Communication Between Coaches and Parents (NSCAA Newsletter) - NASL Drills - Best source for soccer coaches in the world

Coaching Corner: Communication between Coaches and Parents
With high school starting up again, here are a few tips for coaches and parents alike

By: Jeff Vennell, NSCAA Academy Staff Coach

Communication between the coach and team members and their parents is vital to managing a team to ensure all of its components understand the goals and processes the team will follow. Therefore, it is important that coaches meet with team members and parents separately or together to provide information about the program. The meetings should take place as early in the season as possible, but at least prior to the first contest.

The following information should be reviewed. While not required, coaches are encouraged to provide their team policies in writing.

Introduction of Assistant Coaches and other key team leaders – Team Parent, Team Manager, etc.
Coaching Philosophy.
Practice and Contest Schedules.
Inclement Weather Plans (where and when announcements of changes will be available).
Criteria Used to Select the Team (team size; how cuts, if necessary, are made; extent of the tryout period)
How Playing Time is Allocated (if there are league rules, provide them).
Awards/Letters – Qualifications.
Team Rules, Commitment/Expectations (time and effort required, and consequences).
Travel Policies.
Equipment - School and Individual.
Athlete Commitment - Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol.
High School Only
- Conflicts with Classes.
- Athletic Training Services, Injury Prevention, Injury Care.

Communication with the Coaching Staff - Expectations of Parents.

If an athlete has a concern about playing time, team rules, etc., s/he should talk with their coach.

If parents have a concern to discuss with a coach: Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach and meeting then often does not lead to a satisfactory resolution. Therefore, call the coach to set an appointment.

Appropriate concerns for parents to discuss with coaches:
- Treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
- Concerns about your child’s behavior.