Together building better programs for the
students of Blue Mountain School District
Parent/Coach Relationship
Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. 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 children become 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 the players on the squad.
- Locations and times of all practices and contests. (Parents attendance at practices should be minimal and only with the approval of the Athletic Director inconjunction with the coach.)
- Team requirements, i.e. special equipment, off-season conditioning.
- Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
- Discipline that results in the 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 involve in the programs at Blue Mountain, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of 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 coaches
- The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
- Ways to help your child improve.
- Concerns about your child’s behavior.
It is difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be 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 listed next, 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.
These 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.
If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow is listed below.
- Call to set up an appointment.
- The Blue Mountain High School telephone numbers are: High School main office and Athletic office (570) 366-0511.
- If the coach cannot be reached, call the Co-Athletic Directors they will set up 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 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 a satisfactory resolution?
- Call and setup an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
- At this meeting the appropriate next steps can be determined.
Since research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood, these programs have been established. Many of the character traits required to be a successful partipant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope the information provided makes both your child’s and your experience with the Blue Mountain Athletic Program less stressful and more enjoyable.