Parent Coach Guidelines

The parent/coach relationship

Parenting and coaching are both difficult vocations. By establishing and understanding each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the others 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. The process begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.

Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:

· Philosophy of the coach.

· Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the team.

· Locations and times of all practices and contests.

· Team requirements such as substance abuse policies, transportation policies, attendance policies, special equipment needs, off-season conditioning expectations, etc.

· Procedures to follow should your child be injured during participation.

· Team or school discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents:

· Concerns should be expressed directly to the coach.

· Notification of any schedule conflict well in advance of the date of the event.

· Specific concerns regarding a coach’s philosophy, rules, and other program or team expectations.

Belief Statement

Involvement in the athletic/activity program at school can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your child's life. It is important to remember that there may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At those times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with a coach:

· The physical, emotional, and/or mental treatment of your child.

· Ways to help your child improve.

· Concerns about your child’s behavior.

· It can be difficult to accept your child’s role and playing time on the team. Coaches are professionals. They make judgments and decisions based on what they see in practice every day and what they believe is in the best interest of the team as a whole. The USD 268 administration believes those specific issues must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with a coach:

· Playing time.

· Starting line-up.

· Other student athletes.

· By following the stated guidelines, the USD 268 believes that your child will have a positive experience and gain valuable tools to help them become successful and productive adults through participation in athletics and activities.

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

· Call the school office to set an appointment with the coach. If the coach cannot be reached at that time, please leave a message for the coach to return your call.

· If the coach does not return your call, or you cannot reach an agreement on a time to meet, call the school office and ask for the athletic director who will take the responsibility of scheduling a meeting.

· Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

If you feel the meeting with the coach did not provide enough information or a satisfactory solution, this is the proper procedure to follow:

· Call the school office and ask to set up an appointment with the athletic director to discuss the situation.

· At this meeting, if a resolution has not been reached, the appropriate next step can be discussed.

Text Box: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
USD 268 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to, treatment or employment in its programs and activities.