Replacing a coach with no parent communication

Parenting and coaching are both extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, you better be able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when their children are involved in any athletic program, they have the right to understand what expectations are placed on their child. This begins with clear communication from the Head coach.

Communication coaches expect from athletes & parents Any and all concerns expressed directly to the Head coach. Parents and players must notify the Head coach of any schedule conflicts in advance that keeps the athlete from attending practice. Must notify the head coach or an assistant of illness or injury as soon as possible if it's going to keep your athlete out of practice or game. As an athlete becomes involved in the football program at middle and or high school, he will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his life. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you and your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged. It is the first and most integral step to understanding and resolution.
Appropriate/Inappropriate concerns to discuss with coaches

The following topics are appropriate for discussion.

The treatment of your child.

Ways to help your child improve.

Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you had hoped. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. The three items listed below should be left to the discretion of the coach.

Playing time, positioning, and event entry.

Team strategies, game tactics, play calling.

Any discussion about other student-athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other person's position. When a conference is necessary, the following procedures should be used to help resolve any concerns.

Student-Coach — open-door policy for all coaches

Parent-Coach — done by appointment

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow is:

Call the coach to schedule an appointment.

If the coach cannot be reached, call the school athletic director; he/she will set 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 usually do not promote positive resolutions.
The next step:

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?
Call and schedule an appointment with the school athletic director to discuss the situation.
At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary

I ended up not taking that job because of some of the pitfalls involved. I took this job in Glenville, and parent interactions have been very positive to this point. The parents have been hungry for a coach who has some structure, is prepared, and has a long-range plan!