AD_Solving Conflicts


Chain of Communication
We understand that parents have great interest in the welfare of their child and that it is possible that, from time to time, disagreements between the coach and the parents may occur.

All issues between an athlete and a coach should FIRST be dealt with between each other. If the conflict cannot be resolved between the coach and athlete, then the athlete should make an appointment with the Athletic Director to inform him/her of the problem. At this time parents are urged to make appointments with the coach to share their concerns. In the event that acceptable solutions cannot be secured the parent should then contact the Athletic Director. If additional discussions are required to resolve the problem, the parent has the right to appeal decisions through the administration.

These are the steps that should be followed until there is a resolution to the problem:

  • Athlete and Coach
  • Athlete and Athletics Director
  • Parent and Coach
  • Parent and Athletics Director
  • Parent and Principal
    •

The correct procedure to contact a coach is to leave a message in the Athletic Office. Parents are urged to contact the coach directly at the phone numbers distributed at the pre-season orientation meeting. Please do not contact the coach at home unless requested to do so. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest, a practice, or event. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution. If the coach does not respond to your phone call, email the Athletic Director, Carl Charles, at ccharles@ridgefield.org or telephone at 438-3785 and he will contact the coach on your behalf.

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 step can be determined.

Parent spectators have made significant contributions to the fine reputation Ridgefield has earned in the display of good sportsmanship. Serving as positive role models for our student body, they have exhibited the highest ideals of good sportsmanship.

Together, the parents and the coaches can provide the necessary guidance, leadership, concern, and encouragement, which are so important during the high school years.