Parent-Coach Communication
Relationship
Parenting and coaching can be tough. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to our student-athletes. As parents, when your son becomes involved in our program you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coaches.
Communication you should expect from the Gonzaga Athletic Department
- Game schedules
- WCAC Code for High School Athletics
- Directions to athletic events
- Athletic department philosophy and procedures
- Weight & Training Room Procedures
Communication you should expect from your son’s coach
- Philosophy of the coach
- Expectations the coach has for your son as well as the other players on his team
- Locations and times of all practices and contests/travel information
Appropriate concerns to discuss with the coach
- Ways to help your son improve
- Concerns about your son’s behavior or academic progress
- The mental or physical treatment of your son
It is extremely difficult to accept that your son is not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals; they make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be in the best interest for the team and your son.
Concerns NOT appropriate to discuss with coaches
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Play calling
- Other student-athletes
There may be situations that require a conference between the coach and parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s positions. When these conferences are necessary, the procedures listed below should be followed to help promote a resolution of the issue or concern.
- First, have your son speak with the coach.
- If the issue has not been resolved, make an appointment to meet with the coach.
- Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.
What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?
- Call and set up an appointment with the Director of Athletics to discuss the situation.
Since research indicates a student involved in athletics has a greater chance for success during adulthood, we at Gonzaga strongly supports the athletic program. Many of the character traits required to be a successful student-athlete are exactly those that will promote a rewarding life after high school.
-Parents are asked not to attend practice!
Few items for thought
1. Realize that the parents represent Gonzaga.
2. Recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than victory by approving and applauding good team play, individual skill, and outstanding examples of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited by either team.
3. Recognize that since the primary purpose of high school athletics is to promote physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the players through the medium of contests, victory or defeat is in reality of secondary importance.
4. Treat visiting teams and officials as guests extending to them every courtesy.
5. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
6. Respect the judgment and integrity of the officials, realizing that their decisions are based upon game conditions as they observe them.
7. Have no noisemakers during indoor interscholastic athletics.