Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution

CONTEXT

As your son(s) become involved in the co-curricular programs on offer at Toowoomba Grammar School, they 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 son wish. Issues concerning team selection, playing time and award recognition can become highly emotional topics and possibly result in conflict between the student, sport, and the School. It is important to address these issues as soon as possible and the Courses of Action below outline the recommended steps toward conflict resolution.

COURSES OF ACTION

Step 1: Player to Coach

As a general rule, if a player has a conflict or concern, he should look to address their queries directly to the coach and/or manager. This promotes independence and self-reliance.

Step 2: Player to Director/MiC/Coordinator

If the meeting between the coach/manager and player does not result in a satisfactory resolution to the problem, a conference between the coach, Age Coordinator and/or Master in Charge/Director should be initiated. This should be done at the request of the student and not the parent.

Step 3: Parent Intervention

If, following the above two courses of action, a resolution is still not found, parents can contact the Director/MiC/Coordinator to discuss the issue.

Step 4: Director of Sport and Activities Intervention

If the issue has still not been resolved following the above steps, the Director of Sport and Activities (DoSA) can assist. Please note, that if Steps 1-3 have not been followed prior to contacting the Director of Sport and Activities, you will be directed back to the appropriate step.

1. Call the Assistant to the Director of Sport and Activities (DoSA) on (07) 4687 2529 to leave a detailed message regarding the conflict.
2. A return call from the DoSA will ensue and the conflict may be resolved via telephone.
3. If resolution is still not found, the DoSA will facilitate a meeting with all parties concerned to help mediate a resolution.

NOTE:

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during or after a fixture or training session. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings under these circumstances are not conducive to resolution.

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 behaviour.

INAPPROPRIATE ISSUES TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH

It may be very difficult to accept your child being in a low graded team, not receiving much game time etc. Coaches make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. As you may have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your son’s coach. Other matters, such as the following, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

• Playing time during sporting fixtures
• Team strategy
• Other players