Both parenting and coaching are extremely challenging, as well as rewarding, vocations.  By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other, providing greater benefit to the children.  As parents, when your child(ren) 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 child’s program.

Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:

• Philosophy of the coach
• Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the team
• Locations and times of all practices and games
• Any discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation
• Expectation of parent’s role in the athletic program

Communication coaches expect from parents:

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach
• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
• Specific needs of the athlete
• Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations

As your children become involved in the programs at Trinity, they will experience some very rewarding moments.  It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way 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 child’s behavior
• Level of competition

It can be difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope.  Our coaches are not professionals.  They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be 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, such as those below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

• Playing time
• Team strategy
• Play calling
• Matters concerning 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 other’s 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 the coach:

• Call or speak to the coach to set up an appointment.
• Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a game or practice.  These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.  Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.  Please wait 24 hours before addressing such issues.

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?

• Contact and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
• At that appointment it will be determined if any further action is necessary.
• Trinity Lutheran School, in conjunction with the Athletic Department, follows the chain of command listed below.  We ask that you observe the order of this line of communication.

2. Athletic Director
3. Principal
4. School Team

Research indicates that a student involved in interscholastic athletics has a better chance for success during adulthood.  Many of the character traits required to be a successful athlete are exactly those that will promote a successful life after their playing days are over.  We hope that the information we have provided will promote positive communication between parents and coaches, and make your experience with sports less stressful and more enjoyable.