Coach Communication
My child is coming home from practices unhappy, but she won?t talk about it. When is a good time to approach the coach about my concerns?
At the start of the season, we sent home with each student athlete a copy of the Parent/Coach Communication Plan. Below is a copy:
At the start of the season, we sent home with each student athlete a copy of the Parent/Coach Communication Plan. Below is a copy:
Find the email address of your child's coach here. (Coach's Directory)
Parent/Coach Communication Plan
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 players on the squad.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, ie., practices, special equipment, out-of-season conditioning.
5. Proper behavior by athletes on bus trips. Estimated time for return from games.
6. Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation.
7. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child?s participation.
8. NCAA Clearing House information for aspiring college student athletes.
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 a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.
4. Availability to volunteer for various duties suggested by the coaching staff.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:
1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
2. Ways the parent(s) can help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child?s behavior.
It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgement decisions based on what they believe to be the 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 listed below, 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 my require a conference between the coach and 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 procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue or concern.
If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow:
1. Call the coach at home (phone number is listed at bottom of game schedule).
2. If coach is not available at that time to discuss the issue, make an appointment to meet with the coach or a time to have your call returned.
3. 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 coach and can be embarrassing for the child/athlete.
The Next Step:
What a parent can do if the meeting with the coach did not provide satisfactory resolution:
1. Call and set up an appointment with the Activities/Athletic Director (447-1899) to discuss the situation.
Mount Anthony Union High/Middle School has established a variety of co-curricular activities because they teach valuable athletic, academic and life skills. Research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood, as many of the character traits required to be a successful participant mirror those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope the information provided within this plan makes both your child?s and your experience with the MAUHS/MS athletic & activities program more enjoyable.