Parent-Coach Communication
Good Sportsmanship Equals Good Citizenship
We are very pleased that your son/daughter has chosen to participate in the Moses Lake Athletic Program. We will do all we can to provide a positive experience for him/her. Possibly the most important ingredient to achieve this outcome is to ensure that the lines of communication are developed to allow for free and easy resolution of questions before they become issues. As a parent, you have a right to know what expectations are placed on your son/daughter. This web page is intended to spell out all levels of communications so that parents, coaches, and athletes are aware of the steps they have available to resolve anything they think is or might become an issue.
Reminders
- If an athlete visits a physician for illness or injury, he/she must bring a doctor's note to the Certified Athletic Trainers before being allowed to return to practice or games.
- All athletes must attend half of their class periods (no unexcused absences) on the day of a contest or practice–unless previously approved by the Athletic Director.
- To remain full-time eligible, athletes must maintain a C or better grade in a minimum of seven subjects (6 for seniors).
- The use of drugs or alcohol will result in an immediate suspension. School rules and Athletic Code policy will apply.
- Any athlete who is ejected from a contest will be suspended at least until after the next contest at the same level is completed.
- Athletes may not miss a team practice or contest to participate in a non-school sporting event.
Communication from your Athlete's Coach
- Philosophy of the coach
- Expectations the coach has for your son/daughter
- Locations and times of all practices and contests
- Team requirements: equipment, off-season training, etc.
- Procedure to follow should your son/daughter become injured during participation
- Participant conduct code and consequences for not following these guidelines
- Requirements to earn a letter
- Disposition of lost/outstanding equipment at the end of the season
- Communication concerning your athlete's role on the team and how he/she fits into the future of the program
Expectations of Parents
- Concerns expressed directly to the coach first
- Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
- A specific concern in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations
As your son/daughter becomes involved in the various programs at Moses Lake, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his/her life. It is important to understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way you or your athlete wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach may be the quickest and most effective way to clear up the issue and avoid any misunderstanding.
Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With Coaches
- The treatment of your son/daughter, psychologically and physically
- Ways to help your athlete improve
- Concerns about your son's or daughter's behavior
At times it may be difficult to accept the fact that your son/daughter is not playing as much as you or he/she would like. Coaches are professionals who make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for the team and all involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your son's or daughter's coach.
We ask that other things, such as the following list, be left to the discretion of the coach.
Coaches Decisions
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Playcalling
- Matters concerning other student/athletes
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach, the athlete, and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other person's role and position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
If you have any concerns, please follow these procedures
- Your son/daughter should first talk with the coach about his/her concern.
- Call to set up an appointment with the coach through Jennifer Gaddis (766-2666 x40110).
- If the coach cannot be reached after a reasonable time, call Loren Sandhop, Athletic Director (766-2666 x40109). He will arrange an appointment for you.
- Please do not approach a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings at these times usually do not work well for the coach, the parent, or the player.
The Next Step
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 Athletic Director to discuss the situation (766-2666 x-40109).
- At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined as necessary.
Whether or not this step is ever reached, please keep in mind the following protocol when you elect to pursue a concern you may have regarding your son's or daughter's experience on one of Moses Lake's sports teams. Please make contact as follows:
- Assistant Coach (if applicable)
- Head Coach
- Athletic Director (766-2666 x-40109)
- Principal (766-2666 x-40114)
- Superintendent (766-2650)
Since research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance of success during adulthood, these programs have been established and encouraged. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.
We hope the information provided within this pamphlet helps to make the Moses Lake Athletic Program as enjoyable and positive as possible for both you and your child.
Thank you for your support!