Parent / Coach Communications
PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP
Both parenting and coaching are extremely challenging vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program.
COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD'S COACH
1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectations the coach has for your child, as well as all the players on the squad.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, i.e., fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning.
5. Procedure should your child be 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.
As your children become involved in the programs at St. Michael's School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. This can be an important life lesson to help your child's experience be as positive as possible. If you feel this to be a coaching issue, 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. The role of coaching is also a difficult one. Coaches make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be 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, such as those listed below, 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's 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 A COACH, THIS IS THE PROCEDURE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW:
1. Email the coach to set up an appointment.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, email or call the Sport Coordinator.
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 the coach. Meetings of this nature 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 the Athletic Director at 708-873-4657. The Athletic Director will bring the issue to the Grievance Committee, which consists of members of the Athletic Board. This Committee will likely hold a meeting where both parties can present their views, and then the Committee will make a final decision on how to move forward.
2. The decision that is made will be final. The considerations of all current and future SMS athletes will take precedent.
Since research indicates a student involved in extra-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood, these programs have been established. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful future for these student-athletes. We hope the information provided here makes both your child's and your experience with the St. Michael's School Athletic program less stressful and more enjoyable.
