Parent Agreement
2008-2009
As the parent/guardian of a
student-athlete, I understand the important role sports can the play in
development of a child/player’s character.
I also understand that the highest potential of sports is achieved when
everyone involved in an athletic program, including parents, works in concert
to pursue team achievements.
Both parenting and coaching are extremely important occupations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to players. As parents, when your children become involved in a program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child and yourself. This begins with clear communication from the coach and the child’s program.
Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:
1) Philosophy of the coach
2) Locations and times of all practices and contests
3) Team requirements: e.g., practices, special equipment
4) Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation
5) Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation
Communication coaches expect from parents:
1) Concerns expressed directly to the coach (at the appropriate times)
2) Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
As your children become involved in the programs with WVJ, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important that they understand that there might be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Examples:
1) Ways
to help your child’s improvement
2) Concerns
about your child’s attitude
3) Academic
support, college opportunities
4) The
treatment of your child
It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much or where you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They will make decisions based on what they believe to be best for the team and its players as a whole. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things should be left to the discretion of the coach.
Examples:
1)
Team strategy
2)
Other students, players or athletes
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote resolution:
Communication procedures:
1) Call coach to set up an appointment.
2) If the coach cannot be reached, call the club director. A meeting will be set up for you.
3) 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 do not promote resolution.
4) If the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution, the next step is to call to set up an appointment with the club director to discuss the situation.
It is hoped that conferences and discussions will be conducted in private as not to embarrass the team or players. If a situation arises and results with a confrontation involving a coach or official during a competition or practice, the following will result; First offense: your child will be excluded from playing in the next match. Second offense: your child will be excluded from playing in the next tournament.
The Arizona Region has also seen an increase in spectator’s unsportsmanship. The Region now not has a policy to address the issue that may result in penalizing the team with which the spectator or parent is associated with. It is very important that players, parents and spectators understand the following policies:
1) Only players, coaches, and officials are to be a the score tables and benches
2) The flip score is not the official score, so please do not remind them to change the score. It is the official’s job to do so.
3) Officials are to be approached by the team captain during play only, in a courteous and professional manner.
The Arizona Region has other concerned regarding tournaments. It has to do with the spectators and players bringing in food and drinks into the gyms and not cleaning up after themselves. This could result in removal from the gym and loss of gym use for other tournaments.
Research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood and everyone involved with our club would like to give each participant this opportunity. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope the information provided makes both your child’s and your experience with the West Valley Junior Volleyball Club more enjoyable.
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Player Date
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Parent/Guardian
Date