Becoming a Parent of a Student-Athlete

  1. Make sure that your student-athlete has all necessary paperwork on file with the Athletic Department using Athletic Clearance.  

  2. Attend the Player/Parent meeting to ensure that you can help your athlete have all the necessary equipment and to help facilitate necessary duties that require the parent/guardian involvement.

  3. Be a support system for your child. They have a coach and don't need you to be one at home or on the car ride home.

  4. Be a support sytsem for the coach. Coaches will make the right decisions for the TEAM first.  What benefits the TEAM may not always benefit your child.  Allow the student-athlete to discuss playing time with the coach.  The parent should NEVER inquire about playing time with any member of the coaching staff.

  5. Respect the game and those that are contributors, such as the officials and those working the event.

  6. Remember that the optimal outcome is not winning or losing, but becoming better citizens within our comunity.

Communication Expected from Coach to Parents

  • Coaches’ philosophy
  • Expectations for your child as well as the entire team
  • Locations and times of all practices and contests
  • Team requirements (such as special equipment, off-season workouts, etc.)
  • Procedures to follow in case of an injury
  • Discipline that will result in denial of participation 

Communication Expected from Parent to Coach

  • Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance (i.e. vacation, college visits, etc.)
    • We ask that any and all family vacations be held after the conclusion of your student-athlete’s season.
  • Specific concerns regarding expectations
  • Specific concerns regarding your child’s health

As your child becomes involved in the programs at Oasis High School, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments in his/her life.  It is important to understand that there may be times when events, situations, or rulings will not go the way you or your child wish.  At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with the Coach

  • Treatment of your child either mentally and/or physically
  • Ways to help your child improve
  • Concerns about your child’s behavior

It is very difficult to accept if your child does not play as much as you would like.  Coaches are professionals.  They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for the whole program.  The above list itemizes topics that can and should be discussed with the coaches.  Other items, such as those listed below, must be left to the coaches’ discretion.

Issues NOT Appropriate to Discuss with the Coach

  • Playing time
  • Team strategy
  • Play calling
  • Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent.  Conferences are encouraged.  It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position.

Playing Time

Guidelines

            Call or email the head coach.  Parents should always give the head coach an opportunity to address the concern before administration is contacted.  Contacting the assistant coach will make your displeasure known but the ultimate chance at resolution lies with the head coach as all major team-related decisions are his/hers to make.  If the coach does not return a call within twenty-four (24) hours, contact the Athletic Department.  DO NOT attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or a practice!  These can be emotional times for both the parent and coach.  Meetings of this nature generally do not promote resolution.

Unsatisfactory Resolution

            Please call and set up an appointment with the head coach and Athletic Director to discuss the situation.  At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.  If the situation is still unresolved, a meeting can be arranged with the Principal, Athletic Director, and coach.