Bellefonte Area School District
Parent/Coach Communication Guide

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 a greater benefit to 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 your childs program.

Communication You Should Expect From Your Childs Coach

Philosophy of the coach; Expectations the coach has for your child; Locations and times of all practices and contests, Team requirements fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning; Procedure should your child be injured during participation; Discipline that results in the denial of your childs participation.

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents

Concerns expressed directly to the coach; Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advanced; Specific concern, in regard to a coachs philosophy and/or expectations.

As your children become involved in the programs at Bellefonte High School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of 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.

Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With Coaches

The treatment of your child, mentally and physically; Ways to help your child improve; Concerns about your childs behavior.

It is difficult to accept your child's not playing as much as you hoped. Coaches are professional. They make the judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your childs coach. Other things, such as those on the following page, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues Not Appropriate To Discuss With Coaches

Playing time; Team strategy; 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 others 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 A Concern To Discuss With A Coach, You Should Follow The Procedure Below:

Call to set up an appointment; The Bellefonte Area High School telephone number is 355-4833; If the coach cannot be reached, the respective Athletic Director, will set up a meeting for you. 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. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

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; At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.

Research has indicated that a student in co-curricular activities has 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. We hope the information provided within this pamphlet is helpful. We can encourage an active, safe, and healthy participation in extracurricular activities.