• Parent-coach relationship

    Parenting and coaching are both important roles. When we understand each other, we can better support students. As a parent, you have the right to clear information about your child’s athletic experience. This starts with communication from the coach, athletic director, and school.

    What to expect From your child’s coach

    Your child’s coach will share:

    • The coaching philosophy

    • Goals and expectations for your child, the team, and the season

    • Locations and times for practices and games

    • Team requirements, equipment needs, and conditioning programs

    • Steps to follow if your child is injured

    • Team rules, guidelines, and consequences

    • Lettering criteria

    • How the team is selected

    • Eligibility requirements, including attendance

    • How to care for school-issued equipment

    What coaches expect from parents and athletes

    Coaches appreciate:

    • Sharing concerns directly with them

    • Notifying them ahead of any schedule conflicts=

    • Letting them know as soon as possible about illness or injury

    When to talk with a coach

    Your child will have many rewarding experiences in athletics. Sometimes, situations may not go as you hoped. When this happens, start by talking with the coach. This is the best first step toward understanding and resolving concerns.

    How to share a concern

    1. Call or email the coach to set up a meeting.

    2. If you can’t reach the coach, call the school’s athletic director to help schedule a meeting.

    3. Avoid approaching the coach before or after a game or practice. These are emotional times, and meetings then are less likely to be productive.

    Topics you can discuss with coaches

    These topics are appropriate to talk about:

    • How your child is treated

    • Ways to help your child improve skills

    • Concerns about your child’s behavior

    Topics coaches will not discuss

    Coaches will not discuss:

    • Playing time, positions, or event entries

    • Team strategies, tactics, or plays

    • Other student-athletes

    Helpful links