SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

PARENT/COCH COMMUNICATION PLAN

COMMUNICATION OF ATHLETIC CONCERNS:

Good communication is critical in athletic situations. A communication plan is in place to assist and to improve communication between parents, coaches and administrators, ultimately for the benefit of the student.

Involvement in athletics and activities will allow the students to experience some of the most rewarding times of their lives. However, there will likely be times when things don’t go their way or they disagree with a coach. It is important that students and parents realize these difficult situations are as much a part of the learning experience as are the good times.

The coaches work hard to do the best they can for all of their athletes, and we ask the students and parents to respect the fact that their decisions are often extremely difficult, and are made based on factors of which students and parents may not be aware. The student, not the parent, is strongly encouraged to talk to the coach about any issues or problems that arise during the season. This is not only the most direct and productive means of communication, but also a valuable method of teaching responsibility.

Communication the parent should expect from your child’s coach:

1) Philosophy of the coach

2) Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad

3) Locations and times of all practices and contests

4) Team requirements, i.e. practices, special equipment, out of season conditioning

5) Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation

6) Discipline that may result I the denial of your child’s participation

Communication coaches expect from parents:

1) Concerns expressed directly to the coach

2) Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance

3) Specific concerns with regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations

It is recognized that situations may arise where parents find it necessary to raise a concern with a coach, and it is imperative the parent(s) adhere to the following communication guidelines:

Appropriate Concerns to discuss with coaches:

1) The treatment of your child, mentally and physically

2) Ways the parent can help the child improve

3) Concerns about your child’s behavior

Parent/Coach Communication Plan (continued)

It can be 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, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach:

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

1) Playing Time

2) Play Calling

3) Team Strategy

4) 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 had a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue or concern:

Protocol for registering concerns:

1) Contact the coach first, to set up a meeting, coaches can be reached through the South Burlington High School Activities Department (652-7005).

2) If the coach cannot be reached, contact the Director of Student Activities, and a meeting will be set up for you.

3) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT A COACH BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER A PRACTICE OR CONTEST. THESE CAN BE EMOTIONAL TIMES FOR BOTH PARTIES. MEETINGS OF THIS NATURE DO NOT PROMOTE RESOLUTION.

The Next Step:

What a parent can do if the meeting with eh coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution:

1) Call and set up an appointment with the Director of Student Activities

(652-7005) to discuss the situation.

South Burlington High School has established a variety of co-curricular activities because they teach valuable athletic, academic and life skills. Research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood, as many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.

We hope the information provided within this plan makes both your child’s and your experience with the South Burlington High School athletic/activity program more enjoyable.