Working with Administration and Staff

By: John Klessinger

Originally Published in: A Coach's Manual

Provided by: Championship Productions

A cooperative relationship with your principals, athletic director, and teachers is crucial. The school staff is equally a part of your program, and you need them to be successful. Along with parents, the faculty and staff are part of your support group. A positive relationship with them is paramount.

How do you develop a positive working relationship with your school support staff?

1. Communicate your program's mission and goals to them. Invite them to see what you stand for as a coach and a program. If they know your expectations, they will see what you are trying to accomplish with your team.
2. Regularly meet and discuss events, issues, or problems with your athletic director and principal. If they are in the loop, they will support you. No one likes to find out things after it has already been out in the open.
3. Solicit faculty and staff in building your program. Talk to teachers about your players. Send emails asking how the players are doing in their class. Ask them to communicate with you if they are not doing well. Let them know you are with them in the "fight." Teachers will help you if they know you will do the same for them.
4. If a teacher or faculty member helps your program, give them something as a thank you. A t-shirt goes a long way when saying, "thanks." Odds are, you will need their help later on. Build bridges, not fences, with teachers, athletic directors, and administration.
5. Advocate for your players when necessary. Discipline them when they are a disruption to others. Everyone on your team is a representation of your program. Treat what happens in school as an extension of your coaching responsibilities. Academic and athletics are complementary, not separate.
6. Communicate with other coaches. Observe their practices and how they communicate with their players. Work with them to better their program and yours. People will help you if you help them. Have a positive relationship with other coaches at your school.