Northeastern High School

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Reaching all.... for the success of all

The Northeastern High School Athletic Department is proud of its rich athletic traditions and heritage.

Northeastern High School Parent/Coach Communication Together building better programs for the students at Northeastern High School.

Introduction We are very pleased that your son/daughter has chosen to participate in the interscholastic athletic program at Northeastern High School. A goal of the Athletic Department is to provide our student-athletes with the best environment in which their sport experiences may be as rewarding as possible. We believe that this goal may not be realized without appropriate lines of communication available to all parties involved. This “Communication Guide” has been developed to help coaches; parents, administrators and athletes communicate more effectively. COMMUNICATION THAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM THE COACH v Philosophy of the coach. v Expectations the coach may have for your child and the team. v Locations and times of all practices and contests. v Team requirements (fees, eligibility, attendance, special equipment, etc.) v Procedure to follow should your child become injured during participation. v Athletic Code of Behavior policy and any additional rules that may affect your child’s participation. v Requirements to earn a letter. v Disposition of lost/outstanding equipment at the end of the season. COMMUNICATION THE COACH EXPECTS FROM PARENTS AND ATHLETES v Concerns expressed directly to the coach first. v Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance. v Special needs of the student-athlete (physical limitations that may not be obvious to the coach). APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH v The mental and physical well being of your child. v Ways to help your child improve. v Concerns about your child’s behavior. As your child becomes involved in the various athletic programs at Northeastern High School, it is our hope that he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his/her life. It is important to understand that things may not always go as you or your child wishes. At these times, discussions with the coach may be desirable (in fact is encouraged) to clear up the issue and avoid misunderstanding. AREAS NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH THE COACH v Playing time/position assignment. v Team strategy/play calling v Matters concerning other student-athletes. Many aspects of the highly emotional and dynamic setting of interscholastic athletics are often questioned. These may include decisions made by coaches, administration, officials, athletes, parents and fans. As you have seen from the previous list, certain concerns can be and should be discussed with you child’s coach. Our coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved under the circumstances present. PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH COACH There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. Such a meeting is encouraged when necessary. It is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the other person’s position. Each should be willing to listen. The following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue: v Contact the coach to set up an appointment (school number is listed on back). v If the coach cannot be reached after a reasonable period of time, call Northeastern High School, an appointment with the coach will be arranged for you. Important. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice session. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution and in fact often escalate the issue. Athletic Homepage

The next step What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution? Although total agreement may not always be reached, most often such a meeting does afford the opportunity for productive discussion and better understanding. If the parent desires further communication, please call the Athletic Director to discuss the situation. The appropriate next step will be determined. CHAIN OF COMMAND Northeastern High School in conjunction with its’ Department of Athletics follows the chain of command listed below. We ask that you observe the order of this line of communication if you elect to pursue any concern you may have regard to the athletic program. 1. Assistant Coach (if applicable) 2. Head Coach 3. Athletic Director 4. Building Principal 5. Superintendent 6. Board of Education COMMON MYTH: I am afraid the Coach will retaliate against my child, so I shouldn’t go talk to him/her. ANSWER THESE TWO QUESTIONS: v If your child were having trouble in School, would you speak to the teacher? v If your child were still sick after seeing the doctor, would you speak to the doctor? THE ANSWER TO BOTH QUESTIONS IS OBVIOUSLY YES. THEN: v Set up a meeting to meet with the Coach v Speak Rationally.  Getting angry or yelling will not make the situation better. v Be prepared for another perspective with objective opinions of your child v Seek answers that will enhance YOUR child's sports experience Important phone numbers: v South Vienna Middle School 568-4765 v Northeastern High School Athletic Office: 328-6580 v Board of Education: 325-7615 Home of the JETS Northeastern High School 1480 Bowman Rd. Springfield, Ohio 45502 Main Office Phone (937) 328-6575 Main Office Fax (937) 324-7811 Athletic Director Phone (937) 328-6580 Email brianshay@nelsd.org