Parent/Coach Communication

Parent/Coach Communication


"The Student Athlete Is First Winning is Second."


Parent Code of Conduct

  1. Ensure that your child understands that win or lose; you will love him or her.

  2. Assist your child in setting realistic goals

  3. Emphasize "improved" performance not winning.

  4. Provide a safe environment for training and competition.

  5. Control your emotions at games and events.

  6. Be a "cheerleader" for your child and other children on the team.

  7. Respect your child's coaches. Communicate with them in a positive way. Encourage others to do the same.

  8. Be a positive role model!

  9. Be sensible, responsible and keep priorities in order. There is a lot more at stake than a win or loss record.

Parent/Coach Relationship


Parenting and coaching are both 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 children. As parents, when your child is in involved in a program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on him/her. This begins with clear communication from the coach of the sport.


Communications You Should Expect From Your Child's Coach

  • Philosophy of the coach

  • Expectations and goal the coach has for your child as well as for the team/season.

  • Locations and times of all practices and contests

  • Team requirements, special equipment, strength and conditioning programs

  • Procedure if your child is injured during participation.

  • Team Rules, guidelines and consequences for infractions.

  • Lettering criteria

  • Team selection process

Communication Coaches Expect from Athletes and Parents

  • Concerns expressed directly to the coach.

  • Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance

  • Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible

As your child becomes involved in his/her programs at the middle and high school he/she will experience some of the most rewarding movements of his/her life. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you and your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged. It is the first and most integral part to understanding and resolution.

Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With Coaches

  • The treatment of your child

  • Ways to help your child improve.

  • Concerns about your child's behavior

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you hoped. Coaches are professional. They make decisions based on what is best for all student-athletes involved. As you have read from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. The four items below should be left to the discretion of the coach.

  • Playing Time

  • Team strategy

  • Play calling

  • Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important to remember that all parties have a clear understanding of the other person's position. When a conference is necessary the following procedures should be used to help resolve any concerns.

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow is:

1. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional time for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote positive resolutions.

2. Call the coach to schedule an appointment.

3. Phone number for the middle and high schools will be posted at the parent meetings.

4. If the coach cannot be reached, call the School Athletic Director, he/she will set a meeting for you.

The Next Step

  1. What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?

  2. Call and schedule an appointment with the School Athletic Director to discuss the situation. At the meeting the appropriate step can be determined if necessary.