Athletics Information
Parent/Coach Responsibilities
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 benefit to the children. As parents, when your 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 the child’s program.
Communication that you should expect from your child’s coach includes:
- Philosophy of the coach
- Location and times of all practices and contests
- Team requirements (e.g. practices, special equipment, out-of-season
conditioning)
- Procedure to be followed should your child be injured during
participation
- Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation
Communication that coaches expect from parents includes:
- Concerns expressed directly to the coach
- Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
As children become involved in the programs at Stamford High School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important that they understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way they wish. Parents are invited to talk with the coaches about:
- The treatment of their child
- Ways to help their child improve
- Concerns about a child’s attitude
- Academic support and college opportunities
It is difficult to accept the fact that your child may not play as much or in the position you may like. Coaches are professional. They make decisions and judgments based on what is best for the whole team.
As mentioned above, there are certain things that should be discussed; other things, however, should be left to the discretion of the coach.
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. The following procedure should be followed:
- The parent should call the school and set up an appointment.
- If the coach cannot be reached, a call should be placed to the Athletic Director. He will have the coach contact the parent.
- Parents should not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both parents and coaches. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolutions. If
a meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution, parents may contact the Athletic Director.
Research indicates that students involved in co-curricular activities have a greater chance for success during adulthood. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. For this reason, we encourage active participation by everyone in our athletic programs.
