Deer Creek Schools

Parent/Coach Communication Guide

Parent / Coach Relationship:  Children are best served in their athletic experiences by understanding and respecting the position of both coaches and parents.  Clear communication between athletes, coaches and parents is an important element in any athletic program.

COMMUNICATION ATHLETES AND PARENTS SHOULD EXPECT FROM THE COACH.

·        Expectations that the coach has for the team and your child for the season.

·        Philosophy of the Coach

·        Team Selection Process

·        Team Rules and guidelines and consequences for infractions

·        Times and locations of practices and games.

·        Injury procedures

·        Lettering and awards policies for athletics

COMMUNICATIONS THAT COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS:

q       Concerns expressed directly to the coach

q       Notification of any injury or illness in a timely manner.

q       Notification of any scheduling conflicts well in advance.

As a student athlete at Deer Creek your child may experience some of the most rewarding moments of his/her life.  It is also important to understand that things may not always go as your child expects.  At these times discussion with the coach by the student athlete is encouraged.  This is an important first step to a mutual understanding.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH THE COACH:

1.  The coach's interaction with your child

2.  Any concerns about your child's interaction with others.

3.      Ways to help your child improve athletically.

The primary role of every Deer Creek coach is that of an educator.  As a parent it is sometimes difficult to accept that your child  is not playing as much as you wish.  Coaches make decisions on what is in the best interest of all student-athletes in their programs.  Certain concerns such as those previously listed are appropriate to discuss with your child's coach.  Other areas, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

¨      Team strategy

¨      Playing time

¨      Play calling

¨      Other student-athletes

Conferences are generally best resolved at the lowest level, that between the player and the coach.  Such conferences are encouraged.  When a parent-coach conference is necessary, please follow the procedure outlined below.

WHEN YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH- PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE.

1.  If the coach-athlete conference does not resolve the situation, please call the main number at the school and ask for the coach's extension.  You may also access their email through the district web site or get it from the front office.  Please only use email to set up the conference and not in place of the conference.

2.  Request a time to meet with the coach. 

3.  If the coach cannot be reached, call the District Athletic Director and request that a meeting be arranged between the parent and coach.

4.  Please do not attempt to conference a coach before or after a contest or practice.  These can be emotional times for the parent, athlete, and the coach.  Meetings of this nature usually do not promote positive relations.

THE NEXT STEP

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

1.  Call the District Athletic Director to discuss the situation.

2.      Call the Principal and schedule a meeting to discuss the situation.

3.      Final step would be with the Superintendent of Schools.

(Please do not call the members of the school board as you will be re-directed to the above process.)

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

¨      Be realistic about your child's athletic ability.

¨      Help your child set realistic goals

¨      Be an encourager at home and in the stands by emphasizing "improved performance”, not winning

¨      Don't relive your own athletic past through your child.

¨      Control your emotions at games and events.

¨      Respect your child's coaches, communicate with them in a positive way and encourage others to do the same.

¨      Be a positive role model

¨      Be responsible, sensible, and keep your priorities in order.  Much more is at stake than a win or loss.

January / 2005