent communication regarding pertinent issues pertaining to the program.
3. Providing the safest environment possible.
4. Promotion of “High Expectations.”
5. Knowledge of the activity and current trends.
What the coaches expect from parents:
1. Modeling trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
2. Communication on issues regarding their child.
3. Positive Support.
4. Attendance at events.
5. Being a TEAM fan.
As your child becomes involved in interscholastic athletics, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand there may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. These are the times discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with a coach:
1. The mental and physical treatment of your child.
2. What your child needs to do to improve.
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.
It is very difficult to accept your child is not playing as much as you may hope. A coach makes decisions based on what they believe is in the best interest of all students participating. As you can see from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues NOT appropriate for discussion with your child’s coach:
1. How much playing time each athlete is getting.
2. Team strategy.
3. Negative comments that deal with other student-athletes.
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. These are not discouraged, as it is important for each party to have a clear understanding of the others’ position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure is suggested to help promote resolution to the issue.
If a parent has a concern to discuss with the coach, the following procedure should be followed:
1. Call the coach to set up an appointment.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the activities director and ask him/her to set up a meeting with the coach for you.
3. Think about what you expect to accomplish as a result of the meeting.
4. Stick to discussing the facts, as you understand them.
5. Do not confront the coach before, during or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution of the situation, but often escalate them.
What should a parent do if the meeting with the coach didn’t provide a satisfactory resolution?
1. Call the activities director to set up a meeting with the activities director, coach, and parent.
2. At this meeting, an appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary.
Communication is the key to building a working relationship between the students, parents, and coaching staff. Please take the time to follow the procedures above to communicate with parents, coaches, and student athletes.
Thank You,
Josh Rasmussen
Assistant Principal/Activities Director
Atlantic High School
