Grievance Procedures

In any competitive team sport, there are situations that CANNOT keep everyone happy at all times.  Knowing when and how to communicate with your coach is a concern for almost every parent at some time during the season.  A.C.E. expects each parent/player to be respectful to the coach at all times regardless of the situation.  The coaches have been chosen to work with these athletes because they fit into the philosophy of A.C.E. and have earned the respect of many people that surround them.

The first line of communication should be between the coach and the athlete.  A.C.E. promotes to each of its athletes the idea of responsibility.  Each athlete determines their playing time and participation.  If the player has a problem concerning playing time or the coach’s expectations, the PLAYER should present their problem.  The athlete should ask the coach is an appropriate, respectful way how they could earn more opportunities to play.  Parents do not always see or hear what the coach explains or expects from their players, therefore the player should be on the same page as the coach.  Once the player knows what can help them to see more court time, the parents can help their athlete by helping them achieve those goals or opportunities.

A.C.E. coaches are not required nor expected to explain their decisions throughout a match and/or the season.  Coaching decisions including playing time, decisions in a match, substituting, etc. will not be discussed with parents.  If a parent has an issue outside of those decisions, they are encouraged to talk to their coach.

Here are the procedures to follow if you have concerns about any A.C.E. procedures, policies, or a coach’s action, in order:

Step 1:  The athlete will meet with the coach.  This should be done at an appropriate time and place.  If the issue remains unresolved, or if the athlete has a reasonable concern that speaking to the coach will not resolve the issue,

Step 2:  The parent should speak to or meet with the coach.  Meetings arranged with the coach should be at appropriate times—not at tournaments.  A parent should call the coach to arrange such meetings.  If a coach is approached by a parent during a tournament, the coach is instructed to simply explain that those controversial issues will not be discussed, refer the parent to the Club Director, and walk away from the situation.  Because our Club Directors serve as team coaches, the directors should not be approached during their respective tournaments.  If both directors are unavailable to speak with immediately, the problem will be discussed when competition for their team is complete for the day.

If the matter remains unresolved, or if the parent has reasonable concern that speaking to the coach will not resolve the matter,

Step 3:The parent may speak to the Head Coach and the Club Director. It will be the parent’s responsibility to set up a meeting with the head coach and club director.  Concerns that reach this point will not be discussed over the phone.  All meetings will be held at the practice facility (Rhodes Arena office complex).  The player and parent(s) will be required to attend.  The Head Coach and Club Director will not discuss issues involving coaching decisions.

If the problem remains unresolved, the final solution will be a committee of 1 of the coaches not involved in the situation, and 2 parents that have been in the program 2 or more seasons.  Members of the committee must have no personal interests in the outcome of the grievance.

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