Parents' Expectations
This handbook has
been given to you because your son/daughter has indicated a desire to
participate in interscholastic athletics, and you have expressed your
willingness to permit him/her to compete. We
believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and
experiences that will assist students in personal adjustments and developments.
We, who are concerned with the educational development of
boys and girls through athletics, believe that a properly controlled,
well-organized sports program meets the students' needs for self
expression, mental alertness and physical growth. It is our hope to
maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student's
educational, physical and spiritual maturity.
A
Student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice
of self-discipline and self-denial. These are the reasons we place such
emphasis on good training habits. Failure to comply with coaches' rules of
training may jeopardize the athlete's position on the squad.
When your son/daughter
enlists in one of our sports programs, he/she commits our staff to certain
responsibilities and obligations which include the
following:
• to provide adequate
facilities and equipment
• to provide certified coaches through the ASEP program in WIAA
• to provide equal contests
with skilled and certified officials
By allowing your child to
participate, we feel that you have assumed certain responsibilities and
obligations as well to participate. Please support the scheduled practices,
games, and other demands on your time and finances.
These other demands may include voluntarily transporting students to games and
assisting at home games. The giving of your time, your energies, and your
expertise in providing our athletes with a lasting educational, physical, and spiritual
experience is appreciated.
As a parent
you are extremely important to the success
of our athletic program. There are a few things of which you
need to be aware.
• We ask that your son/daughter seriously consider their participation
on a team. We have explained to them the importance of athletics being a
priority if they choose to be a part of the team. Therefore, we ask you to help
them in making that decision and, if you son/daughter does choose to
participate, that you will help them stick to the commitment they have made for
the entire season.
• Please remember that
when you attend a game that you are an ambassador for FCS and our athletic
program. Please remember that a good fan focuses on encouraging and uplifting
their own team and does not focus on putting down the other team, referees,
coaches, or your own team members.
• As a parent of an
athlete involved in the FCS athletic program you are encouraged to become
actively involved in the FCS Booster Club.
If a problem arises, please remember the Matthew 18 principle:
• Please discuss the issue with the
person directly (see below)
• Avoid gossip
• Galatians
The proper method to address a
concern
STEP -1- The athlete speaks with the coach and the assistant
coach. If there is no assistant coach, then the athletic director can be
included.
STEP -2- The
parent now can request a conference with the coach.
STEP
-3- If the conference between the parent and the coach
does not solve the concern, there will be a meeting set up by the athletic
director. The conference will be moderated by the athletic director and the
school administrator and will deal with specific issues which
the parent will submit in writing prior to the meeting. Both parties
will be allowed to speak and will be uninterrupted. It will be in a non threatening environment.
*Appropriate concerns the athlete/parent
may address with the coaching staff
·
The
treatment of the athlete mentally and physically.
·
Ways to help the
athlete improve his/her performance and skill level.
·
Concerns
about the athletes' behavior in school, practices, and games.
*Areas that are not appropriate for parents to
discuss with coaches
·
An individual's
playing time
·
Team strategy
·
Play selection,
the make-up of the teams that are playing
·
Other members of
the team, other parents, and other coaches
*Per WADA (Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association)