Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult endeavors. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.
Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:
- Philosophy of the coach.
- Expectations the coach has for your child, as well as all of the players on the squad.
- Locations and times of all practices and contests.
- Team requirements (i.e., fees, rules, and special equipment)
- Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
- Discipline that results in denial of your child’s participation.
Communication coaches expect from parents:
- Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
- Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
- Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.
As your children become involved in the Guilderland Interscholastic Athletic Program, 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 wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with the coaches:
- The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
- Ways to help your child improve.
- Concerns about your child’s behavior.
It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those following, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Play calling
- Other student/athletes
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the others’ position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
Procedure to follow to discuss a concern with a coach:
- Call to set up an appointment with the head coach.
- Guilderland High School 518-861-8591 extension 4000
If the coach cannot be reached, please call the Director of Athletics at the number above and his office will arrange the meeting for you.
Please do not attempt to confront a coach before 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.
The next step:
What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide satisfactory resolution?
- Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director. The parent/guardian, coach, and Director of Athletics will meet to discuss the problem.
- At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.
Parents are encouraged to discuss issues and problems with the Director of Athletics. However, if a parent has specific complaints regarding the coach, then the coach must have the opportunity to be present to meet with the parent.