AUSTINTOWN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
COMMUNICATION GUIDE (text version)

A Presentation of the Department of Athletics

Introduction
We are very pleased that your son/daughter has chosen to participate in the interscholastic athletic program of the Austintown Local School District. A goal of the Athletic Department is to provide our athletes with the best environment in which their sport experiences may be as rewarding as possible. We believe that this goal may not be realized without appropriate lines of communication available to all parties involved. This "Communication Guide" has been developed to help coaches, parents, administrators and athletes communicate more effectively.

Communication You Should Expect From The Coach
* Philosophy of the coach.
* Expectations the coach may have for your child and the team.
* Locations and times of all practices and contests Team requirements, for example; Fees, special equipment, eligibility, attendance, off-season conditioning, ect.
* Procedure to follow should your child become injured during participation.
* Athletic Code of Behavior policy and any additional rules that may affect your child's participation.
* Requirements to earn letter.
* Disposition of lost/outstanding euipment at the end of the season.

Communication The Coach Expects From Parents and Athletes
* Concerns expressed directly to the coach first.
* Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance.
* Special needs of the athlete; Example, physical limitations that may not be obvious to the coach.

Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With A Coach
* The treatment of your child mentally and physically.
* Ways to help your child improve.
* Concerns about your child's behavior.
As your child becomes involved in the various athletic programs of the Austintown Local School District, it is our hope that she/he will experience some of the most rewarding moments of her/his life. It is important to understand that things may not always go as you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach may be desirable (in fact is encouraged) to clear up the issue and aviod any misunderstanding.

Areas Not Appropriate To Discuss With The Coach
* Playing Time/Position Assignment
* Team Strategy/ Play Calling
* Matters concerning other student athletes.
Many aspects of the highly emotional and dynamic setting of interscholastic athletics are often questioned. These may include decisions made by coaches, administration, officials, athletes, parents, and fans. As you have seen from teh pervious list, certain concerns can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other items must be left to the discretion of the coach. Our coaches are professionals. They make judgement decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved under the circumstances present.

Procedure To Follow If You Have A Concern To Discuss With The Coach
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. Such a meeting is encouraged when necessary. It is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the other person's position. Each should be willing to listen. The following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue.
* Contact the coach to set up an appointment (see list of school phone numbers on back).
* If the Coach cannot be reached after a reasonable period of time, call Dick Kenney, Athletic Director. An appointment with the coach will be arranged for you.

* Important. Please DO NOT attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice session. These can be emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution and in fact often escalate the issue.

The Next Step
What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution? Although total agreement may not always be reached, most often such a meeting does afford the opportunity for productive discussion and better understanding. If the parent desires further communication, please call the Athletic Director to discuss the situation. The approperiate next step will be determined.

Chain Of Command
The Austintown Local School District in conjunction with its' Department of Athletics follows the chain of command listed below. We ask that you observe the order of this line of communication if you elect to pursue any concern you may have with regard to the athletic program.

1. Assistant Coach (If Applicable)
2. Head Coach
3. Athletic Director
4. Grade/ Building Principal
5. Superintendent
6. Board of Education

We hope that the information provided in this "Communication Guide" will help you and your child to have a rewarding and enjoyable athletic experience.

Impoartant Phone Numbers Of The Austintown Local School District

* FITCH HIGH SCHOOL: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 1)
* ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT: 330.797.3900 (Press 4)
* AUSTINTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 2)
* FRANK OHL MIDDLE SCHOOL: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 3)
* DAVIS ELEMENTARY: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 7)
* LLOYD ELEMENTARY: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 6)
* LYNN-KIRK ELEMENTARY: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 5)
* WATSON ELEMENTARY: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 4)
* WOODSIDE ELEMENTARY: 330.797.3900 (Press 1, then press 8)
* BOARD OF EDUCATION: 330.797.3900 (Press 2)