MJLF Communication Policy, July 2010, version 1 (original)

 

Both parenting and coaching are challenging endeavors. By establishing an understanding of each other, we are able to accept the actions of each party and provide greater benefit to the players involved in Mulvane Junior Football. As a parent of a child involved in our football program, you have the right to understand the expectations that are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coaching staff of your child�€™s team.

 

 

Communication Parents Should Expect from the Coach:

 

. Philosophy of the coach.

. Members of the coaching staff and which coach(s) may be working with your child.

. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the team.

. Location and times of all practices and games.

. Team and league requirements, i.e. equipment, specific rules.

. Procedures should your child be injured during practice or game.

.Conditions that may result in the denial of your child�€™s participation or limited participation.

 

 

Communication Mulvane Junior Football Coaching Staff Should Expect from Players and Parents:

 

. Concerns expressed to the Head Coach

. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance

. Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible

. Specific concerns in regard to a coach�€™s philosophy and / or expectations.

. Specific medical problems that could adversely impact your child�€™s performance or safety

 

 

Appropriate Concerns for Discussion With the Football Staff:

 

. The staff's treatment of your child

. Methods to help your child improve his skills

. The treatment of your child by other players

. Concerns about your child�€™s behavior

. Family concerns that may have an emotional impact upon your child and their athletic        participation.

 

 

Inappropriate Times to Discuss Matters With the Football Staff:

 

. Prior to and during practice.

. Prior to, during, and after a game.

 

These are typically either very busy times or in the case of game, very emotional times for all parties involved. Things can and will be said that are not meant. Meetings of this nature generally do not promote resolution.

 

 

 Issues Not Appropriate for Discussion with the Football Staff:

 

While the Head Coach and staffs are committed to open communication with parents, there is a certain protocol that we ask be observed. In particular, the time before and after a game is dedicated to our players. It is not appropriate for a parent to approach a coach to discuss game or individual player concerns at this time. The Head Coach will be happy to set up a meeting/phone call to address parent concerns at a time that will not interfere with the attention required by their team. An exception to this request is an incident when a player is injured -- the Head Coach and staff member will be available immediately after a game to discuss the injury situation and any concerns with parents. It is important for parents to understand that we, as coaches, are volunteers and have been selected to make decisions based on what we believe to be best for the team as a whole and for all players involved with the football program. With this understanding, we will be available to discuss parental concerns with the following exceptions, which we consider either inappropriate or counter-productive to team leadership:

 

. Play calling and team strategies

. Concerns about the playing time/performance of other players

 

There are certain situations that may require a conference between a player, coach and/or parent. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other�€™s position, and what procedure should be followed. When a player or parent has a question or concern regarding the football program and needs to contact a member of the coaching staff or board officers, the communication process outlined below has been adopted by the Mulvane Junior Football program.

 

 

Communication Process:

 

Step 1.

The concerned player should talk with his position coach first. The position coach should in-turn inform the Head Coach and any outcome of the discussion. If this meeting does not resolve the situation the player and his parents should move to step 2.

 

Step 2.

The concerned parent(s)/guardian(s) should contact the Head Coach to schedule time to discuss their questions or concerns. The Head Coach may invite the player�€™s position coach if it�€™s felt to be beneficial to the discussion. If the parent does not feel satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, they may elect to move forward to Step 3.

 

Step 3.

A meeting should be requested involving the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the appropriate football program board officer(s). The board may invite the Head Coach and the player�€™s position coach if it�€™s felt to be beneficial to the discussion. If all the parties involved are still not comfortable with the outcome of the meeting, the board president will consider additional alternatives to resolve the matter.

 

 

We trust the information provided here makes both your child�€™s experience and your experience with the Mulvane Junior Football program less stressful and more enjoyable.

 

Mulvane Junior Football Board President