A Guide to Parent / Coach Communication

1. Porter Township School Corporation Boone Grove Athletic Department A Guide to Parent / Coach Communication

2. Research indicates that a student involved in extracurricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are those that promote a successful life after high school. The Porter Township Schools athletics program provides a variety of experiences to aid in the development of favorable habits and attitudes in students. We hope the information provided in this presentation will enhance both your child’s and your experience in our athletics program.

3. Parent & Coach Relationship Both parenting and coaching are difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to the student athlete. As a parent, when your child becomes involved in our athletic program, you have a right to understand the expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s team.

4. Communication You Can Expect FromOur Coaches • Sound coaching philosophy. • Coach’s expectations of the student athlete and the team. • Locations and times of practices and contests. • Procedures for handling injuries. • A list of team expectations/rules. • Team requirements: i.e. fees, special equipment, etc. • Principles of sportsmanship, ethics, good behavior, etc.

5. Communication Coaches Can Expect From Parents • Concerns expressed directly to the coach. • Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance. • Support of the coach’s sportsmanship efforts. As your child becomes involved in our athletics program, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. However, it is important to understand that there may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

6. Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches • The treatment of your child mentally and physically. • Ways to help your child improve. • Concerns about your child’s behavior. As a parent, it is difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you wish. Coaches are professionals. They make judgments based on what they believe is best for all student athletes. As you can see from the above list, certain topics can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other issues must be left up to the discretion of our professional staff.

7. Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches • Playing time • Team strategy • Play calling and offenses and defenses. • Other student athletes There are situations that arise that may require a conference between the coach, the student athlete and/or the parent. This dialogue is encouraged. It is important that all parties have a clear understanding of the others position. When a conference is necessary, the following procedure should be used to help promote a resolution of the concern.

8. Procedure to Use in Discussing Concerns with a Coach • Student athlete approaches the coach with any appropriate concern. If they are not satisfied: • Parent should contact the coach and set up an appointment to discuss any appropriate concern. • PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT to confront the coach before or after the contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parents and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not generally result in a profitable outcome. • Also, PLEASE do not call the coach at home.

9. What to do if the Meeting with the Coach Does Not Provide a Satisfactory Solution • Call to set up an appointment with the Athletics Director and Coach to discuss the situation. • At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.

10. Boone Grove Athletic Department Kerrie Schludecker, Athletic Director kerrie.schludecker@ptsc.k12.in.us Sandy Pauer, Athletic Secretary sandy.pauer@ptsc.k12.in.us Phone: 219-306-8600 /219-476-3455 FAX: 219-306-8659 260 S. 500 W. Valparaiso, IN 46385 Web site: www.ptsc.k12.in.us