Both parenting and coaching are difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents whose children are involved in our football programme, 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 squad. Click subject on the list for more details

1. Communication you should expect from your child's coach
2. Communication coaches expect from parents
3. Appropriate concerns to discus with the coaches
4. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches or others
5. If you have a concern to discuss with the coach

Communication you should expect from your child's coach

1. The coach's philosophy

2. Expectations the Coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad

3. Locations and times of all training sessions and games

4. Information in respect of Trips or Tournaments in UK or abroad and any cost to participate

5. Team requirements i.e.: fees, dress code

6. Procedures we follow should your child be injured during participation

7. Discipline that results in the withdrawal of your child's participation

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Communication coaches expect from parents

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach

2. Notification of any training, game or fundraising conflicts well in advance of the event

3. Specific concern in regard to coach's philosophy and expectations

As your child becomes involved in the activities at Paisley United they may experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times we encourage discussion with the coach

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Appropriate concerns to discus with the coaches

1. The treatment of your child mentally and physically

2. Ways to help your child improve

3. Concerns about your child's behaviour

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. they make judgement decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all players involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be discussed with your child's coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach

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Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches or others

1. Playing Time

2. Team Strategy

3. Team Tactics

4. Other players performances/circumstances

The coach will discuss issues surrounding your own child, however it is totally inappropriate to attempt to discuss other players with the coach or other parents. Parents who act in an inappropriate manner may be asked to stay away from practice sessions and/or games, should their inappropriate behaviour persist then their child will be released from the Club There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern

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If you have a concern to discuss with the coach

1. Contact the coach by phone away from a game or practice to set up a meeting

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

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