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Important Tips for Parent/Coach Communication

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 benefits to children. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.

Communication You Should Expect From Your Child’s Coach:

  1. Philosophy of the coach.
  2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad.
  3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
  4. Team rules and requirements, i.e., fees, special equipment, specific team rules.
  5. Procedures followed should your child be injured during participation.
  6. Discipline that result in the denial of your child’s participation.

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents:

  1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
  2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
  3. Specific concern in regards to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

As your child becomes involved in the high school programs at Glenbrook North, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is also important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach may be necessary.

Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With Your Child’s Coach:

  1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
  2. Ways to help your child improve.
  3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing or not receiving their choice of starting position. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. As noted in the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other topics, such as the ones listed on the next page, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues Not Appropriate To Discuss With Coaches:

  1. Playing time
  2. Starting positions
  3. Team strategy
  4. Play calling
  5. Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When the conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

If You Have A Concern, Please Follow The Procedures Listed Below:

  1. Call the coach to set up an appointment.
  2. The Glenbrook North number is (847) 272-6400.
  3. If the coach cannot be reached, please call the Athletic Director, Mr. John Catalano. Mr. Catalano will assist in setting up the meeting for you.
  4. Please do not attempt to discuss the issue with a coach before or after a practice. These can be emotional times for the parent, player and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

What Can A Parent Do If The Meeting With The Coach Did Not Provide A Satisfactory Resolution:

  1. Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
  2. At this meeting the appropriate next steps can be determined.

Research indicates a student involved in extra-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.

We hope that the information provided in this pamphlet would make both your child’s and your experience with the Glenbrook North Athletic Program less stressful and more enjoyable.

Athletic Schedule Updates

Please do not call the Athletic Department for contest times or cancellations.

The athletic website is updated as changes are made. You can access it here.

Interscholastic Athletics

Interscholastic athletics are offered for the more serious minded and dedicated athlete. These teams compete against other schools. Athletes are expected to attend all daily practices, games, and meets. The following is a list of interscholastic (IHSA Sponsored) sports in which GBN competes, their respective seasons and official starting dates and the sports where “cuts” occur. It is an expectation for your son/daughter to be at tryouts every day – not being at tryouts will adversely affect their chance of making the team.