Parent Communication

Parent/Coach Communication Plan

Both parenting and coaching are 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 the right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program.

Communication you should expect from your child's coach.

1. Philosophy of the coach.

2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad.

3. Location and times of all practices and contests.

4. Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, out-of-season conditioning.

5. Procedure followed should your student be injured during participation.

6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child's participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents.

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.

2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.

3. Specific concerns with regard to coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

As your children become involved in the programs at P-E-M High School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

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 your child's not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions 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 following, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches.

1. Playing time

2. Team strategy

3. Play calling

4. 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's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution of the issue or concern.

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

1. Call to set up an appointment.

2. The P-E-M High School telephone number is 534-3128.

3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the activities director. A meeting will be set up 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.

The Next Step

What a parent can do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution.

1. Call and set up an appointment with the activities/athletic director to discuss the situation.

Since research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood, these programs have been established. Many character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope that the information provided within this article makes both your child's and your experience with the P-E-M High School athletic program less stressful and more enjoyable.