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Parent and Coach Relationship

Both parenting and coaching are demanding roles. By developing an understanding of each position, we are better able to support one another and provide the greatest benefit to our students. When your child becomes involved in our athletic programs, parents have the right to understand the expectations that are placed on their child. This begins with clear communication from the coach.

Communication You Should Expect From Your Child’s Coach

Parents can expect the following information to be communicated by the coach:
  • The coach’s philosophy
  • Expectations for your child, as well as all student athletes on the team
  • Dates, times, and locations of practices and contests
  • Team requirements such as fees, special equipment, and offseason conditioning
  • Procedures to follow if your child is injured during participation
  • Discipline that may result in the denial of participation
  • Requirements to earn a varsity letter

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents

Coaches expect parents to communicate the following:
  • Concerns expressed directly to the coach
  • Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance
  • Specific concerns regarding a coach’s philosophy or expectations
As students become more involved in the athletic programs at Port Clinton Schools, they will experience many rewarding moments. It is also important to understand that there may be times when things do not go as you or your child had hoped. During these times, respectful discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss With Coaches

The following topics are appropriate to discuss with a coach:
  • The treatment of your child, both mentally and physically
  • Ways to help your child improve
  • Concerns about your child’s behavior
It can be difficult to accept that your child may not be playing as much as hoped. Coaches are professionals who make decisions based on what they believe is best for the entire team. While the topics listed above are appropriate for discussion, other matters must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss With Coaches

The following topics are not appropriate for discussion:
  • Playing time
  • Team strategy
  • Play calling
  • Other student athletes

Conferences With Coaches

There may be situations that require a conference between a parent and a coach. These meetings are encouraged and should promote understanding and resolution. Both parties should make an effort to clearly understand the other’s perspective.

If a Meeting With the Coach Does Not Resolve the Concern

While total agreement may not always be reached, most meetings provide an opportunity for productive discussion. If a parent wishes to pursue further communication, they should contact the Athletic Director to discuss the situation. The appropriate next step will then be determined.

Chain of Command

Port Clinton City Schools and the Athletic Department follow the chain of command listed below. Parents are asked to observe this order of communication when pursuing a concern related to the athletic program:
  1. Assistant Coach/Middle School Coach
  2. Head Coach
  3. Athletic Director
  4. Building Principal
  5. Superintendent
  6. Board of Education

Procedure to Follow if You Have a Concern

  • Call to set up an appointment with the coach
  • The Port Clinton Athletic Department phone number is (419) 734-2147
  • If the coach cannot be reached, contact the Athletic Director, Alex Sheridan, who will assist in scheduling a meeting

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both parents and coaches, and meetings held at those times rarely lead to positive resolution.
We hope this communication guide helps you and your child have a rewarding and enjoyable athletic experience at Port Clinton.