Dear Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you and give you some insight to my coaching philosophy. My mission is to create a learning environment that puts our players in a position to succeed, on and off the field. I want to emphasize to your daughter that having fun playing the game of lacrosse is important, but more importantly, being responsible for ones actions and being accountable to yourself, your teammates, and the coaching staff is essential. I have found that players who develop a confidence in themselves, a love for the game, and a respect for others succeed far beyond the athletic field. My expectations are simple. For a team to succeed, dedication, commitment, and performance under pressure must become second nature. Athletes must be dedicated to the team. Being at practice on time, ready to work is very important. We need to practice with an intensity that is at game level. Our attitude should be The harder we work, the harder it is to quit. Members of the team should expect their teammates to give their total effort, whether it is in a game, at practice, or a team function. Naturally, we want to win. This will come in steps, and we must approach each goal one step at a time. First, we need to focus our efforts on playing better and better each game of the season. The teams dedication, as well as parental support, will be integral in achieving these goals. Parents need to understand that during the practice and games the coach is in charge. Parents are encouraged to cheer their team on during a game, but under no circumstance should a parent speak angrily to an official, player or coach, nor should they offer criticism or instructions. If you feel the need to do this, please direct your anger, criticism or advice to me personally. I thank you for the opportunity to coach your daughter and I look forward to the season ahead. Sincerely,

Head Coach Tena Oehler 503-407-8708

rt.oehler@frontier.com

Assistant Coach Nicole Bilodeau 503-680-6429 ndbilodeau@fordent.com

It doesn't take talent to be on time and work hard."

PARENT COACH RELATIONSHIP:
Parenting and coaching are both extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when your child is involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on her. This begins with clear communication from the coach of the sport. COMMUNICATIONS YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD'S COACH : 1. Philosophy of the coach. 2. Expectations and goals the coach has for your child as well as for the team/season. 3. Locations and times of all practices and contests. Practice King City Park 5:15 -6:30 Until we move to Dear Creek Elementary 5:15 -6:30 TBA. Games Times and Location TBA. 4. Team requirements, special equipment, strength and conditioning programs. You cannot participate in drills and/or stick work at practice unless you are wearing a mouth guard and goggles. 5. Procedure if your child is injured during participation. A coach will contact you immediately if the injury deems further examination and I will not hesitate to call 911.

Injury Policy If you are injured you are still expected to attend all practices and home games and are welcome to attend away games. If you have a serious injury, or constantly complain of the same pain please get it checked out! Consult with your parents and see a doctor if needed. Don't wait and prolong the injury. If you go to a doctor for a sports related injury, only a doctors note can clear you to play.

6. Team selection process. Attendance and level of participation at practices will influence your playing time.

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM ATHLETES & PARENTS 1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach. 2. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance. 3. Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible. As your child becomes involved in her programs, she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you and your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged. It is the first and most integral step to understanding and resolution.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

1. The treatment of your child. 2. Ways to help your child improve. 3. Concerns about your child's behavior. It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you had hoped. Coaches make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. The four items listed below should be left to the discretion of the coach. 1. Playing time 2. Team strategy 3. Play calling 4. Other student-athletes There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other person's position. When a conference is necessary, the following procedure should be used to help resolve any concerns. 1. Student-athlete - open-door policy for all coaches. 2. Parent-Coach - by appointment only.

Got A Problem?
Step #1 The player must voice her concerns with the head coach. This direct communication is best with solving any problem. Steps #2 If the first step doesnt work- have your parents call to set up an appointment with Coach Oehler 503-407-8708

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature usually do not promote positive resolutions. Commandments for Parents 1. Let your children know that win or lose, you love them, unconditionally. You are proud of their efforts and are not disappointed with them. You are the people in their lives who always give positive reinforcement. 2. Let your children live their own lives. Try not to relive your athletic life through your children. You had your time, now it is their turn. Dont pressure them to shine for your ego. Remember that you made mistakes too. 3. Coach attitude, but dont coach skill. Leave that to the team coach. Refrain from the inclination to try to make your child just a little better by giving them tips on the way home from games, or at dinner, or when they are trying to go to sleep. 4. Dont compete with the coach. You each have different roles to fill; leave them theirs and work on your own. It takes a village to raise a child. Be glad you have an excellent adult role model contributing to the upbringing of your child. But remember, they are human; they will make mistakes. 5. Never compare the skill, athletic ability or attitudes of your child with other members of the team, at least not with their hearing. A team needs all kinds of different athletes to fulfill essential roles. Celebrate your childs special attributes.

6. Always remember that children tend to exaggerate both when praised and when criticized. Allow
them time to cool off. Chances are, tomorrow they will have more appropriately evaluated a situation, while you may be just beginning to investigate. If the situation warrants following through, investigate quietly before overreacting.

7/8 Tigard Youth Girls Lacrosse

I, (PLAYER NAME) along with my parents, have read and agree to follow all the policies described in this letter.
PLAYER SIGNATURE _____________________________________________________Date___________ PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE __________________________________________Date___________

Thank you, Coach Bilodeau Please sign and return to either Coach Bilodeau or Coach Shaw