Parent Meetings

Scott Slotten
This is my general yearly agenda for my Parent Meeting.



Introduction of staff

Summer weightlifting/summer camps

Bronc philosophy- Student Athletes, Community Leaders, Develop great young men

Lettering Policy- Travel with Varsity, Be Eligible and attend 8 games, play in at least 5 games

Team rules- Normal rules, Grade Policy, Be on time, Be Positive and have tons of energy

Playing time- JV= everyone plays, not equal time Varsity= Attitude, effort and ability, Playing time is not discussed. You may ask how your son can get better.

Parent expectations

Be Positive

Encourage him and don’t offer him excuses

Be loyal to the Program

Insist on good grades and keep after them

Problems, I want to hear from player first

Support JV team also

Make sure your kid is having fun and most of all make sure you are finding the enjoyment in watching your son

Season expectations

Fundraiser update

Clothing orders

Closing remarks/ Questions from parents

I will then talk on each of these topics. Also letting other coaches talk on different subjects that they are more involved with. I have been lucky to be at the school for 5 years and the Middle School and High School parents are all at the parents meeting, so I really am repeating myself to all of these parents for 6 years. It helps make them comfortable with my rules and guidelines.



Living in a small town makes a parent meeting a lot easier. I know almost all of my players parents and we see each other in the community. I think this has helped me with problems that arise, as we have generally already formed some kind of relationship.

Patrick Montgomery

First, I would start off the meeting by welcoming everybody and introducing myself and sharing how excited and honored I am to be the new head football coach. I would then go into a little background on myself talking about my playing and coaching past, so that the parents have a background on myself. I would then introduce my coaching staff to the parents. I would have my whole coaching staff at the meeting and say a few words about each member of the staff so that parents can put a name with a face and so that they can see who will be helping their athletes every day.



Next, I would explain my coaching philosophy and the team’s values to the parents, as well as, explain our core beliefs and principles. I want to make sure these are clearly stated to players and parents so that they are aware of the expectations. I would also go over the main principles of our program and how we approach the game, how we approach practice, the weight room and how we prepare for success. I want the parents to know about the type of culture we are implementing in our program because we want them to help reinforce these ideas at home as well. After we have talked about team culture I would tell the parents about our vision for the program and explain our goals for the off season, as well as, in season and where we want to be as a program by the end of the season. I want parents to know how we will attack offseason preparation and how we will be ready every Friday night for success because of the preparation we put in during the off season and during the season.



I will next go into the logistics and paperwork part of the meeting. I do not want to give this out before so that I can make sure I have the parents’ full attention while speaking. I will have my assistant coaches go around and pass out an off-season weight lifting and conditioning schedule, as well as, practice schedules to parents. I will then go over our game schedule for Freshman through Varsity to make sure everyone is aware of how we handle game days. I will then go over equipment that is needed such as type of cleats or under shirts, or if we are getting the players a spirit package, and what is to be worn for games. I will then point out the date on the calendar for shoulder pad and helmet fitting. I will then answer any questions parents may have about off season and season schedules, practice times, and I will cover if a player misses a practice or lifting the consequences they will face. I will end this portion by giving out my contact information and best ways to reach me.



The last part of my meeting will be asking for parent volunteers and help with fundraisers, game day activities, laundry, and team meals. I will ask all parents to support the program in any way possible and give parents the opportunity to speak up and volunteer for activities or to give ideas on how they want to help. I will also see what parents want to fill what roles on a booster committee and start putting that together. I will have a sheet for each parent to fill out with email, address, and phone number so that we can have a contact system put in place to reach all of our parents.



I would end the meeting by thanking parents for their time and again reiterate how excited I am that I get to work with their athletes and how excited I am for the upcoming season. I would then hang around and answer any questions parents have one on one and have my assistants available to answer any questions and to pick up the completed sheets.

Manuel Diaz

In my very first meeting with parents and players, this is your first impression to the community. I would want to demonstrate my organizational skills and confidence. I would start by letting them know how honored I am to be a part of their community and share facts about the school. I would then transition to my background in the sport to reassure them of the knowledge and experience I bring to the table. I would include this in a power point, I would then have a slide with my family. It is important for them to know that I am a human being and have the capacity to bring groups together and show empathy. While I am up there talking about myself I want to keep bringing it back to the program. The energy I bring is huge, because I want players to want to play for me, and parents to want their sons to play for me. I would love interactions once they know my family I want to know the players and parents as well. I will ask for volunteers to share how football or sports have played a role in their lives, perhaps a favorite memory. This is a tool I will use to show them we are a family and we will indeed get to know one another, and I look forward to creating some amazing memories with them all.



I will talk about not playing for me but rather the importance of participating in football, share statistics about players and GPA and graduation rates as well along with any other pieces of data that would make them comfortable with their son playing in the program. Safety is also an issue that needs to be touched on and why it is so important, they need to know and understand that myself and the staff will always put their son's safety first. We will always have the best medical attention and advice available to them. We will walk them through the athletic clearance process of what their child will need to complete before camp. If they need a physical team doctor information can be provided and we will set a team physical date with our team doctor.



I will then move into my vision for the program and what the community can expect to see not only on the field, but in the classroom and in the community. They need to know that our winning is not going to just happen on the field but in the classroom. I will share with them the high expectations that we will have for GPA's, 2.0 is below average for the program, the educational component needs to come first. They may not go on to play college football, but they will be prepared to continue their education if that is their choice.



Transition from Vision of the program will then lead into expectations of all. This will include what parents can expect from me, What I will expect from my coaching staff, what the expectations will be for the players and parents as well. I want to discuss the importance of accountability and communication and how it should start with the players and the coaches. If parents are always speaking for the players then the boys will never learn this trait. Parents and players will be given my outline of what it will take to be successful.



I will then go into the non football events the players will experience in the off season to increase team bonding. There are events that should bring excitement for everyone and they should want to be a part of this program for the experience. Things such as Marine training, kayaking trips in the ocean, community service, and a retreat before we open Camp. Once we built up the excitement we will then transition into the off season and summer calendar and talk about times and dates. The commitment that the players will need to make, the importance of every single practice.



IF there are every any questions parents will be given my email contact and told where they can find all information of the football website and how to access all calendars and REMIND app that will be used as well.



There is a lot more I would include to give more details as the meeting went on, but being the first meeting all of the above is really just an outline.

Terry Nielsen

A quality staff is very important to a successful program. If the staff can be united and a close nit group it really helps the function of your team. It is important to let your assistant coaches know what your expectations are for them. Below are a list of what I expect from each assistant coach.



1. Be on time and to all practices and meetings. This is important as we all need to be on the same page and have production meetings. Also each practice needs to run smoothly and we need all coaches doing their part.



2. Be prepared and have your section of the practice organized and planned. Please set up any equipment you will need for that day prior to practice.



3. Be Loyal to Head coach and to everyone involved in the program. We need to keep inside information and program issues between the staff and not allow outside noise to happen



4. Be the best Coordinator or position coach you can be. Take pride in your part of the program and have attention to detail in your daily preparation of your unit.



5. Send all concerns or comments from players or community members to the head coach. Please do not voice opinions outside of the program.



6. Be a great person and great role model to the kids. Please do not yell and cuss at players. Be fair and honest and love them up. Hold them accountable to our standard but never run off a player with how you treat them.

Austin Pink

The Pre-Season Parent Meeting is essential to starting your program off on the right foot. This is a time for the student-athletes and their parents to get to know you as a coach and understand your expectations in all facets for the upcoming season. I would make sure to hold the meeting on a date that doesn't conflict with any other sporting events going on during that time so that it gives everyone an opportunity to attend. I would have an E-Mail sent out to every student-athlete and parent regarding the meeting, and also inviting those who may have never played football before but are curious about it. As a new Head Coach you must be the biggest recruiter of your hallways. In a time where Football seems to be decreasing in numbers, it has never been more important to create an atmosphere student-athletes want to be apart of. Below are some of the key points I hit during my parent meetings. I make sure to create a sideshow so they can follow along as we go.



-What are the expectations of the Coaching staff for the program as a whole? Short -Term and Long-Term.

- What is the Coaching staffs philosophy regarding the hydration of the athletes during practices

- What is the Coaching staffs philosophy regarding grades during season and out of season?

- What is the discipline structure?



- What are the expectations of the parents?

- What are the total costs we can expect per season?

-What is the philosophy on cutting players?

- When should we take our family vacation?

- What do they need to have turned in in order to be cleared to play on day 1?

- What are off-season expectations?

- How can parents be involved?

-What does the workout program look like? Stance on Sports Supplements.

Kevin Fitzgerald

The pre-season meeting with parents of your players is a great way to establish a tone and set guidelines and expectations for the season. To begin the meeting I introduce my coaching staff and myself. I do not get into any of our “resumes” other than to point out we are all teachers at either the middle or high school, so we are educators first and understand the role of football in the educational process. In addition, I point out that all but one of our assistant coaches played in our program so while they love coaching football, they really love football and care about student-athletes.



I will then discuss items from the student-athlete handbook (which all parents must sign). These items include the academic eligibility guidelines, out of season competition rule, substance abuse policy, school attendance policy, etc.



I will then transition into football related topics. I start with discussing that when playing contact sports there is an inherent risk of injury. We discuss the safety of our equipment and that it is re-conditioned/inspected for safety each off-season. I also talk about our methods of teaching tackling. We drill proper tackling repeatedly and stress proper technique with our players. Player safety is our biggest priority.



I will then discuss a general weekly schedule for all three levels (Freshmen/JV/Varsity) and player expectations. The expectation list I share with parents and players is as follows:







Timberlane Owls Football







Player Expectations







It is expected that players attend all practices and games. Players should arrive on time and remain with the team until dismissed.







The football team is a school sponsored activity. Therefore, players are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with all school rules and policies when they are representing the football team during practices, at games and traveling on busses.







It is expected that players maintain grades that comply with TRHS standards to remain eligible for participation.











Players will be responsible for any school issued equipment or uniforms during the course of the season. All issued equipment must be returned upon completion of the season.











Players are expected to conduct themselves in the community in a manner which is responsible and appropriate as representatives of the football program and TRHS.











If players have an issue they would like addressed with regards to the football program, it is expected that the player approach the coaching staff to discuss the matter.







Players must finish the season in good standing to earn consideration by the coaching staff for a Varsity Letter.







I will discuss the process for dealing with issues that may arise during the season. Parents must understand that if an issue comes up, the first step is for the player to speak with his position coach or me. Usually, most issues can be resolved here. If not, the parent can e-mail me to set up an appointment to get clarification on the issue. I tell them I will be as honest as I can with them. They may not always like what they hear when they speak with me, but I will not mislead them.



I let them know that playing time and/or the position a player is playing is NOT up for discussion, and I will NOT meet with any parents immediately following a game. In addition, I will not entertain any “confidential” e-mails. If a parent e-mails me, I will let their player know. We as a staff work very hard to build trust with our players, and if the player learns we are communicating about him with his parents without him knowing, that trust can be compromised.



Finally, I will let parents know that we will work hard to create a positive experience and develop relationships that last a long time. When making decisions related to the team/program, we will try to be fair to each player as an individual while keeping in mind the best interests of the program as a whole. I make a point to tell them they can sit up in the stands and question my play calling or what defense we run. I do not take that personally. What I will not tolerate is them questioning that we care about their sons, or that we are fully invested in the football program.



I then turn the program over to the booster club to discuss fundraising and getting involved in the boosters’ endeavors.

Timothy Zbytniewski

The first thing shared with the parents is the overall vision, mission, and core values of the program. These three things are what will guide the program and will set it apart from others as distinctly mine. Printed copies of these three components and a code of conduct are available for the parents when they enter the meeting. This way, whenever they may have a question, they can refer to these resources to clear the air before contacting a coach.



One of the best ways to organize this meeting besides giving a printed copy of these things is to use a PowerPoint. The use of a PowerPoint and projector will enhance the experience and allow for parents to take notes as the meeting marches on. Below is an agenda to follow



Opening Statements and Greeting

Meet the Coaching Staff

Mission - Explain the mission and how it will guide the program and the choices of the coaches

Vision - Explain the vision of the program and how it will affect the experience of each player

Core Values - Explain what each value means to the program

Schedule - Talk over the current schedule, important dates for the entire program, and where parents can find these dates online

Spirit Wear and Theme Shirt - Each year, the program will have to purchase a theme shirt to wear to school on game days, explain where they can buy this shirt. Also, tell them about the team store and how parents can get their gear.

Medical Forms - Let parents know what medical forms each athlete needs to have turned in before the start of the season.

Parent's Role and Volunteer - How can the parents help throughout the season and be involved? This session will give me time to explain these opportunities and how we handle the need for communication between coaches and parents.

Player Handbook - Go through the player handbook with the parents, so they are aware of the processes available for the player and the expectations placed on them.

Questions - Give time for the parents to ask anything I may have missed.

Closing and Prayer