Dr. LeRoy Seitz, Superintendent

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District Athletics

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 benefits to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have the 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

1. Philosophy of the coach
2. Expectations for your child and all players on the squad
3. Locations and times of practices and contests
4. Team requirements, i.e. special equipment, off-season conditioning
5. Procedures should your child be injured during participation
6. Discipline that may result in denial of your child’s participation
7. Lettering criteria

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
3. Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible

As your children become involved in the programs at Parsippany High School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. 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

1. The treatment of your child both mentally and physically
2. Ways to help your child improve
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior

It is very difficult to accept that your child is 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 issues must be left to the discretion of the coach.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

1. Amount of playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Play calling
4. 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 procedures below 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 THIS PROCEDURE

1. Call the coach to set up an appointment.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Office, (973) 263-7001 extension 3027 For Parsippany High School, and (973) 682-2815 extension 3021 for Parsippany Hills High School to have your message forwarded.
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 usually do not promote positive resolutions.

THE NEXT STEP: WHAT CAN A PARENT DO IF THE MEETING WITH THE COACH DID NOT PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION?

Call the Assistant Principal/Director of Athletics to make an appointment to discuss the situation. At this meeting, further appropriate steps can be determined.

For more information, please call

Parsippany High School, Mr. Richard Fonti,
Interim Assistant Principal/Athletics (973) 263-7001 ext 2327

Parsippany Hills High School, Mr. Todd Ricker
Assistant Principal/Athletics (973) 682-2815 ext. 2407