PARENT COACH RELATIONSHIP:

Parenting and coaching are both extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when your child is involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on him/her. This begins with clear communication from the coach of the sport.

COMMUNICATIONS YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD'S COACH :

1. Philosophy of the coach.

2. Expectations and goals the coach has for your child as well as for the team/season.

3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.

4. Team requirements, special equipment, strength and conditioning programs.

5. Procedure if your child is injured during participation.

6. Team rules, guidelines and consequences for infractions.

7. Lettering criteria.

8. Team selection process.

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM ATHLETES & PARENTS

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.

2. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance.

3. Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible.

As your child becomes involved in his/her programs, he/she 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 and your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged. It is the first and most integral step to understanding and resolution.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

1. The treatment of your child.

2. Ways to help your child improve.

3. Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you had hoped. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. The four items listed below should be left to the discretion of the coach.

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 player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other person's position. When a conference is necessary, the following procedure should be used to help resolve any concerns.

1. Student-athlete - open-door policy for all coaches.

2. Parent-Coach - by appointment only.

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH, THE PROCEDURE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW IS:

1. Call the coach to schedule an appointment.

2. Phone number for Westfield High School is 281-891-7130.

3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director, Corby Meekins. He will set a meeting for you.

4. 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 usually do not promote positive resolutions.

THE NEXT STEP

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

1. Call and schedule an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.

2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined if necessary.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Ensure that your child understands that win or lose, you love him or her.

2. Assist your child in setting realistic goals.

3. Emphasize improved performance, not winning.

4. Provide a safe environment for training and competition.

5. Control your emotions at games and events.

6. Be a cheerleader for your child and other children on the team.

7. Respect your child's coaches. Communicate with them in a positive way. Encourage others to do the same.

8. Be a positive role model.

Be sensible, responsible and keep your priorities in order.

There is more at stake than a win or loss record.