Coach Parent 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. Positive communication between parents and coaches is an important part of the Greeley athletic program.

Pre-Season Meeting
One of the most important ingredients for a successful sport season is effective, open and appropriate communication between the coach, parents, and student/athlete. In order to ensure that this communication takes place, pre-season meetings are scheduled by the Athletic Department at the beginning of each season. When meetings are scheduled parents are strongly urged to attend.
   Topics of Discussion at Pre-Season Meetings

  • Athletic Program policies & procedures
  • Games
  • Schedules
  • Practice schedules
  • Expectation of players, coaches, and parents
  • Goals for season
  • Parent roles
  • Transportation
  • Eligibility rules
  • Code of conduct
  • Athletic award 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 players on the squad
  • Locations and times of all the practices and contests
  • Team requirements, i.e. special equipment, off-season conditioning program
  • Procedure should your child be injured during participation
  • Discipline that can result in denial of your child’s participation
  • Communication Coaches Should Expect From You
  • Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
  • Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations
  • The treatment of your child mentally and physically
  • Ways to help your child improve
  • Concerns about your child’s behavior

It is very difficult for a parent to accept their child not playing as much as they might have expected. Coaches are professionals; they make judgments based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As one can read from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those described in the next segment, must be left to the discretion of the coach.


Appropriate Concerns to Discuss With Coaches

  • The treatment of your child mentally and physically
  • Ways to help your child improve
  • Concerns about your child’s behavior


Issues Not Appropriate To Discuss With Coaches

  • Playing time
  • Team strategy
  • Play calling
  • Other student athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the procedure discussed below should be followed to help reach a resolution to the issue of concern.

The Next Step: What can the parent do, if the meeting with the coach was not satisfactory?

  1. Call to set up an appointment with the Athletic Director. The parent/guardian, coach and Athletic Director will meet together to discuss the problem. Parents are encouraged to discuss issues with the coach. However, if a parent has specific complaints regarding a coach, the coach must have the opportunity to be present. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.


PARENT EXPECTATIONS:

  1. Be positive with your son or daughter. Let him/her know that it is a proud accomplishment simply to be part of an athletic team.
  2. Try not to offer excuses if he/she is not playing. Encourage him/her to work hard and try his/her best. Help your child set goals as a good way to show your interest and monitor progress.
  3. Discourage putting down coaches or other athletes which teaches your child to be a complainer, not a doer. Keep in mind, your child has to return to practice the next day.
  4. Encourage your child to follow the rules with respect to attendance, training rules and school work.
  5. Demonstrate good sportsmanship and live as a role model for your child.
  6. Encourage respect for team and school rules, game officials, and sportsmanship.
  7. Do not instruct your son or daughter, before, during or after a game, because it may conflict with the coach’s plans or strategies
  8. Be a positive role model – show respect for opposing players, coaches, and spectators, and demonstrate good sportsmanship. You represent your family, school and community.
  9. Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
  10. Support the entire team at games regardless of whether your child is playing.
  11. Remember that although you may not be in agreement with a coach’s style of coaching, your child will have to deal with different leadership styles in life.