Parent Coach Contract

Arbor Ridge School Parent / Coach Communication
Information

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 benefit to the students. As parents, when your student becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your student. This begins with clear communication from the coach of the particular sport your student is participating in.

Communication You should Expect from your Student’s Coach

  1. Philosophy of the coach

  2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as the other players on the squad

  3. Location and times of all practices and games

  4. Team requirements i.e. Fees, Special equipment off season conditioning

  5. Procedures should your child me injured during participation

  6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents

  1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach

  2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance

  3. Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations

  4. Medical or physical limitations of your child

As your child becomes involved in the athletic programs they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there are also many 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

  1. The treatment of your child mentally and physically

  2. Ways to help your child improve

  3. Concerns about your child’s behavior

It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment 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 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 may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

If You Have A Concern To Discuss With The Coach, This Is The Procedure You Should Follow.

  1. Call or email and set up an appointment

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

  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. Meeting of this nature do not promote resolution.

What Can A Parent Do If The Meeting With The Coach Does Not Provide A Satisfactory Resolution?

  1. Call or email the Athletic Director or Principal to set up an appointment to discuss the situation.

  2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.

  3. Every effort should be made to resolve the issue at the school level before addressing your concerns with the District Director of Athletics.