Parent/Coach Relationship
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. As parents, when your son becomes 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 son’s team.
Communication you should expect from the Athletic Department
- Game schedules
- IAC Code for interscholastic Athletics
- Directions to athletic events
- Athletic department philosophy and procedures
- Training Room Procedures
Communication you should expect from your son's coach
- Philosophy of the coach
- Expectations the coach has for your son as well as the other players on his team
- Locations and times of all practices and contests/travel information
Communication coaches should expect from parents
- Advance notification of any schedule conflict
- Specific concerns in regard to coaches’ expectations or philosophy
As your son becomes involved in the athletic program at Georgetown Prep, he will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his life. However, there will be times when your son will encounter adverse situations that may affect his attitude. It is at these times that we encourage you to speak with the coach.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with the coach
- Ways to help your son improve
- Concerns about your son’s behavior or academic progress
- The mental or physical treatment of your son
It is extremely difficult to accept that your son is not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals; they make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be in the best interest for the team and your son.
Concerns not appropriate to discuss with coaches
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Play calling
- Other student-athletes
There may be situations that require a conference between the coach and parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s positions. When these conferences are necessary, the procedures listed below should be followed to help promote a resolution of the issue or concern.
If you or your son have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure listed below should be followed:
- First, have your son speak with the coach.
- If the issue has not been resolved, make an appointment to meet with the coach.
- 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.
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 Director of Athletics to discuss the situation.
Since research indicates a student involved in athletics has a greater chance for success during adulthood, Georgetown Prep strongly supports the athletic program. Many of the character traits required to be a successful student-athlete are exactly those that will promote a rewarding life after high school. We trust the information provided here will make both your son’s and your experience with Prep’s athletic program more enjoyable and less stressful.
Director of Athletics: Dan Paro
Phone Number: 301-214-1204