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 team.
Communication you should expect from you child's Coach
1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as the players on the team.
3. Locations and times of all practices and tournaments.
4. Team Requirements- Fees, Special Equipment, Off-season Conditioning.
5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
Communication Coaches expect from Parents
1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach, not other parents or participants.
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Medical or physical limitations of your child.
As your children become involved in any athletic program they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand
that there may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.
It is very difficult to accept your child's not playing as much as you may
hope. Our Coaches are volunteers. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all players involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with
your child's coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues NOT appropriate to discuss with Coaches
1. Playing time.
2. Team strategy.
3. Play calling.
4. Other student-athletes.
Appropriate Concerns to discuss with Coaches
1. Ways to help your child improve.
2. Concerns about your child's behavior.
There are situations that may require a
conference between the coach and the parent. 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, this is the procedure you should follow:
1. Call to set up an appointment.
2. If the coach
cannot be reached, call the Director (Ann Morris). She will set up the meeting for you.
3. Please do not attempt to confront the coach before or after a game or practice. These can be emotional times for both
the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
What can a parent do if the meeting with the Coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution?
1. Call and set up an
appointment with the Director or Club Board Members to discuss the situation.
2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.
Since research indicates a student involved in extra-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 participant are exactly those that will promote success
after high school. We hope the information provided within this document makes both your child's and your experience with Pirate Volleyball less stressful and more enjoyable.
