Parent / Coach Relationship

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 a greater benefit to students. As parents, when your student-athlete becomes involved in our programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on them. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your student-athlete’s program.

6 Communication you should expect from your student-athlete’s coach:

1. Philosophy of the coach.

2. Expectations the coach has for your student-athlete as well as all 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 student-athlete be injured during participation.

6. Activities that may result in the denial of your student-athlete’s participation.

Communication coaches should 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 student-athletes become involved in the programs at Union Area Middle/High 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 student-athlete wishes. At these times, discussions with the coach are encouraged.

Issues NOT appropriate to discuss with coaches:

1. Team strategy.

2. Play calling.

3. Other student-athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent(s). 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.

Do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, 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.

In the event that a parent or spectator does physically and/or verbally attack a coach, player, and/or game personnel, coaches are directed to call 9-1-1 for Police assistance, resulting in the attacker being banned for the year or longer.

If the guilty attacker does not comply with the suspension or chooses again to physically or verbally attack another coach, player, and/or game personnel, it will result in another 9-1-1 call for Police assistance, while also being banned from all Union school activities for one full year. In addition, charges will be filed with the Police Department and the District Magistrate.