LA JOLLA UNITED WPC ATHLETIC TRIANGLE
THE ATHLETIC TRIANGLE:
A successful athletic program, must have mutual understanding and cooperation among parents, athletes, and coaches. An athlete’s progress depends to a great extent on this relationship. Sports psychologists and youth sports professionals call this relationship the “Athletic Triangle.” Each individual in this triangular relationship plays an essential role in the success of the athletes endeavor. Therefore, it is important for the parent, athlete, and coach to understand and fulfill their distinctive roles in order to achieve the highest possible level of success. The apex of the three roles is a creation of an environment that allows the athlete “To Be The Best They Can Be”.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR EVERY ATHLETE IN THE ATHLETIC TRIANGLE:
Learn to take responsibility for your performance.
Set attainable goals & maintain a commitment level that is consistent with reaching these goals.
Communicate with coach and parents.
Eat a well-balanced diet by maintaining proper fluid intake and following nutrition guidelines.
Have fun and become as good as you want to be.
PRACTICE GUIDELINES:
Be prepared to start practice at the designated time. Bring proper practice equipment – your coach will provide a list of the equipment appropriate for each age group level. Respect your equipment and pack away after practice. Learn to listen. Listen attentively to the coach while receiving instructions. Perform technique drills and training sets with effort and correctly. Inform the coach before practice starts if you need to be dismissed early from practice.
DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES:
Practice disruption, chronic complaining, derogatory statements towards teammates and coaches, uncooperativeness, the use of foul language, fighting or any other unsportsmanlike conduct are grounds for immediate dismissal from practice. Parents will be informed as soon as possible. Repeated misconduct will result in the suspension from practice for a period of one week. A conference with the athlete, parent(s), and coach will be arranged before the athlete can return to practice. The head coach will be notified thereafter as to the results of the conference. If misconduct continues, the athlete will be dismissed from practice for an indefinite period of time. A conference will be arranged with the athlete, parent(s), and the head coach. The head coach, GM and club president will decide the outcome.
COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES
All coaches are experienced aquatic professionals and serve as positive role models. The job of the coach is to provide a program for kids and young adults that will enable each athlete “To Be The Best They Can Be”.
Design a training program that is appropriate and conducive to the level of every athlete.
Practices are based on proven training principles and geared to the specific goals of each team.
Determine the competitive objective for each scrimmage, game, tournament.
Lead and supervising warm-up procedures for each team.
Assist each athlete in setting attainable goals and guiding the athlete towards their goals.
Evaluate and analyze practice and competitive performance.
Provide necessary instruction and feedback to enhance performance.
Communicate with athletes and parents by educating and listening.
Determine the code of conduct and disciplinary action.
TRAINING & COMPETING
The coaching staff is commited to staying engaged with the water polo world. In addition to bringing their playing experience, each coach is actively looking for new training techniques, drills, strategies, and game play. They are dedicated to incorporating new knowledge into daily practices and training. Coaches are responsible for practice and competition, schedule based on teams competitive level on long term club goals. Trust your coaches! The best interest of each athlete is considered in every decesion.
MEETING WITH ATHLETES & PARENTS
The coaching staff is available to meet with any athlete and/or parents to discuss questions or concerns about that athlete’s performance. Each coach has an approach behind the training regimen within their team(s); they are availablel to share that information upon request. In all areas of athlete conduct and discipline, the coach is the final authority. If any issue arises during practice, tournaments, or game play, please wait until its completion to discuss with the coach. Coaches can be contacted in advance and meetings can be scheduled at mutually convenient times.
PARENTS RESPONSIBILITES
Competitive athletic programs provide many benefits to young athletes including self-discipline, good sportsmanship, time management skills, and good health. As a parent, your role is to provide a consistent, loving and supportive environment which allows your athlete to enjoy their successes and learn from failures. This positive environment will encourage your athlete to continue their participation in athletics. They need to know that your support is unconditional. Show your interest by supporting your athletes commitment to practices, attending competitions and engaging in other key parental roles.
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS
Parents are welcome to attend the final 30 minutes of each practice session. Please observe practices from the bleachers and keep in mind the following: The practice session is a learning situation and the athlete needs to be able to concentrate. Please stay clear of the immediate practice area and do not talk to your child during practice. Coaches have a plan for every practice and may emphasize some aspects to the exclusion of others. Let the coaches coach! Avoid analyzing your child’s practice performance or instructing your athlete. When a coach is coaching please do not interfere. If you wish to speak to the coach, please contact them before or after scheduled practices. Please have your athlete at practice on time (or early) and pick them up 10-15 minutes after the conclusion of practice. Communicate in advance any circumstances that may your athletes abilty to practice or be on time.
RESOLVING PROBLEMS WITH COACHES
One of the traditional communication flaws in team sports is that some parents feel more comfortable discussing their disagreements over coaching philosophies with other parents rather than taking them directly to the coach. Not only is the problem never resolved, but often, results in new problems being created. Listed below are guidelines for parents addressing difficult issues with a coach:
· Remember every coach is committed to this sport and has your child’s best interst and goals in mind!
· Trust the coach’s aproach! You will have better rapport and are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue.
· Remember that the coach must balance your perspective of what is best for your athlete with the needs of the team.
· Do not be a soundboard! Encourage other parents to address complaints directly with the coach.
· When contacting coaches, please address away from scheduled practice times.