Parent Expectations and Concern/Complaint Agreement

Parent Expectations & Communication Protocol

Participating in high school athletics offers valuable opportunities for student-athletes to develop leadership, resilience, and self-advocacy. At Berkeley High School, our coaches are professional educators responsible for team strategy, roster decisions, and student development. We ask parents to support their student-athlete by remaining encouraging partners from the sidelines while letting coaches coach.

Step 1: Student-Coach Communication (Primary Step)

Athletics provides a key environment for young adults to advocate for themselves. When an athlete has questions about their role, performance, playing time, or team expectations, the student-athlete should speak directly with the coach first.

Coaches are happy to provide feedback to athletes on what skills they can develop and how they can contribute to the team.

Step 2: Parent-Coach Dialogue (Seeking Understanding)

If a non-strategic concern persists after the student-athlete has communicated with the coach, a parent may request a meeting with the coach.

Guidelines for Parent Communication:

• 24-Hour Rule: Parents must wait 24 hours after a practice or contest before contacting a coach. Please do not confront coaches immediately before, during, or after a game/practice. PLEASE send an email to a coach to set up a time.

• Appropriate Topics to Discuss:

  • Mental and physical well-being or safety of your child.

  • Behavioral concerns or academic support.

  • Clarification regarding team rules or expectations.

• Inappropriate Topics (Coach Discretion):

  • Playing time, position assignments, and game tactics/play-calling.

  • Performance or playing time of other student-athletes.

Note: Engaging in dialogue allows parents and coaches to exchange perspectives, but it does not guarantee a change in coaching or administrative decisions.

Step 3: Collaborative Conference (Persisting Issues)

If an issue continues to surface over time, a request may be made for a Parent-Student-Coach-Athletic Director Conference.

Similar to an intensive Parent-Teacher-Student conference in an academic setting, this meeting serves as a joint discussion to align on expectations and facilitate mutual understanding.

• Attendance: Meetings are conducted collaboratively and require the participation of the student-athlete, parent/guardian, head coach, and Athletic Director or administrator.

• Purpose: The intent of this meeting is to ensure transparent communication, support the student-athlete’s educational journey, and outline steps forward. It is not an appeal process for playing time or coaching strategy.

If issues or complaints arise with an opposing school's staff or student athletes contact our coach or Athletic Director as soon as possible.  It is NOT appropriate to approach an opposing school's coaching staff or student athletes after a game or scrimmage.