Parent/Coach Communication
Department of Athletics
 

 

 

 


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 student-athletes.  As parents, when your children become involved in our athletic program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child.  This begins with clear communications from the coach of your child’s program.

 

 

Appropriate Matters to Discuss With Coaches

 

1.      The treatment of your child mentally and physically.

2.      Ways to help your child to improve their skills.

3.      Concerns about your child’s grades or behavior/game conduct.

 

Remember, our coaches are professionals.  They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for the total program.  As you have seen from the list above, certain matters can and should be discussed with your child’s coach.  An appointment should be arranged with the coach, and the Athletic Director should be notified if the problem continues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communications You Can Expect

From Our Coaches

 

  1. Philosophy of the Coach
  2. Expectations our coach has for your child as well as the squad.
  3. Locations and time of all practices and contests
  4. Team Requirements, i.e., special equipment, summer/off-season workouts, fund-raisers, etc.
  5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
  6. Discipline that results in a training rule violation.

 

 

Communication Our Coaches Can Expect

From Our 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 athletic program in Middletown, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments in their lives.  It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wish.  At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

 

 

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss

With Our Coaches

 

1.      Playing time.

2.      Team strategy.

3.      Play calling.

4.      Another Student-Athlete

 

There are situations that deem a conference between the coach and parent.  It is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the other’s position.  Call for an appointment to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.  Please do not confront a coach before, during, or after a contest or practice.  Meetings of this nature usually do not promote resolution and can be very embarrassing for all parties.

 

The Next Step

An Appointment with the Athletic Director

 

1.      Call to set up an appointment with the Athletic Director in order to discuss the situation.

2.      The Coach will be present at this meeting to share his input regarding the situation.

3.      At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.

 

Research indicates student-athletes involved in co-curricular activities have a greater chance to succeed during their adulthood.  Many character traits required to be a successful participant in sports at the interscholastic level are exactly related to their success after high school  Their dedication, loyalty and teamwork will be a valuable tool acquired in Middletown during their four years of hard work.

 

We hope the information provided makes your student-athlete’s and your own experience, as a concerned parent, one that is less stressful and provides a more enjoyable tenure in Middletown in the upcoming seasons.

 

Parent Conduct Code

PARENTS play a vital role in the development of our Student-Athletes; therefore . . .

 

1.      Be a positive role model through your actions at all contests.

2.      Support the team as a whole.

3.      Show respect to everyone involved.

4.      Be respectful of all officiating decisions.

5.      Do not instruct players during contests.

6.      Praise student-athletes in their attempts to improve themselves.

7.      Recognize and show appreciation for outstanding play for both teams.

8.      Gain an understanding and appreciation of the Rules of the Contest.

9.      Talk to Coaches only at an appropriate time and place.

10.  Reinforce our Training Rules.

11.  Help our student-athletes learn that success is measured by the development of skills, not necessarily wins and losses.

12.  Remember . . . it is a privilege to attend high school athletic contests.