Parents of Athletes

Parent participation is integral to the Geneva athletics program. The school’s athletic department depends upon parents coming alongside all sports teams to serve in one or more of a variety of volunteer positions throughout the year. Team moms, travel coordinators, drivers, overnight chaperones, statisticians, videographers, concessions, admissions, field/gym preparation or close down are just a few of the opportunities that provide much needed help and good community time between parents. Serving the athletic department also sets a good example for our student-athletes.

Most young people participate in sports for the following reasons: have fun, develop that natural desire to play, make new friends or be with their friends, be part of a team and compete. “To win” or “to be a champion” is certainly the goal of most teams; however, placing value primarily in victories and individual success cuts against the true reason Geneva offers athletics. Athletes must hear from parents and coaches that value in athletics is found in the process of competing to the best of one’s ability and competing in a manner that honors God.

Parents who may choose to observe team practices are invited to do so with the expectation that they refrain from disrupting tryout or practice sessions and from interacting with players and/or coaches.

Geneva strives to create an atmosphere of modesty and good stewardship. To this end, parents are not allowed to give coaches expensive or extravagant gifts. At the end of the athletic season, team parents may organize a gift for the coach. Throughout the year, simple gifts or acts of kindness are also acceptable. Such gifts, if purchased, should not exceed $10.

1. PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP
   Many issues can be resolved or altogether avoided through clear and consistent communication. It is important that coaches and parents respectfully communicate the expectations and philosophies they hold for one another.
   Communication you should expect from the coach:

   • Coach’s philosophy of coaching
   • Coach’s expectations for team members and parents
   • Discipline or protocol for unmet expectations and the effect on playing time, etc.
   • The location and times of all games and practices (may be tentative)
   • Approximate leave and return times for all away games
   • Team requirements (i.e., additional fees, special equipment, off-season expectations)
   • Procedures to follow for injuries

   Communication the coach should expect from the parents:

   • Notification well in advance of any scheduling conflicts
   • Any specific concerns regarding a coach’s philosophy or expectations
   • A respectful conversation regarding any concerns not specifically covered

   Appropriate issues to discuss with a coach:

   • Concerns regarding your child
   • Concerns about your child’s behavior

   Issues not appropriate to discuss with a coach:

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

   In the event of a conflict, the following protocol should be observed:

   1. Questions or concerns your student-athlete may have with a coach, teammate or program culture should first be brought to the attention of the coach or teammate directly by the athlete. If the athlete is not sure how to respectfully approach the coach or teammate, he or she can come to the Athletic Director or other staff for advice. It is our desire that athletes are discipled in the biblical model for reconciliation and learn to confront their issues responsibly (Matthew 18).
   2. If the issue cannot be resolved or adequately addressed, then an appointment may be made with the parent, athlete and coach 24 hours after the incident of concern and with much prayer and thought.
   3. If the issue is still not resolved, then a meeting should be held between the parents, athlete and coach with the Athletic Director facilitating the discussion.

2. ATHLETICS PARENT VOLUNTEERISM
   Hosting home games can take considerable resources. Home events must be properly staffed with score keepers, clock operators, gate keepers and concessions workers. Each sport has additional roles that must also be covered for a smooth and successful operation (i.e., line judges, chain crew, video, stats). Coaches will work with team parents to organize these responsibilities. Please be open and available to support our teams.

   The inability to secure volunteer help from parents can hinder the opportunities for our athletes to participate. All parents are expected to assist in the operations of games and in the transportation of students, especially at the Logic School level where school sponsored transportation is less available. If coaches are unable to secure the assistance of parent help, they may be required to cancel upcoming games or significantly reduce game opportunities.