South Lake Schools

Untitled Document

SOUTH LAKE CAVALIERS

Guide for Parent/Coach Communication

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP

Both parenting and coaching can be exciting, rewarding, and sometimes challenging roles. By understanding each other's perspective, we are better able to accept and appreciate the actions of the other. As parents, when your children become involved in the athletic program, you have a right to understand what the expectations are for your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach.

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD'S COACH

1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectations the coach has for your child, as well as all the players.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements (i.e.: fees, insurance, student academic standards, special equipment, off-season conditioning), etc.
5. What will be done if your child is injured during participation.
6. Discipline that could result in the denial of your child's participation.
7. Athletic Department Policies and Rules Handbook.

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance of practice and contests.
3. Specific concern in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

It is our hope that as your child becomes more involved in the programs with the South Lake Schools, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments in their lives. There may also be times when things do not go the way you or your child expected or you have questions about a situation. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

The emotional or physical treatment of your son/daughter.
Ways to help your' child improve.
Concerns about your child's health, behavior, attitude, etc.
Academic support and college opportunities.

It is sometimes difficult to accept that your child is not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals· and they make judgments based on what they believe to be best for all students involved.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

Playing time
Team strategy
Play calling
Other student-athletes and/or coaches.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are encouraged, as it is important that both parties involved have a clear understand of the other's position.

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE:

First, encourage your son or daughter to meet with their coach to address any concerns directly.
In the event of a concern with a coach that can't be resolved by a coach/athlete meeting, first contact the coach for an appointment to meet in person.
In the event that a personal meeting or conversation with a coach does not resolve the matter, contact the Athletic Director at 586-435-1441 to schedule a meeting.
In the event that a meeting with the Athletic Director does not resolve the issue, the director of Athletics will schedule a meeting involving the principal, coach, athletic director, and parents.

South Lake is proud to be a member of the MHSAA - Michigan High School Athletic Association and the Macomb Area Conference