Communication Guidelines

1. Philosophy of the coach

2. Expectations of the athlete and the team

3. Location of all practices and games

4. A copy of the team rules

***Dicussion of your son's or daughter's role on the team will between the coach and the athlete only.***

1. Concerns related to your son or daughter's mental , physical, or emotional well-being

2. Specific questions about a coach's expectations of parents

3. Notification of any injuries or illnesses

4. Prior notification of any student absences from practices or games

1. Mental or physical treatment of your son/daughter

2. Ways in which you can help your son/daughter improve

3. Concerns about your son/daughter's behavior

1. Playing Time *Playing time discussions will be between the coach and athlete only*

2. Team Strategy

3. Play Calling

4. Team Selection

5. Another Athlete

If conversation with a coach or AD turns to any of those five topics, our coaches are instructed to immediately end the discussion.  Parents can reschedule a meeting with the coach to continue an appropriate discussion at a later date.  Further, any vulgarity, rude behavior, or threats will signal an immediate end to any discussion.

Because coaches have much to think about prior to a game and are highly emotional following a game, we ask that parents do not confront a coach with any concern within 24 hours before or after a game.  Often, these confrontrations will lead to emotionally charged discussions that bring no resolution. Waiting 24 hours after the conclusion of a game will allow both the parent and the coach time to "cool down" before discussing a concern.

** These guidelines do not include concerns about the mental, physical, or emotional well-being of the student. If a parent has a concern about any of those areas, please contact the athletic director immediately**

1. Communication regarding any other extra-curricular conflict will begin strictly between the student and the coach/advisor.  The athletic director will not discuss any concern that hasn't already been discussed between the student and coach/advisor

2. If the conflict continues, the student, coach/advisor, and athletic director can meet to further discuss the issue. Depending on the concern this meeting may also include the parent(s).

3. If the conflict continues, the parent may meet with the athletic director. ** Any discussion regarding an extra-curricular conflict will be passed along to both the student and the coach/advisor involved - including phone and email communications.

It is important to note that the Grand Forks Public Schools Activities Department does not guarantee a resolution to all extra-curricular concerns.  Further, not all concerns will be granted a step #2 or #3 meeting at the discretion of the athletic director.