Parent Athletic Manual

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Welcome to Newport High School Athletic Program. The Administration at Newport High is strong supporters of the value of athletic competition. We believe that extracurricular school activities serve as an extension of the classroom. There are strong lessons to be learned in athletics. Student-athletes learn teamwork and group responsibility. They also learn to deal with success and to overcome adversity. Research show those who participate in extra-curricular activities tend to make better grades and have fewer discipline problems than those that do not participate. You’ll notice that we use the term student-athlete because we believe that your children are students first, and athletic participation is a privilege. It is important to focus on your student’s academic career in addition to their success in athletics.

Just as teachers and other school staff strive to work with parents in a mutual effort to promote the student’s success in the classroom – coaches strive to work with parents in a mutual effort to promote the athlete’s success on the field, court, track, etc.

Both parenting and coaching are very difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding between coaches and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a more positive experience for everyone. Parents have the right to know, and understand, the expectations placed on them and their children. Coaches have the right to know that if parents have a concern, they will discuss it with the coach at the appropriate time and place.

Communication You Should Expect from Your Student-Athlete’s Coach

  1. Philosophy of the coach.
  2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players.
  3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
  4. Team requirements; i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning, fund raising, etc.
  5. Procedures should your child be injured during participation.
  6. Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation.
  7. Cutting process.

Communication Coaches Expect Directly from Parents

  1. Notification well in advance of any schedule conflicts.
  2. Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations, before the season.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches

  1. What the expectations are for your student- athlete during practices and games.
  2. Ways to help your student-athlete improve.
  3. Academic support and college opportunities.

Inappropriate Issues to Discuss with Coaches

  1. Play calling.
  2. Other student-athlete athletes.
  3. Personal opinions about the coach.
  4. Team Strategy

Now, for the difficult issue of playing time: It is often difficult to accept your student-athlete not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved. A discussion with your student-athlete’s coach as to the amount of playing time he/she is receiving and what the player might do to improve is appropriate. However, contacting a coach to, simply, criticize playing time is not acceptable.

Procedure for Discussing Appropriate Concerns with a Coach

Some situations might require a conference between the coach and the parent. These conferences are too encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be used to help promote a resolution of the issue:

  1. Call the coach or have your student-athlete speak with the coach directly.
  2. Do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
  3. Use the 24-hour rule. Wait 24 hours to discuss a situation with a coach.

What to Do If the Meeting with the Coach Did Not Provide Satisfactory Resolution?

Resolution should proceed in the following order:

  1. Call the head coach of the program and meet to discuss the situation. If not resolved then . . .
  2. Call the athletic director to discuss the situation.
  3. Call the principal to discuss the situation.

Parents and Fans Serve as Role Models

High school parents and fans are a tremendous asset to our program. The administration, staff, coaches and athletes are grateful for your cooperation, support and loyalty. As spectators at contests parents and fans serve as role models.

We ask that you remember that school athletics are an extension of the classroom, offering learning experiences for the students. You are asked to show respect for all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Understand that the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship is expected by our school and our conference. We ask you to accept the responsibility to be a model of good sportsmanship that comes with being the parent of a student-athlete.

The following guidelines should be adhered to at all times at athletic contests:

  1. Know and understand the rules of the contest.
  2. Show respect for officials and their decisions.
  3. Show respect for opponents at all times.
  4. Recognize and appreciate the varying skill levels of all student-athletes that are participating.
  5. Maintain self-control at all times.
  6. Show a positive attitude when cheering.

Transporting Your Student-Athlete

Your student-athlete is expected to travel with their team in school provided transportation for “away” games – with very few exceptions. However, parents and guardians many transport their student-athlete after the contest. A note that informs the coach that a parent/guardian will be transporting their student that has been approved by the Principal, Vice-Principal, Athletic Director or the Athletic Secretary should be given to the coach after the contest or the coach may ask you to sign a check-out form after the contest. Parent/Guardians may transport only their student. Student athletes are not allowed to drive to “away” games.

Attendance

  • To be eligible, student-athletes are expected to be in school for every enrolled class period on the day of a contest (pre-arranged, excused absences that were made at least 24 hours in advance are excluded).
  • Student-athletes may not participate in a practice if they have an unexcused or unexplained absence during the school day.
  • Coaches, with administrative oversight, may establish policies that deal with student-athletes that miss practice.

Please also read our Academic Eligibility Requirements for athletic participation.