Parent-Coach Communications

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 our student athletes. When your children become involved in our program, you, as a parent, have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communications from the coach of your child's program.

Communication You Should Expect from your Child's Coach

1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as the players on the squad.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, i.e. practices, special equipment, out of season conditioning.
5. Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation.
6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child's participation.

Communication Coaches Expect from Parents

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
2. Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specific concerns with regards to the coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

As your children become involved in the programs at Lafayette HS, 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

1. The treatment of your child, emotionally and physically
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child's behavior.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue or concern.

Issues That Are Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches

1. Playing Time
2. Team Strategy
3. Play Calling
4. Other Student Athletes

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make 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 be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach.

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, please follow the procedure below:

1. Call to set up an appointment. The Lafayette telephone number is 636-733-4100.
2. If a coach cannot be reached, call the athletic director and a meeting will be set up for you.
3. 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 coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
4. If the meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment with the activities director to discuss the situation