The following Parent Code of Conduct was adopted by the National High School Athletic Coaches’ Association Board of Directors at their annual convention in June 1999 because of their concerns about the role parents are playing in school sports.
St. Hugh Catholic School endorses this code. We feel that parents play a vital role in the development of student athletes; therefore, St. Hugh believes in the following:
- Be a positive role model through your own actions to make sure your child has the best athletic experience possible.
- Be a team fan, not a “my kid” fan.
- Weigh what your children say; they will tend to slant the truth to their advantage.
- Show respect for opposing players, coaches, spectators, and support groups.
- Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
- Don’t instruct your child before or after a game because it may conflict with the coach’s plans and strategies.
- Praise student athletes in their attempts to improve themselves as students, athletes, as people.
- Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of the contest.
- Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
- Help your child learn that success is oriented in the development of skill and should make persons feel good about themselves, win or lose.
- If you as a parent have a concern, take time to talk with coaches in an appropriate manner, time, and place.
- Be sure to follow the designated chain of command. (i.e. player, coach, athletic director).
An additional rule which has been adopted by St. Hugh Catholic School is that parents shall NOT curse, make derogatory comments about the players, coaches or referees, make threatening gestures, or statements while at, or in connection with, an athletic event or otherwise engage in other unsportsmanlike behavior. Parents who ignore this rule or those set forth above will be asked to leave the playing field area. Repeated violations of this rule may result in such parent being barred from attending athletic events and further review and action by St. Hugh School with our parent handbook.
Parental assistance with the implementation of the Parent Code of Conduct will be most appreciated in order to help St. Hugh Catholic School maintain its consistency in school behavior. If parents should fail to abide by this code, they or their children may be subject to verbal or written warning, exclusion from activities, or the administrative withdrawal of the student from school. St. Hugh Catholic School expects nothing short of excellence from the entire school community. Parental support is greatly appreciated.
Parent/Coach Relationship
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 children. As parents, when your children become involved in our sports program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communications from the coach of your child’s team.
Communication You Should Expect From The Coach
- Philosophy of the coach.
- Expectations the coach has for your child as well as the players on the team.
- Locations and times of all practices and games.
- Team requirements, i.e. fees, or necessary equipment.
- Procedure 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 concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.
- Medical or physical limitations of your child.
As your children become involved in our athletic program, 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 wish. 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 your child not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all players involved. As you may have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach.