Parent – Coach Communication Guide

Prepared By the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athlete Association

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing communication and understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to our student athletes. To be successful, communication is vital and requires involvement, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment from parents, student athletes, and coaches.

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD’S COACH

1. Coach’s and program’s philosophy.
2. Individual and team expectations.
3. Location and times of all practices and games.
4. Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, off season conditioning.
5. Procedure followed should your child be injured during practice or games.
6. Any 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. Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specific concerns with regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.
4. Support for the program and the attributes of dedication, commitment, and responsibility that are ingredients for success and excellence. Encourage your child to excel.

While your child is involved in interscholastic athletics, they will experience some of the most rewarding and inspiring moments of their lives. It is also important to understand that there might also 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 and develop.
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe is best for the team and all athletes involved. There are certain areas and issues that can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those below, should be left to the direction of the coach.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

1. Playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Play calling
4. Other student athletes

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH

1. Call to set up an appointment with the coach.
2. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, after, or during a practice or game. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach, and this situation does not promote resolution nor objective analysis.