Parent/Coach Communication Plan

• Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad.
• Locations and times of all practices and contests.
• Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, out-of season conditioning.
• Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation.

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.

If your child becomes involved in the programs of the Souderton Area School District, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. If this occurs, you are encouraged to contact your child’s coach.

• The treatment of your child
• Ways to help your child improve.
• Concerns about your child’s behavior.

You may become concerned that your child is not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. Clearly, certain aspects of participation can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. However, other issues are more directly the responsibility of the coach.

• Playing time
• Team strategy
• Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent, and this is 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 a resolution to the issues or concern.

• Please encourage your child to speak directly with the coach. The concern can often be taken care of at that time, before or after a contest or practice.
• Call to set up an appointment.
• If the coach cannot be reached, call the building athletic director. He/she will assist you in arranging a meeting.
• 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 of concerns.
• If the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call to schedule an appointment with the athletic coordinator to discuss the situation.

• Support your student athlete’s efforts toward success.
• Work to promote a positive environment that is conducive to the developmental of your student athlete.
• Become familiar with, and review the rules and regulations with your student athlete.
• Communicate any concerns in a timely manner, according to district protocol.
• Treat all coaching personnel with courtesy and respect, and insist your student athlete does the same.

Students must arrive at school no later than 9:10 AM at the High School to be eligible for a school-sponsored activity that day. An unexcused tardiness, even when the student arrives prior to 9:10 AM, could declare a participant ineligible and prevent him/her from participation in an extracurricular activity.

Students who are ill during regular school hours or need to be sent home due to illness are automatically dismissed from practice or game on that day.

Students reporting to school, later than 9:10 AM at the High School because of illness will not be permitted to practice or play on that day unless a written release from a physician is presented.

Student athletes must travel to and from contests, away from school, in transportation provided by the school.

The only exceptions are:

• Injury to a participant that would require alternate transportation.
• Prior arrangement made in writing between the participant’s parent/guardian and the athletic director or coach.
• Where school transportation is not provided and alternative means are approved.