Dealing with parents has always been a sensitive and important topic to deal with. As a former football head coach, I always covered this item during my preseason parent meeting which outlines policies and procedures of the program. I had a policy of waiting 24 hours after an event or situation to contact me in regards to an issue involving the student athlete. It was designed as a cooling off period to diffuse any type of emotional situation and provide a rational baseline for a productive discussion. After the cooling off period, a meeting can be scheduled with me (the head coach) and the Athletic Director. This policy was always well received but not always followed.
As an Athletic Director, parental issues are as normal as snow and cold in February for Ohio. It is imperative that an open door policy be implemented that any parent can feel free to address any type of issue with the head coach and the athletic director present with an agenda that all parties follow. A rational discussion with ample time for both parties to interact followed by a plan of action to adhere to has served me well in the past. Mr. McGuire had a meeting with a disgruntled boys basketball parent later in the afternoon. I did not attend the meeting but from all indications, it was resolved and all parties moved forward.
As an Athletic Director, parental issues are as normal as snow and cold in February for Ohio. It is imperative that an open door policy be implemented that any parent can feel free to address any type of issue with the head coach and the athletic director present with an agenda that all parties follow. A rational discussion with ample time for both parties to interact followed by a plan of action to adhere to has served me well in the past. Mr. McGuire had a meeting with a disgruntled boys basketball parent later in the afternoon. I did not attend the meeting but from all indications, it was resolved and all parties moved forward.