Parent/Coach Communication

Parent/Coach Relationship

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult roles. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to all of our student-athletes. As parents, when your student-athlete becomes involved in one of our programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your student-athlete. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your student-athletes program.

Communication You Should Expect From Your Student-Athletes Coach

  1. Philosophy of the coach.
  2. Expectations the coach has for your student-athlete, as well as all of the players on the team.
  3. Locations and times of all practices and events.
  4. Team rules and requirements, i.e., equipment needs, additional costs, specific sports/teams rules.
  5. Procedures followed should your student-athlete be injured during participation.
  6. Discipline that results in the denial of your student-athletes participation.

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents

  1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
  2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
  3. Specific concern in regards to a coaches philosophy and/or expectations.

As your student-athlete becomes involved in Maple School Athletic Programs, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives.  It is also important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way your or your student-athlete desires.  At these times, discussion with the coach may be necessary.

Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With Your Student-Athletes Coach:

  1. The treatment of your student-athlete, mentally or physically.
  2. Ways to help your student-athlete improve.
  3. Concerns about your student-athletes behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your student-athletes not playing or not receiving their choice of starting position. Coaches are professionals.  They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved.  As noted in the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your student-athletes coach.  Other topics, such as the ones listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss With Coaches

  1. Playing time
  2. Starting positions
  3. Team strategy
  4. Play calling
  5. Other student-athletes

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

If You Have A Concern, Please Follow The Procedures Listed Below:

  1. Call/email the coach to set up an appointment.
  2. Maple School's Phone Number is (847) 400-8900.
  3. If the coach cannot be reached, please call the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Betty Holzkopf. Mrs. Holzkopf will assist in setting up the meeting for you.  Maple's Athletic Director, Mrs. Jill Rathge may also be of assistance during the process.  
  4. Please do not attempt to discuss the issue before, during or after a practice or event.  These can be emotional times for the parent, player and the coach.  Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

What Can A Parent Do If The Meeting With The Coach Did Not Provide A Satisfactory Resolution:

  1. Call and set up an appointment with the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
  2. At this meeting the appropriate next steps can be determined.

Research indicates a student involved in extra-curricular activities has a greater chance of success during adulthood.  Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life as they move into young adulthood and beyond.

We hope that the information provided will assist all involved in Maple Athletics enjoy their experience.