Panda Parents

The reason that parents bring their daughters to train with the Pandas Volleyball Club is because they want them to develop as complete volleyball athletes (physically, mentally and technically). They understand and support the philosophy of what makes a Panda. Parents recognize that each Panda comes to her team from a different developmental starting point and that each Panda plays an important role in the success of her team.

A Panda parent supports and accepts that coaches will expose their daughter to the right kind of training situations uniquely necessary to each Panda. Our parent team also recognizes that when their daughter comes onto a practice or game court, she is a Panda first, taking direction from her coach and team.

Communicating with Coaches

Our parent team is welcome to communicate with coaches when their athlete daughter is unable to provide them with sufficient details surrounding their question(s)/concern(s). We like our parent team to:

• • Encourage their daughters to work out volleyball-related issues directly with their coach before enlisting parental assistance. The ability to resolve issues on one’s own is a beneficial life skill.

  • Attend competitions and practices so they can develop an appreciation for the sport, understand the skills that it requires and gauge their daughter’s progress.

Conflict Resolution Plan

Step One:

Athlete speaks to the coach.

If this does not resolve the issue,

Step Two:

Parent may ask to speak to the coach but must respect the following guidelines:

• 1. Not at a competition;

  2. 24 hour rule (must wait 24 hours from when it became an issue and asking to meet with the coach);

  3. Must be face to face; email/text only used to request a meeting;

  4. It is preferred that the coaches are given an opportunity to reflect on the issue before they are asked to respond.

If the issue is not resolved with the coach then the parent has the option of providing, in writing, documentation of the issue which will be sent to the Club President. The President, in consultation with the Executive, will determine what action will be taken from there if any.

Parents’ Role as Spectators

Panda Parents must remember that there are four positions on the volleyball court: player, coach, referee and spectator. The Pandas parent team is made of spectators who show their support by:

• • Learning about the rules and strategies of volleyball, so that they are informed spectators

  • Encouraging their daughter to focus on team play and coaching advice, rather than on parental feedback

  • Keeping all of their spectator comments positive so as to not distract or offend those on the court or those in the stands - this includes refraining from yelling at the referees, lines judges, coaches, and athletes regardless of their perceived error in judgement