SCHUYLKILL VALLEY PARENT-COACH COMMUNICATION PLAN

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult but rewarding endeavors. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to children. As parents, when your child becomes involved in district programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach.

Communication you should expect from your child’s coach

1. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all players on the squad

2. Locations and times of all practices and contests

3. Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, out-of-season conditioning

4. Discipline that may result in 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

As your child becomes involved in the programs of the Schuylkill Valley School District, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their scholastic career. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches

1. The treatment of your child

2. Ways to help your child improve

3. Concerns about your child’s behavior

4.  Concerns with the coaches behavior

It may be very difficult to accept that your child does not play as much as you may hope. Please understand that coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved in the sport and the team as a whole. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach when situations warrant. Other issues, such as those that follow must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches

1. Playing time

2. Team strategy

3. Other student-athletes on the team on those previously on the team.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the others’ position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue or concern.

If there is a concern to discuss with a coach, please follow this procedure:

1. Please encourage your child to speak directly with the coach. Many times the matter can be addressed at that time.

2. Call to set up an appointment with the coach at a mutually agreeable time and place.

3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director. She will assist you in arranging a meeting.

4. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for the athlete, parent and coach. Meetings at this time do not promote a resolution and coaches are not authorized to hold parent discussions during these times.

5. If the meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.

Expectations of Parent / Guardian

1. Support your student athlete’s effort toward success, regardless of the outcome, playing time or wins and losses.

2. Work to promote a positive environment that is conducive to the development of your student-athlete.

3. Become familiar with, and review the rules and regulations of the school, the sport and the PIAA with your child.

4. Communicate any concerns in a timely manner.

5. Treat all athletic personnel with courtesy and respect, and insist that your student athlete do the same.

Research indicates that students involved in co-curricular activities have a greater chance for success during adulthood and perform better academically during their middle school and high school years. Many character traits required to be successful participants in athletics are exactly those that will lead to success in life after high school, which is the reason for the existence of Schuylkill Valley’s athletic program.

The school district’s mission is to provide a positive educational experience for our student-athletes. We hope the information provided here is helpful and that your experience with the Schuylkill Valley School District athletic program is enjoyable and productive.