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 you children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.

Communication to Expect From Coach

• Philosophy of the coach.
• Expectations for your child and all players on squad.
• Locations and times of practices and contests.
• Team requirements, i.e., fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning.
• Procedures should your child be injured during participation.
• Discipline that may result in denial of your child’s participation.

Communication Coaches Expect

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
• Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

As your children become involved in the programs at Eastern 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 your or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coach

• The treatment of your child both mentally and physically.
• Ways to help your child improve.
• Concerns about your child’s behavior.

It is 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 issues must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Inappropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coach

• Amount of playing time.
• Team strategy.
• Play calling.
• 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 have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the procedures below should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

Procedure to Follow to Discuss a Concern with Coach

• A first-hand message can be left for any coach who teaches at the high school.
• Go to the district website and e-mail the coach.
• If the coach does not work at the high school, call the athletic office, 784-4441 extension 1165, and leave a message for the coach to contact you.
• Please do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. At these times emotions run high and resolution is not promoted.

Steps to take if the Meeting with Coach did not Provide a Satisfactory Resolution

Call the Athletic Director and make an appointment to discuss the situation. At this meeting further appropriate steps can be determined.

Why Athletics?

Because research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood, we promote and encourage participation in interscholastic athletics. Many of the character traits required to be a contributing sports participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.

We trust that the information provided in this pamphlet makes the experience of you and your child with the Eastern High School athletic program rich, rewarding, and less stressful.