FOLLOW THESE OFF FIELD RULES AND YOU'LL ENCOURAGE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP FOR THE PLAYERS - AND THEIR PARENTS
1. Resist shouting out instructions. That's the coach’s job. When both coach and parents yell, kids get confused. Urgent advice hollered from the sideline almost never improves performance. All you're doing is venting your own anxieties.
2. Show appreciation for the play of the other team. Every decent coach tries to instill this positive attitude, and it needs to be vigorously reinforced on the and off the field. The last thing young athletes need to do is to cultivate hostility toward their opponents, who are often friends or acquaintances. Congratulate the opposition during and after the game and their parents as well.
3. Don't undermine the coach. If you know more about the sport then they do, so what? The coach’s mission is to create an optimal environment for the whole team.
4. Leave the refs out of it. Referees don't care which team wins. Their mistakes are honest ones, and your child needs to know that you believe this. Any criticism of questioning of the referee shows an exaggerated focus on winning and a lack of respect for authority. Remember, most officials and referees work games as an avocation and because they like the sport too. High School officials do go through a training program and yearly review courses to be certified to work games, and take a state exam on the rules each year.
5. Help kids cope with their parent’s outbursts. Point out that the screaming Mr. Smith must have forgotten that sports are supposed to be fun. Tell them that you intend to speak to Mr. Smith about his attitude - as soon as he is in a better mood.
Parent Coach Communication
This page is designed to foster an understanding between coach and parent regarding Athletics at San Marcos High School.
Dear Parents:
Welcome to the athletic "family" at San Marcos High School. I would like to communicate to you the following information regarding our program. 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 benefit to our student athletes. 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 the child's program.
Communication you should expect from your child's coach:
1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Locations and times of all practices and games.
3. Team requirements; e.g. practice attendance, equipment, out of season conditioning.
4. Procedures should your child be injured during participation.
5. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child's participation.
Communication coaches expect from parents:
1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specific concerns with regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.
As your child becomes involved in the programs at San Marcos they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important that they and you understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Examples:
1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child's attitude.
4. Academic support and college opportunities.
As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things should be left to the discretion of the coach.
Examples:
1. Team Strategy.
2. Other student athletes.
3. Playing time.
It is very difficult to accept your child's not playing as much or where you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgments based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. At San Marcos, our philosophy is to involve as many students as possible in our extra curricular programs. We also recognize that athletics is a competitive environment in which playing time is earned by performance not only in games, but in practice. Sub varsity coaches are encouraged to have every player participate in games, yet game situations may not allow them to do so.
If at any time you wish to speak with your child's coach, please use the following procedures:
1. Call school to set up an appointment. (760-290-2000)
2. If you cannot reach the coach, call the Athletic Office. A meeting will be arranged for you. (760-290-2000)
3. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for all involved. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
ENJOY YOUR CHILD'S PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT ALL KNIGHTS ATHLETICS
