Parent / Coach Communication

Parent/Coach Relationship:
Both parenting and coaching are challenging vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to the Student-Athletes. As parents, when your Student-Athlete becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand the expectations that are placed on them. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s team.
Communication You Should Expect from Your Child’s Coach
1. Information about members of the coaching staff and which coaches may be specifically working with your Student-Athlete.
2. Expectations the coach has for your Student-Athlete as well as all the players on the team.
3. Location and times of practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, lettering requirements, special equipment, off-season conditioning, specific team rules.
5. Procedures should your Student-Athlete be injured during practice or a contest.
6. Discipline procedures that may result in the denial of your Student-Athlete’s participation.
Communication Coaches Expect from Parents
1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.
4. Specific medical problems that could adversely impact your Student-Athlete’s performance or safety.
you or your Student-Athlete wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches
1. The treatment of your Student-Athlete mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your Student-Athlete improve.
3. Concerns about your Student-Athlete’s behavior.
4. Family concerns that may have an emotional impact upon your Student-Athlete and his/her athletic participation.
It can be very difficult to accept your Student-Athlete not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all of the Student-Athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your Student-Athlete’s coach. Other things, such as the following items, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches
1. Playing time, team strategy, play calling, lineups, substitutions, and other student-athletes on the team.
Unacceptable Contact with Your Child’s Coach
1. Prior to and during practice.
2. Prior to, during, or after a contest.
These are typically either very busy times or, in the case of a contest, emotional times for all parties involved. Things can and will be said that are not meant. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
We ask that you make your contact with the coach first. Though we understand your desire to talk with the Athletic Director or Administration first, those phone calls first will be
referred to the appropriate coach.


Expectations of the The Parent or Guardian:
1. Maintain positive behavior and attitude at all athletic events involving Portage High School.
2. Know and understand the information covered in the Student-Athlete Handbook and encourage my son/daughter to abide by the Student-Athlete Handbook.
3. Encourage good sportsmanship by personally demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and game officials.
4. Treat all players, coaches, fans and officials with respect, regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.


If You Have a Concern to Discuss with a Coach, This is the Procedure You Should Follow: 1. Call the school to set up an appointment with the coach.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Department (764-6049) to help schedule the meeting.

What Can a Parent Do If The Meeting with the Coach Did Not Provide a Satisfactory Resolution?

1. Call and set up a meeting with the Athletic Director (764-6049) to discuss the situation. 2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.