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 involdved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communictation from the coach of your child's program.

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 squad.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team Requirements,i.e., Fees, Special Equipment, Off-season Conditioning.
5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child's participation.

Communication Coaches expect from Parents
1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
2. Noticfication of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specific concern in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.
4. Medical or physical limitations of your child.

As your children become involved in the athletic programs they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important ot understand that there are 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
1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is very 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 be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things must be left to the discrtion of the coach.

Issues NOT appropriate to discuss with Coaches
1. Playing time.
2. Team strategy.
3. Play calling.
4. Other student-athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. There 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, this is the procedure you should follow:
1. Call to set up an appointment.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director (Coach Bullock). He will set up the
meeting for you.
3. Please do not attempt to confront the 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.

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 Athletic Director or Principal to discuss the situation.
2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.
3. Every effort should be made to resolve the problem at the high school before addressing
your concerns with the District Director of Athletics.

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 pamphlet makes both your child's and your experience with the Polk County Schools athletic programs less stressful and more enjoyable.