Parent/Coach Communication

Parent/Coach Communication

Message from the Athletic Director

As your children become involved in the athletic programs offered by Penn Manor, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. Many of the character traits required to be a successful athlete are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. However, we understand that there will be times when things may not go as you or your son/daughter expected and that communication with the coaching staff is essential. It is these times, that parental understanding and guidance is critical in shaping your child’s attitude and behavior.
As parents, when your children become involved in our various programs, you have the right to understand the expectations placed on your children. This begins with clear communication from the coaches.
It is the responsibility of the coach to provide you with the following information:

  • His or her coaching philosophy
  • His or her expectations
  • Locations and time of practices (as determined by the coaching staff)
  • Team requirements
  • Procedures
  • Discipline procedures resulting from sports infractions including violations of the Code of Conduct

It is sometimes very difficult as parents, to accept that your children are not playing as you had hoped. For example, they may not be seeing as much playing time as you had expected. However, our coaches are professionals. They make coaching decisions based on what they believe to be the best for the team and all the athletes involved.
As parents, you are encouraged to engage in discussions with your child’s coach. The following items would be considered appropriate items for discussion:

  • Ways to help your child use his or her assets, both mentally and physically
  • Ways to help your child improve
  • Concerns about your child’s behavior

The following issues are inappropriate to discuss with your child’s coach:

  • Playing time
  • Team strategy
  • Play calling
  • Other student athletes on the team

As parents, you are encouraged to request a conference with the coach if you have appropriate concerns or questions, however, please do not approach a coach before or after a practice or contest to request a meeting. These can be emotional times for both parents and the coaching staff. Meetings during these times often do not bring resolution. It is important that meetings be scheduled and planned by both parties. Please call or e-mail a coach to request a meeting. It is important that both the coach and parent have a clear understanding of each other’s role. When a conference is necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue or concern.
1. Player should request a meeting with coach to address concern. If possible there should be 2 coaches in the meeting.
2. If parent(s) and player do not feel the concern was addressed, the parent(s) may schedule a meeting with the coaches. Parent(s), player and coaches should attend.
3. If parent(s) and player do not feel the concern was addressed completely the parent(s) may schedule a meeting with the Athletic Director. All of the participants must be in attendance with Athletic Director.
4. If the parent(s) and player do not feel the concern was addressed completely the parent(s) may schedule a meeting with the High School Principal. All participants in (3) should be in attendance with Principal, who is final arbiter
If a parent or community member has a question or concern regarding a general athletic issue or procedure, they should first address the Athletic Director.
We hope the information included in this brochure will help you and your child to have a rewarding experience. Please feel free to contact the Athletic Director if you have any questions.