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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 benefits to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our athletic program(s), 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.
EXPECTATION OF PARENT/GUARDIAN
1. Support your student athlete's efforts toward success.
2. Work to promote a positive environment that is conducive to the development of the student athlete.
3. Become familiar with, and review the rules and regulations with your student athlete.
4. Communicate any concerns in a timely manner according to district protocol.
5. Treat all coaching personnel with courtesy and respect, and insist your student athlete do the same.
COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD'S COACH:
1. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the team.
2. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
3. Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, out-of-season conditioning.
4. Disciplinary actions that may result in the denial of your child's participation.
COMMUNICATIONS COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS :
1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
2. Advance notice of any situations that may hinder participation in the practice and/or games.
As your child becomes involved in the programs of the Boyertown Area School District, they will experience some of the most rewarding and memorable 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 TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES:
1. The treatment of your child.
2. Improving your child's athletic performance.
At times it may be difficult to accept your child's limited playing opportunities. Please remember that coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be the best for the team. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH THE COACHES:
1. Playing time.
2. Team strategy.
3. Other student-athletes.
Sometimes there are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
IF THERE IS A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH
1. Please encourage your child to speak directly with the coach.
2. Call to set up an appointment with the coach. Please do not go to the athletic director before your child or yourself has discussed the issue with the coach.
3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the athletic office to assist you in arranging a meeting.
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 rarely promote resolution.
5. If the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment with the athletic director to discuss the situation. |