PARENT’S CORNER

In an effort to maintain a sense of community in North Plainfield it has been a long-standing practice that the parents volunteer their time to coach their children’s teams or activities. In an effort to keep registration costs affordable the Recreation Department does not hire coaches. We also do not have the staff or man power to coach the teams for the activities. Hundreds of hours are spent structuring, coordinating and preparing for the upcoming season. We do our best to provide a quality program for the community.

While we strongly encourage parents to coach we do not allow them or anyone else to “coach” from the stands. We are fine with cheering and positively encouraging your children but directing them or distracting them in any manner is not acceptable. Not only does it create a distraction for your child and the rest of their team but it is also unfair to the coach that has dedicated his or her time to volunteer and coach your child. Many hours go into planning and preparing for practices and game days so we ask that if you choose not to coach please give your child’s coach the courtesy of allowing them to do so.

"I don’t have time to coach".
Yes, many people don’t have the time to coach including the person who volunteers to coach your child’s team. However; if there are multiple parents on each team that can assist in some way then that lightens the burden on just one person. Besides, you’re already their at the game and/or practice.

"I don’t know anything about sports."
We understand that most people don’t know anything about sports or the particular sport that their child is participating in. Part of the fun in coaching, besides the quality time with your child, is learning something new. The recreation department will provide coaching clinics in the beginning of each season. In addition, there are site supervisors and referees on hand at every game should you have questions. Should someone have more in-depth questions, the Director and Assistant Directors are always available to answer them for you.

If an individual feels so strongly motivated to give instructions to their children from the sidelines, it typically means that they are passionate about their child’s growth and performance in that activity. By all means we welcome that passion just as long as it’s done in the proper fashion; preferably through coaching.