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Parent/Coach Relationship:

Both 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 children. As parents, when your child 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 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 of the players on the squad.
• Location and times of all practices and contests.
• Team requirements, i.e., special equipment, off-season conditioning fees.
• Procedure should your child be injured due to participation in the sport.
• Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents:

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

As your child becomes involved in the athletic programs in the Brookfield Schools, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his/her life. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or 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. This may mean additional time during in the summer or in the off-season that may involve additional time or financial cost. As with academics, the more your child puts in, the more rewards they potentially will see over time.
• Concerns about your child’s behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are 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.
• Other student-athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parents. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the others 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 a coach:

Please follow these procedures:

• Call to make an appointment with the coach.
• The Brookfield High School telephone number is (330) 448 - 3001. The middle school office number is (330) 448 – 3003.
• If a coach cannot be reached, then contact the Athletic Director.

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These are emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution. Parents should not enter the building or attempt to confront a coach in a hallway, locker room area, or parking lot. This is considered a violation of our Parent Code of Conduct and restrictions may be enforced.

Promote Sportsmanship:

• Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support high school activities, not a license to verbally assault others or be generally obnoxious.
• Respect decisions made by contest officials.
• Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs.
• Respect fans, coaches and participants.
• Know the rules of the game.
• Recognize good play by both teams.
• Respect the opponent and its spectators.
• View the game with your head, instead of your heart.
• Be a FAN…Not a FANATIC.