Athletics: Parent/Coach Communication

Parent/Coach Communication Guide

Together Building Better Programs for the Students of Wahoo High School

by WPS Activities Director Jason Libal

August 22, 2007

The Parent-Coach Relationship

We are very pleased that your son/daughter has chosen to participate in the WHS athletic program. We will do all we can to provide a positive experience for him/her. Possibly the most important ingredient to achieve this outcome is to insure that lines of communication are developed to allow for free and easy resolution of questions before they have become conflicts. As a parent, you have a right to know what expectations are placed on your son/daughter. The following information is intended to spell out all levels of communication so that parents, coaches, and athletes are aware of the steps they have available to resolve anything they think is, or might become, an issue.

Communication You Should Expect from your Child’s Coach:

1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectation the coach has for your child.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, i.e., fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning, etc.
5. Procedure to follow should your child become injured during participation.
6. Participation conduct code and discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation.
7. Insurance information.

Communication Coaches Should Expect from Parents:

After your athlete has visited with his/her coach concerning an issue, parents should:

1. Express concerns directly to the coach FIRST (appropriate time and setting).
2. Notify the coach of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specify concern(s) in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

As your child becomes involved in the various programs at Wahoo High School, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his/her life. It is important to understand that there may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times a discussion with the coach may be desirable to clear up the issue and avoid any misunderstanding.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss 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 the fact that your child is not playing as much as you would want. Coaches are professionals. They make judgments 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, such as those on the following page, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Inappropriate Issues to Discuss with Coaches:

1. Playing time.
2. Team strategy.
3. Play calling.
4. Matters concerning 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 other person’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern:

Procedures to Follow to Discuss a Concern with a Coach:

1. Call to set up an appointment.
2. The Wahoo High School phone number is 443-4332.
3. If the coach cannot be reached, call Jason Libal, Activities Director, at 443-3101. He will arrange the appointment 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 do not promote resolution and even exacerbate the issue.

The Next Step:

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 Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.

Since research indicates a student involved in extra-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood, these programs have been established and encouraged. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope that this information helps to make the Wahoo High School athletic program less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your child.

Wahoo High School follows the chain of command listed below. We ask that you observe it if you elect to pursue any concern you may have regarding the athletic program.

1. Assistant Coach (if applicable)
2. Head Coach
3. Athletic Director
4. Building Principal
5. Superintendent
6. Board of Education

Sportsmanship
“The Golden Rule in Athletics ”

Treat others as you would like them to treat you, remembering that when you play your opponent, they are just that and only the opponent and not the enemy. The rules are fair and the officials are present to make sure the rules are enforced. From time to time, the official’s will make mistakes, as we do. At such times, respect all officials’ decisions. A person who exhibits sportsmanship will have empathy for others.

Character

A person with character behaves morally, ethically, and honestly in public situations and also in situations known secretly and only to that individual.

Integrity

People with integrity are honest with themselves and others, preferring to tell the truth rather than maintaining a falsely harmonious relationship with another individual.

Dignity
“A Touch of Class”

A dignified person will demonstrate self- confidence. They show self-control, self respect, consideration for others and maintain their “cool” in tense situations.