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On Call
Between cell phones and email, people are more available for commnication than they have ever been. This fact has radically changed the nature of high school coaching. No longer is a holler from the grandstand or a possible home phone call the extent of parents’ venues by which to let a coach know their child deserves more playing time. Cell phones and email have provided the opportunity for constant inquiry.
Question: Would your job be more enjoyable if the school administration gave parents a prohibition from using your cell phone number or email? Expound on what you think should be the relationship between coaches and their players’ parents.
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On Call
Between cell phones and email, people are more available for commnication than they have ever been. This fact has radically changed the nature of high school coaching. No longer is a holler from the grandstand or a possible home phone call the extent of parents’ venues by which to let a coach know their child deserves more playing time. Cell phones and email have provided the opportunity for constant inquiry.
Question: Would your job be more enjoyable if the school administration gave parents a prohibition from using your cell phone number or email? Expound on what you think should be the relationship between coaches and their players’ parents.
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Jerry Treat
Rose Hill Soccer
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I get parents who ask me simple questions via email and it is very quick and efficient to reply. Rarely do they use email to be mean or condescending.
Cell phones are becoming the best way to communicate with parents and especially players. I usually have a team captain text message instructions to my players regarding events or something pertaining to a practice.
However, problems do arise. Not too long ago we sent out a group text message on a Friday night reminding the players about a team workday for Saturday morning. The cell phone company somehow sent the text message out to their landline phone two or three times at 4:30 in the morning. Needless to say, the parent wasn't too happy. It left me with little choice but to remove them from the list.
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Shelly Nibarger
Circle Volleyball
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At our pre-season parent meeting, I emphasize the importance of communication between parents and our coaching staff. I request that if a parent has a concern, and it can’t be resolved through the player and coach first, that the parent call or email me at CHS to set up a meeting in person. Discussions through email or by phone will not take place, nor will unscheduled meetings before or after practice or games. My cell phone number is not available to parents. I do think email is great for logistical issues – What time are the matches tonight? My daughter has a dentist appointment after school on the 23rd, etc.
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Ernie Beachey
Clearwater Volleyball
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A strong relationship between coach and parents is vital to the success of an athletic program. Open communication is the first key to developing that bond. Along with that need for openness is the need for respect for each other's privacy and family time. In pre-season meetings with parents, the coach must make clear how and when email, phone and personal contact is appropriate. Certainly, not every parent will respect those parameters; I have had calls at home during my own private time. In those cases, I either handle the call efficiently, or I will ask the parent to attend a conference with me during a more suitable time. If it's an issue directly affecting his/her child, then that player must be present at the conference to keep communication clear.
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Dianne Popp
Wichita Northwest Volleyball
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I really don’t think banning parents to use email or cell phones would work, because they would just use the good ‘ole fashioned way of the land phone. If parents have an inquiry, they are going to find a way to communicate it to either the coach, AD or administrator. I do not mind if a parent calls or emails me. As busy as I can get with teaching, it is almost easier to correspond through email with a parent. If I feel like we are not getting issues resolved, I would then recommend a meeting with AD, parent and coach. Yes, there are many more channels for parents to communicate, but I don’t think it has changed how much goes on. We still get the same inquiries
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The KSHSAA Board of Directors voted in September to permit coaches in basketball, volleyball and football to coach their teams...
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