The Parent-Coaching Relationship

Expectations and communications

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult undertakings. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to our children. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our athletic program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on them. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program.

Communications You Should Expect From The Coach

1.) The philosophy of the coach and athletic department.

2.) Expectations and goals the coach has for your child as well as for the team season.

3.) Locations and times of all practices and contests.

4.) Team requirements and special equipment.

5.) Procedures if your child is injured during participation.

6.) Team rules, guidelines and consequences for infractions.

7.) The Team selection process.

Communications Coaches Expect From Athletes/Parents

1.) Your concerns expressed directly to the coach.

2.) Notification of any schedule conflicts far in advance.

3.) Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible.

As your child becomes involved in the athletic programs at Hudtloff Middle School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their life. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child want them to. At these times, discussions with the coach are encouraged. It is the first and most integral step to understanding and resolution of any problem or misunderstanding.

Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With The Coaches

1.) The treatment of your child.

2.) Ways to help your child improve.

3.) Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept that your child may not be playing as much as you hope. Coaches are professionals and make decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all student-athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can 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:

- Playing time
- Team Strategy
- Play Calling
- Other Student-Athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between coach and player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that all parties have a clear understanding of the other person's position. When a conference is necessary, the following procedures should be used to help resolve any concerns:

a.) Contact the coach to set up an appointment.

b.) If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director. He will set up a meeting for you.

c.) Please do not attempt to confront a coach during practice or before and/or after a contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature usually do not promote positive resolutions. Coaches also have supervisory responsibilities after these events and should not be deterred from these responsibilities after a contest or practice.

The Next Step

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory solution?

1.) Contact the Athletic Director to discuss your problem or set up an appointment.

2.) Be as accurate as possible concerning the problem you have. Ensure that you have as many names, dates, times, and specifics as possible to assist the Athletic Director with your problem.

3.) Realize that like the student-athlete, many of the coaches have academic priorities and responsibilities that will take priority over athletic concerns. We will attempt to resolve your problem as quickly as possible, but it may not be as quickly as you would like it to be.

Parent Code Of Conduct

1.) Make sure that your child understands that win or lose, you still love them.

2.) Be realistic about your child's physical abilities.

3.) Help your child set realistic goals.

4.) Emphasize "improved" performance and "personal best" , not winning.

5.) Provide a safe environment for training and competition.

6.) Don't relive your own athletic past through your child.

7.) Control your emotions at games, events, and practices. Be a good role model!

8.) Be a "cheerleader" for your child and the other student-athletes on both teams.

9.) Respect the coaches and officials. Communicate with them in a positive manner and encourage others to do the same.

10.) Be a positive role model, Your child looks up to you more than anyone else. Set the example by the way you handle positive and negative events.