• Parent/Coach Communication
     
    As your child becomes involved in the athletic programs at Conestoga High School, he/she will participate in some of the most rewarding moments of his/her high school career.  The memories and friendships they create will last a lifetime.

    Modeling behavior is critical in the development of adolescents.  Conestoga athletes play by the rules and respect their sport as well as their opponent. The expectation is that Conestoga athletes strive for individual excellence in a team setting while exhibiting the highest level of sportsmanship.  The best people to exemplify these qualities are the coaches and parents.

    Parent/Coach Relationship
     
    Being a parent isn’t always easy! Being a coach isn’t always easy! Frequently, the one common factor is your son or daughter who is our student–athlete.  Parenting and coaching, while difficult at times, can also be very rewarding.  By establishing a clear line of communication, we can provide a greater athletic experience for the student – athlete.  As a parent, when your child becomes involved in one of our athletic programs, you have the right to understand what is expected of your child and what is expected of you.  Also, you have the right to express your expectations of our athletic program.

    Communication You Should Expect from the Coach 
     
    • Coaching philosophy
    • Team goals
    • Expectations for the season
    • Schedule of contests
    • Practice schedule and locations
    • Team rules
    • Procedures when injured
    • Discipline resulting in denial of participation
    • Criteria for making the team 

    Communication a Coach Should Expect from Parents 
     
    • Notification of any scheduled conflicts as far in advance as possible!
    • Absences from school due to illness
    • Medical conditions or injuries that would interfere or prevent participation (Also contact the Athletic Trainer) 

    Concerns to Discuss with a Coach
     
    At times you may recognize a change in your child’s behavior. Perhaps it could be associated with athletics.  At times it is appropriate to discuss certain issues with your child’s coach such as:
     
    • Decline in school work
    • Change in mood or demeanor
    • Suspected substance abuse
    • Eating disorders
    • Extraordinary stress or fatigue associated with athletic participation
    • The progress of your child’s sport-specific skills development

    Parent/Coach Conferences

    Situations will occur when it is necessary for parents and coaches to meet.  These conferences are encouraged so that both parties have a clear understanding of the other’s position.  When concerns arise, the initial contact should be made by the parent directly to the coach to arrange for a meeting at an agreed time and place.

    Confronting a coach before or after practice or contest is not appropriate given the fact that these are often emotional times.  Meetings such as these are frequently confrontational and rarely solve problems.

    These are certain issues that are inappropriate to discuss with a coach:

    • Playing time
    • Team strategy
    • Play calling
    • Other student-athletes

    If further communication is necessary, the next step is to contact the Director of Athletics to arrange for a meeting to discuss the situation.  The coach may or may not be asked to attend.