CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION GUIDE

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP:

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

It is important to remember that the 1^st link in the communication network is the one established between coach and student.  Encourage your child to speak directly with his/her coach with concerns and questions.

COMMUNICATION YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE COACH:

• Philosophy of the coach.
• Expectations the coach has for members of the team.
• Locations and times of all practices and contests.
• Team requirements; i.e.: fees, special equipment, off season conditioning.
• Procedures should your child be injured during practices or contests.
• Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation.

COMMUNICATION COACHES CAN EXPECT FROM PARENTS:

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
• Notification of any potential schedule conflicts well in advance.
• Specific concerns regarding a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

As your child becomes more involved in the programs of Cathedral High School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives.  However, it is important to understand there 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:

• Treatment of your child mentally and physically.
• Ways to help your child improve.
• Concerns about your child’s behavior.

As a parent, it is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope.  Coaches are professionals.  They make judgments based on what they believe to be best for all students involved.  As you see above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach.  Other issues, such as those below, must be left to the discretion of our professional staff.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES:

• PLAYING TIME.
• Team strategy.
• Play calling and game strategy.
• Other student-athletes.

There are situations that arise that may require a conference between the coach and parent.  This dialogue is encouraged.  It is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the others position.  When a conference is necessary, the following procedure should be used to help promote a resolution of the concern:

1. Call or e-mail the coach to set up an appointment.

2.  If the coach cannot be reached, please contact the athletic director and they will make sure the coach contacts you.

3.  PLEASE do not attempt to initiate a discussion or confront a coach after a contest or practice.  This can be an emotional time for all parties.  Meetings in this setting usually do not promote resolution.

THE NEXT STEP:

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

1. Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation further with you, your son or daughter, the coach, and the A.D.

At this meeting, further appropriate steps can be discussed and determined.