Suffern Athletics

As a parent of a student-athlete, 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:

• Explanation of the coach’s philosophy
• Clear explanation of his/her expectations of players and the team as a whole
• Locations and times of all practices and contests
• Requirements, such as fees, special equipment, offseason conditioning
• Procedures for managing injuries incurred during participation
• Disciplinary actions that may impact student-athlete participation

Communication coaches expect from parents:  

• Direct communication of concerns
• Advance notice of scheduling conflicts
• Specific concerns regarding his/her philosophy and/or expectations
• Any medical or physical limitations that may impact your child’s participation.

Through athletics, students will experience both challenges and triumphs. As with all endeavors, sometimes student-athletes may be disappointed or frustrated by a coach’s decisions. Coaches make judgments based on what they believe is best for the team and its players. Certain issues should be discussed with your child’s coach; others must be left to his/her discretion.

Appropriate concerns for discussion with coaches:

• The mental and physical treatment of your child
• Ways to help your child improve

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

• Playing time
• Team strategy
• Other student-athletes

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, call the coach to discuss or to set up an appointment. If the coach cannot be reached, contact the Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics to request that he set up the meeting for you.

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.  Meetings of this nature do not generally promote resolution.

If the meeting with your child’s coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution, contact the Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics to schedule an appointment to discuss the issue and determine appropriate next steps.