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A Message to Parents of Athletes
Coach/Parent 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 our
students. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our programs,
you have the right to understand the expectations placed on your child.
This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s
team.
Communication You Can Expect
from the Coach
- Philosophy of the coach
- Expectations the coach has for your child as well
as all members of the team
- Location and times of all practices and contests
- Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment,
off-season conditioning
- Discipline that results in the denial of your
child’s participation
Communication Coaches Can
Expect from the Parents
- Concerns expressed directly to the coach
- Notification of any scheduling conflicts well in
advance
- Specific concerns regarding a coach’s
philosophy and/or expectations
As your child becomes more involved in the Programs
of Walker Valley High School, they will experience some of the most
rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand however,
that there may be times when things do not go the way of your child’s
wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Appropriate Concerns to
Discuss
- The treatment of your child mentally and
physically
- Ways to help your child improve
- Concerns about your child’s behavior
As a parent, it is very difficult to accept your
child not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They
make judgments based on what they believe to be best for all students
involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and
should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other issues, such as those
listed below, must be left to the discretion of our professional staff.
Issues Not Appropriate to
Discuss with Coaches
- Playing Time
- Team Strategy
- Play Calling
- Other Student/athletes
There are situations that arise that may require a
conference between the coach and parent. This dialogue is encouraged. It
is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the other’s
position. When a conference is necessary, the following procedure should
be used to help promote a resolution of the concern.
Procedure to use in Discussing
Concerns with Coach
- Call to set up an appointment. Meeting
times may vary.
- If the coach cannot be reached, please call Paul
Cretton, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, at (423) 336–1383.
Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or
after a contest or practice. This can be an emotional time for all
parties. Meetings in this setting usually do not promote resolutions.
The Next Step
What can a parent do if the meeting with the Coach did not provide a
satisfactory resolution?
- Call and set up an appointment with Paul Cretton,
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Walker Valley High School
- At this meeting, further appropriate steps can be
discussed and determined.
Research shows us that participation in
extra-curricular activities while in high school gives the student a
greater chance during adulthood. A recent survey of America’s CEOs
revealed that over 40% of these individuals participated in
extra-curricular activities while in high school.
We are confident that the athletic program at Walker
Valley High School will aid in the preparation of those students who
choose to participate in our programs. We are also hopeful that this
information will enhance both student and parent participation in our
athletic programs.
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