Parent/Player/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 benefits to children. As parents, when your children become involved in the Olympic Heights Athletic Program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your student's program.
Communication You Should Expect from Your Child's Coach
- Philosophy of the coach
- Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad
- Locations and times of all practices and contests
- Team requirements, fund raising, special equipment, off-season conditioning
- Procedure, should your child be injured during participation
- Discipline that results in the denial of your child's participation
Communication Coaches Should Expect from Parents
- Communicate directly with the Head Coach
- Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
- Specific concerns with respect to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations
As your son/daughter becomes involved in the program at Olympic Heights High School, they 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 or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is strongly encouraged.
Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches
- The development of your child, mentally and physically
- Ways to help your child improve
- Concerns about your child's behavior
It is very difficult to accept your child is not playing as much as you may have hoped. Coaches are professionals. They make judgement decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. As listed above, certain things can 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
- Playing Time
- Team Strategy
- Play Calling
- Other student athletes
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent(s). These 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 areas of concern.
If You Have a Concern To Discuss With a Coach, This is the Procedure You Should Follow:
- Call to set up an appointment with the coach.
- If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director. He will arrange the meeting for you.
- 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 do not promote resolution.
The vision of Olympic Heights High School is to empower its students to achieve individual success through respect, responsibility, and a readiness to learn.
Points to Ponder
Research indicates that a student involved in extracurricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood. These programs have been established to facilitate that success. 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 the pamphlet makes both your child's and your experience with our high school athletic programs more enjoyable.
