Parent Letter           Parent/Coach Relationship

Parent – Coach Relationship

Both parenting and coaching are very difficult vocations.  By establishing an understanding of each person’s role, we will be better able to accept the actions of the other and provide great benefits to children participating in Interscholastic Athletics.  When your child(ren) become involved in our sports program, you should have an understanding of what expectations are placed on your child.  This begins with clear communication from the coaches of your child’s program.

Communication you may expect from your child’s coach

1. Philosophy of the coach
2. Expectations that the coach has for your child as well as for the participants on the team
3. Location and times of all practices and contests
4. Team requirements (i.e., fees, special equipment, attendance, etc.)
5. Procedure should your child be injured during a practice/contest
6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation

Communications coaches expect from parents

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach
2. Notifications of any schedule conflicts well in advance
3. Specific concerns in regard to coach’s philosophy and/or expectations
4. Health related issues that may impact child’s ability to participate.

As your child becomes involved in programs at Wayland-Cohocton School, 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 necessarily go the way that you or your child may wish.  At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with the coach

1. The treatment of your child mentally and physically
2. Ways to help your child improve (i.e., attendance at camps, summer leagues, etc.)
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior

It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you and your child may hope.  Coaches are professionals.  As such, they make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all athletes involved as well as the team as a whole.  There are bound to be areas where you as a parent disagree with a coach’s decision.  While the issues above are appropriate to be discussed with the coaches, certain things must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues NOT appropriate to discuss with coaches

1. Team strategy
2. Play calling
3. Amount of playing time
4. Other student athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and a parent.  These are to be encouraged, since it is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position.  When such a conference is necessary or desired, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

Procedure to follow to discuss an issue with a coach

1. Call the coach at Wayland-Cohocton School (728-2366) to discuss the issue with the coach or to arrange an appointment to meet with the coach.
2. If the coach cannot be reached at school, call the Athletic Director, Mr. Brownell, to arrange an appointment to discuss or meet with the coach.
3. Do not attempt to confront a coach before, during or after a contest or practice.  These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.  Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution of issues.

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

1. Call the Athletic Director, Mr. Brownell, to discuss the issue and possibly arrange a meeting with the parent, coach and athletic director.
2. If this step does not provide solution, then a meeting with the secondary principal, athletic director, parent and coach may be arranged.

We sincerely hope that this information will assist in making your and your child’s experiences with the Wayland-Cohocton Central School Athletic Department more enjoyable and rewarding!

PARENTS MUST SIGN THE ATTACHED SHEET WHICH WILL INDICATE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AND READ THIS COMMUNICATION.  PLEASE RETURN THE SIGNED SHEET TO YOUR CHILD’S COACH WITHIN ONE WEEK OF RECEIPT.

ATHLETES MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE OR PARTICIPATE IF THIS SHEET IS NOT RETURNED TO THEIR COACH BY THAT TIME.

THANK YOU!!!