Parent Coach Communication

List of 5 items.

• Communication You Should Expect from the Gonzaga Athletic Department

  • Game schedules, locations, and venue information (updated on team webpages)
  • Early dismissal policies and eligibility requirements
    (Reminder: students must be in school by 11:05am to be eligible for practice or games. Any lateness for any reason must be properly communicated by a student's parents to the Office of Student Services for a student-athlete to be eligible for that day's events. )
  • A copy of the WCAC Code for High School Athletics
  • Directions to athletic events
  • Overview of the department’s philosophy and policies to be shared at the start of each season when rosters are finalized
  • Athletic training and performance resources found on this page -- including the following:
    • Injury reporting procedures
    • Steps for treatment and rehab
    • Expectations for return-to-play
  • Weight room and training room procedures

• Communication You Should Expect from Your Son’s Coach

  • Coaching philosophy - typically shared in a pre-season meeting with parents either in person or virtually
  • Expectations for all student-athletes, not just your son, including academic expectations 
  • Practice and game schedules and changes to either with as much advance notice as possible
  • Clear communication ladder:
    1. Player-to-coach first — especially for absences, scheduling, or questions
    2. Parent involvement if needed, only after player-coach communication
  • Emphasis on team-first communication — no discussions about other athletes

• Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches

  • Your son’s mental or physical well-being
  • Behavior concerns or academic progress
  • Clarification of team expectations
  • Note: Advice for how your son can improve can blur into a discussion about playing time and team strategy. These conversations are best when initiated by the player, not the parent.

• Concerns Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches

  • Playing time
  • Team strategy or game plans
  • Play calling or lineup decisions
  • Other student-athletes’ ability, playing time or injuries

• Setting Up a Conference

  While we encourage healthy dialogue, there are proper channels parents are asked to follow:

  1. Have your son speak with the coach first
  2. If the issue persists, schedule a meeting — do not approach coaches before or after a game or practice
  3. If further discussion is needed, contact the Director of Athletics to set up a meeting