Parent/Coach Communication
Parent/Coach Relationship
Both parenting and coaching are extremely challenging 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 children become 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 team.
Communication You Should Expect
From Your Child's Coach
- Philosophy of the coach.
- Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the team.
- Locations and time of all practices and contests.
- Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning.
- Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
- Student actions 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 expectations.
When your children become involved in the programs at Thomas Jefferson High School they will experience some of the most challenging and rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way your child wishes. At these times, the expectation is that the student-athlete, not the parents, will initiate a discussion with the coach about the concerns. We believe this approach is both the most likely way to a positive end, and a valuable learning experience for the TJ student. The coaches have been instructed to encourage this type of dialogue and to promptly set aside time for individual, private appointments when requested.
Appropriate Concerns To Discuss
With Coaches
- The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
- Ways to help your child improve.
- Concerns about your child's behavior.
It is 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 listed, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss
With Coaches
- Playing time.
- Team strategy.
- Play calling.
- Other students/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 following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution of the issue of concern.
The Procedure to Follow if You Have a Concern to Discuss with a Coach
- Call to set up an appointment with the coach – the TJ Activities Office telephone number is 703-750-8333.
Please do not attempt to confront a coach before/after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
The Next Step
What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution? Write the Director of Student Activities outlining the facts and concerns of the situation. As appropriate, additional conferences will be set up and the situation will be addressed.
Conclusion
Research indicates a student involved in athletics/activities has a greater chance for success. The Fairfax County School Board has authorized high school sports and has joined the Virginia High School League in an attempt to enrich the lives of young people beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. Many of the character traits required to be successful participants are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope the information provided within this pamphlet make both your child's and your experience with the Thomas Jefferson High School Athletic Program enjoyable.
The Organizational Structure
For High School Athletics
National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS)
Indianapolis, Indiana
www.nfhs.org
The National Federation of State High School Associations is the national
service and administrative organization of high school athletics and fine
arts programs in speech, debate and music. The NFHS serves its 50 member high
school athletic/activity associations plus the District of Columbia.
Virginia High School League (VHSL)
Charlottesville, Virginia
www.vhsl.org
The VHSL is an organization of the public schools in the Commonwealth of
Virginia which join with the express written approval of their local school boards.
Virginia's public high schools, through their alliance as the Virginia High
School League, serve their youth by establishing and maintaining standards for
student activities and competitions that promote education, personal growth,
sportsmanship, leadership and citizenship.
Northern Region
The League is divided into regions, including the Northern Region. The Northern
Region encompasses public high schools in Fairfax County, Arlington and the city
of Alexandria. Each region is then sub-divided into districts.
Concorde District
TJHSST was a member of the Concorde District which is part of the Northern
Region. There are six schools in the Concorde district: Centreville, Chantilly,
Herndon, Oakton, Westfield and TJHSST.
National District
TJHSST participates in the National District for football only. The other schools
in that district are: Edison, Falls Church, Mt. Vernon, Stuart, Wakefield,
Washington & Lee, and Yorktown.
Liberty District
Effective Fall 2005, Thomas Jefferson participates in all sports in the
new Liberty District. The other schools in the district are Langley, Madison,
Marshall, McLean, South Lakes, and Woodson.
For More Information
- NCAA-College Athletics
- American Sport Education Program Coaching Education
- US Olympics