The Marshalltown Community School is proud of its co-curricular programs and encourages students to participate and be actively involved. 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 program.
Communications 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 squad.
- Locations and times of all practices and contests.
- Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, out of season conditioning.
- Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation.
- Discipline 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 concerns with regard to a coach’s philosophy and or expectations. As your children become involved in the programs at the Marshalltown School District, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.
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 very difficult to accept that your child is not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment calls based on what they believe to be best for all students. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach.
However, the following things should be left to the coach’s discretion:
- Playing time.
- Team strategy.
- Play calling.
- Other student-athletes.
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are 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 to the issue or concern.
If you have a concern to discuss with a coach:
- DO NOT attempt to confront a coach before, during, or after a contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote a resolution.
- Call the coach during regular school hours to set up an appointment.
- If the coach cannot be reached, call the Activities Director’s office at 754-1142. A meeting will be set up between the coach and parent.
If the meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution:
Call the Activities Director’s office and make an appointment to discuss the situation. Research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance of success during adulthood. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school We hope the information provided makes both your child’s and your experience with the Marshalltown School District activities program less stressful and more enjoyable.
Rollie Ackerman
Activities Director
Marshalltown High School