Parents

COACH-PLAYER-PARENT COMMUNICATIONS

As a staff, we aim to promote a family atmosphere where all parents and students are comfortable. The coaching staff will strive to ensure that all parents and students are on the same page.

Communication throughout the year is vital for successful parent and student relations with the coaching staff. Communication is also important for successful player development on and off the basketball court. Great teams begin with great parents! Coach Morris will have an “open door policy” for students. We will encourage any of our student-athletes that has an issue with their coach to reach out to the coach to find a resolution (i.e., 4-Step Basketball Parent Communication Process). However, there will be a communication process that all students, parents, and coaches need to follow.

4-STEP BIG BLUE BASKETBALL PARENT COMMUNICATION PROCESS:

• Step 1 - Student meets with head coach

• Step 2 - Student and parent meet with head coach

• Step 3 -  Student, parent, and coach meet with the athletic director

• Step 4 -  Student, parent, coach, and athletic director meet with the principal

Students are expected to meet with their Coach first if they have an issue or problem. Suppose a Coach receives a point of contact (e.g., in person, by email, or phone call) from a parent/family member before hearing from the student. In that case, the coach will ask that their student come to the coach first—as directed in the 4-Step Big Blue Basketball Communication Process. This process streamlines communication and promotes accountability to students within the boys’ basketball program.

There will be times during the season when a parent or player may need clarification about why something happens the way it does. Please remember that knowledge is the best way to find a solution. There are many things that are part of the game plan that are not seen or heard during a game. These instructions take place at practice, in the locker room, on the bus, in a film session, or in the huddle on the floor. The only way to be clear about what is happening on the floor during a game is to get all information so that a clear judgment can be made. This is why we stress that players come see Coach Morris if they are confused about their role, playing time, etc. 

24-HOURS:

Remember, immediately following a game, win or lose, is a tough time to talk to the coach. Usually, the coach, player, and parent are very emotional. Please adhere to the “24-hour” rule. Wait until the next day to contact the coach with an issue. Usually, by then, both sides might be more rational and able to find a solution to the problem. Coach Morris prefers communication in person rather than over the phone or email. If we cannot meet in person, speaking over the phone is the second best way to communicate. Email and text messaging are the last forms of communication if we cannot find a time to meet or speak over the phone. 

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

• Understand the process.

• Be positive towards players, coaches, and referees.

• Encourage TEAM attitude and effort above playing time and points scored.

• Support the coach.

• Please resist shouting directions from the stands.

• Encourage your player to talk to the coach and handle problems. Players determine playing time in practice.

• Communicate with the coaching staff, except about playing time.

• Wait 24 hours after a contest or practice to call the coach.

• Understand we expect commitment. We work ten months a year.

• Enjoy this season---it will be exciting!

“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

-Vince Lombardi

10 COMMANDMENTS OF OUR BASKETBALL PARENTS

1. Be positive with your child and let them know they are accomplishing something by simply being a part of the team.  Don’t put them down.

2. Don’t offer excuses for them if they is not playing or not playing well in a game.  Encourage them to work hard, communicate with their coach, and do their best.

3. It's important to maintain a positive attitude towards coaches. They serve as mentors, leaders, and authority figures for young athletes. When parents consistently criticize coaches, it can undermine the player's respect and trust in their leadership. Encouraging support and constructive communication with coaches helps us to create a supportive environment for the athlete's development and success.

4. Encourage your child to follow the rules. Whether they are a starter or the last player on the team, players must follow the rules. Basketball is a demanding sport, and the coaches must concern themselves with a player’s off-the-court activities in order to get maximum physical and mental performance out of their players.

5. Insist on good grades. If they don’t have passing grades, they don’t play.

6. Encourage your child to enjoy the game for themselves. Don't try and live vicariously through them. Basketball is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn and grow. Embrace positivity towards your child's teammates; fostering a supportive environment benefits the entire team. Understand that every player has a unique role to play, and trust the coach's judgment in assigning these roles. By simplifying each player's responsibilities, the coach sets the stage for collective success. Let's celebrate the diversity of roles within the team and focus on our shared goal of achievement.  

7. Avoid assuming you know everything. Coaches dedicate significant time to working with the players and understanding their capabilities. While it's natural to be passionate as a fan, let's maintain a positive and respectful attitude towards the players. Remember, they are amateurs, not professionals. Trust in the coaches' expertise and respect their understanding of the players' talents. Let's cheer enthusiastically while supporting the team with positivity and encouragement.

8. Insist on your child's respect for team rules, school rules, game officials, and sportsmanship.  Don’t let them make fools of their family, the school, and the team by some “uncalled for” gesture. Self-respect begins with self-control.

9. Encourage your child to improve their self-image by believing in themselves. Every person has been created with worth and value. Don’t compare or contrast your child with family members who have played previously. Everyone is different.

10. Encourage your child to play for the love of the game, not for a scholarship or something that is in the hands of a college recruiter. Insist on unselfishness. Usually, good things happen to unselfish and hard-working people.