Parent/Coach Relationship
Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult roles. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the other’s actions and provide greater benefit to the students.
As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have the right to understand the expectations placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’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 team
- Locations and times of all practices and contests
- Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning
- Procedures should your child be injured during participation
- Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation
Communication Coaches Expect From Parents
- Concerns expressed directly to the coach
- Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
- Specific concerns in regard to the coach’s philosophy and/or expectations
As your children become involved in the programs at Upper Perkiomen, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments in 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 encouraged by both the athlete and the parents.
Appropriate Concerns to Discuss With Coaches
- Treatment of your child, mentally and physically
- Ways to help your child improve
- Concerns about your child’s behavior
It is difficult to accept that your child may not be playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe is 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 items should be left to the coach’s discretion.
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. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position.
When these conferences become necessary, the procedure below should be followed to help promote a resolution for the issue of concern.
If You Have a Concern to Discuss With a Coach
- Call the coach to set up an appointment.
- If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director, Mr. Robert Kurzweg III, at 215-679-5935 ext. 7133 to set up the meeting for you.
- Please do not attempt to confront the 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.
What a Parent Can Do If the Meeting With the Coach Did Not Provide a Satisfactory Resolution
- Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
- At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.
Since research indicates that students involved in co-curricular activities have a greater chance of success in adulthood, the Upper Perkiomen School District has established such programs. Many of the character traits required to be successful participants are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.
We hope the information provided within this guide makes both your child’s and your experience with the Upper Perkiomen Athletic program less stressful and more enjoyable.