Handling Players/Parents Concerns

Procedures For Handling Player/Parent Concerns

The coach/coaching staff for each sport is responsible for making and determining,

1. Team selection,

2. Length and content of practice sessions within limitations,

3. Game strategy (game plans)

4. Individual playing time.

These decisions will be based on the best judgment of the coach.

No conflict between a parent, student, official, or coach (director) should be addressed during or immediately following a contest or production. The contest site, practice area, lobby, or locker room is not an appropriate place to handle questions and conflict. Coaches (directors) are not to meet or deal with questions or conflicts at these times or in these places. Problems should be addressed the next day, or as soon as possible.

Steps for Conflict Resolution

In order to maintain a positive atmosphere and assure that the proper channels of communication will not be circumvented, a procedure has been outlined for the use of the athlete, parent, coach, and administrators. All participants should adhere to the guidelines as listed below.

Step 1: Student-athlete meets with head coach to discuss the concern. Assistant (position) coaches may also be involved. If the student is not satisfied with the results of that meeting, then

Step 2: Student-athlete AND parent meets with head coach to discuss the concern. If the student and/or parent is not satisfied with the results of that meeting, then

Step 3: Student-athlete, parent, and head coach meet with activities director to discuss the concern. If the student and/or parent is not satisfied with the results of that meeting, then

Step 4: Student-athlete, parent, head coach, and activities director meet with building principal to discuss the concern.

This procedure has been developed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining the lines of communication between the school, parents/guardians, and students and for the resolution of concerns related to the athletic programs. This procedure is a means by which concerns/ problems about the Aitkin High School athletic programs can be resolved

Note: This process is not intended to provide grievance of rule(s) of the Minnesota State High School League. Parents/students are to address themselves to problems/concerns related to them only. In order to be in compliance with the “Privacy in Information Act” problems/concerns related to other athletes will not be discussed.