THE NEXT STEP IMPORTANT FACTS TO KEEP What can a parent do if the meeting with the IN MIND Vancouver coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution? 1. If an athlete visits a physician for an injury, he/she must bring a note from 1. Call and set-up an appointment the doctor before being allowed to School District with the athletic director to discuss return to practice. the situation. 2. Students who miss more than half a 2. At this meeting the appropriate day of classes are not eligible to par- next step can be determined as ticipate in that day’s practice or con- necessary. tests. Truancy will result in a suspen- ATHLETICS sion from the next scheduled contest. Whether or not this step is ever reached, please 3. Use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol keep in mind the following protocol when you during the school year is a violation of elect to pursue a concern you have regarding Athletic Handbook rules and will result your son/daughter’s experience in one of our in an athletic suspension. Violations athletic programs. Please make contact as include actual use, possession and/or follows: sale, and con-structive possession as defined in the Athletic Handbook. 1. Head coach 4. Any athlete who is ejected from a 2. Athletic director contest will be suspended until after 3. Building principal the next contest at the same level is 4. District athletic coordinator completed. 5. Chief of secondary education 5. Athletes will be expected to maintain passing grades in 4 out of 5, 5 out of 6, Research indicates a student involved in co- or 6 out of 7 classes to be eligible to PARENT / COACH curricular activities has a greater chance for compete in contests. success during adulthood; these programs are 6. It is important for parents and all fans COMMUNICATION encouraged and well supported. Many of the to demonstrate good sportsmanship character traits required to be a successful and serve as positive role models. participant are exactly those that will promote a Cheers should be in support of our Let the coaches coach successful life after high school. We hope the team, not against the opponent. Also, information provided in this pamphlet helps officials are professionals and a neces- The players play make involvement in Vancouver School District sary part of the game, please treat The referees ref athletic programs as enjoyable and as positive them with respect. as possible for both you and your student. Thank you for your support. PARENT / COACH COMMUNICATION COACHES APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO RELATIONSHIP EXPECT FROM PARENTS DISCUSS WITH COACHES

We are very pleased that your son/daughter has 1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach first. 1. The treatment of your son/daughter, psycho- chosen to participate in the Vancouver School 2. Notification of schedule conflicts well in logically and physically. District athletic program. We will do all we can to advance. 2. Ways to help your son/daughter improve. provide a positive experience for your student. One 3. Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philoso- 3. Concerns about your son/daughter’s behavior. of the most important ingredients to achieve this phy and/or expectations. outcome is to ensure lines of communication are At times it may be difficult to accept the fact that developed to allow for resolution of questions As your son/daughter becomes involved in the your student is not playing as much as you or he/ before they become issues. As a parent, you have a athletic programs in our district, he/she will she would like. Coaches are professionals who right to know what expectations are placed on experience some of the most rewarding moments of make judgement decisions based on what they your athlete. This brochure is intended to spell out his/her life. It is also important to understand that believe is best for the team and all involved. As you all levels of communication so that parents, there will be times when things do not go the way have seen from the list above, certain things can coaches, and athletes are aware of the steps avail- your son/daughter wishes. These situations also and should be discussed with the coach. We ask able to them to resolve anything they think is or create opportunities for lifelong learning. At these that other things, such as those that follow, be left might become an issue. times, discussion with the coach may be the to the discretion of the coach. quickest and most effective way to clear up issues and avoid misunderstandings.

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO COACHES’ DECISIONS EXPECT FROM YOUR DISCUSS WITH A COACH, 1. Playing time. ATHLETE’S COACH PLEASE FOLLOW THIS 2. Team strategy. PROCEDURE 3. Matters concerning other student athletes.

1. Philosophy of the coach. There are situations that may require a conference 2. Expectations the coach has for your athlete. between the coach, the athlete, and the parent. 3. Locations and times of practices and contests. 1. Your son/daughter should first talk with the These are encouraged. It is important that all 4. Team requirements: equipment, offseason coach about the concerns. parties involved have a clear understanding of the training, etc. 2. Call to set-up an appointment with the coach. other person’s role and position. When these 5. Procedures you should follow should your son/ 3. If the coach can not be reached after a conferences are necessary, please review that daughter become injured during participation. resonable time, call your schools athletic procedure to help resolve the concern. 6. Participant conduct code and consequences for director, they will arrange an appointment for not following these guidelines. you. 7. Requirements to earn a letter. 4. Please do not approach a coach before or after 8. Disposition of lost/outstanding equipment at a contest or practice. These can be emotional Support your the end of the season. times for both the parent and the coach. 9. Communication concerning your athlete’s role Meeting at these times usually does not work athlete in a on the team and how the athlete fits into the well for any of the parties involved. positive way. future of the program.