Athletic Code Night

1. Athletic Code Night By: Jeremy Thode Director of Health, P.E., & Athletics

2. Athletic Philosophy Interscholastic athletics helps to provide insight into many life experiences with regard to responsibility, fair play, cooperation, concern for others, leadership, respect, good citizenship, loyalty, tolerance, resiliency, sportsmanship, confronting fear, adapting, succeeding, and failing.

3. Athletic Expectations • Academics come first • Children are here to get an education • Extension of the classroom • Athletics are a privilege, not a right • Develop well-rounded student athletes • Responsibility- extra help, communication, practice, competition

4. Reality of Athletics • Less than 2% of graduating seniors nationwide receive athletic scholarships (approximately 24000) • 1% of that 2% become athletic professionals (approximately 240) • Athletics can help entrance into institutions that they may not ordinarily qualify for (NCAA Night) • Paid trainers/coaches

5. Philosophy • Varsity • Highest level of competition • One of many goals is to compete/win • Best of the best • Playing time determined by ability/practice • Academics/attendance/attitude/work ethic/behavior (in/out of school) are all factors

6. Philosophy (cont.) • JV/JV9 • Preparation for varsity • Not a demotion • At times there is more opportunity for playing time • Developmental in nature • Playing time determined like varsity • Higher numbers- less playing time • Some decisions made by needs of varsity

7. Middle School Athletics • Competitive in nature • Safely keep as many athletes as possible- year in/year out • Designed to maximize exposure • Not always comparable with youth league- i.e. rules • Rules & guidelines by Section XI • Developmental • Selection Classification

8. Fact • Each year we have apprximately 4000 individual students-athletes try out for high/middle school sport teams. We attempt to safely include as many student athletes as possible. Each year/season is a new opportunity to make a program or team. Student-athletes are not guaranteed a spot on a team or a program each year.

9. Athletic Guidelines • Attendance • Transportation • Attire • Student Responsibility • Awards • Alcohol, Tobacco & Substance Abuse- Parents • Hazing • Sexual Harassment • Behaviors • Sportsmanship- Spectators

10. Communication • What you could expect from the coach/school • Philosophy • Expectations • Location & times of practice • Team requirements • Injury procedures/alerts • Discipline that results in denial of participation

11. Communication (cont) • Coaches expect from parents • Concerns expressed directly from student-athlete prior to parents • Concerns expressed directly from parent • Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance (does not exclude from attendance policy) • Specific concerns regarding student-athlete

12. Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches • Treatment of your child, mentally or physically • Ways to help your child improve • Concerns regarding your child’s behavior • Academic issues • Personal issues

13. Issues NOT appropriate to discuss with coaches • Playing time • Team strategy • Play calling • Other student athletes There are situations that may require conference with coach. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. The following is the procedure for these conferences:

14. Conference Procedures • Call/email coach to set up an appointment • If the coach cannot be reached call Eileen Cullen at 858-3515 or Jeremy Thode at 912-2080. • Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both parents and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

15. The Next Step • Call to set up appointment with Athletic Coordinator and/or Athletic Director • At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined. Parents are encouraged to discuss these issues and problems. However, if a parent has specific complaints regarding a coach, then the coach must have the opportunity to be present to meet with the parent.

16. Athletic Policies/Issues • Eligibility- Academics • Medical Conditions/Clearance • School Issued Equipment/Supplies/Uniforms • Game Changes/Practices • Emergency Contacts • College Recruitment • Facilities

17. Athletic Policies/Issues (cont.) • Student Valuables • Offsite Practices- Extra Help • Team/Coach Rules • Misconduct • Progress Reports • Website • Wellness Policy/Day

18. Athletic Policies/Issues (cont.) • Sport/Speed/Strength Training • Intramurals • Summer Camp • Commitment • Sportsmanship- Athletes/Coaches • Sportsmanship- Spectators

19. Tryout Details • Picking A Sport • Section XI Rules & Policies • Interscholastic Versus Youth League • School Sports Participation • Not “A Win At All Costs” Atmosphere • Options & Alternatives • Tryout Organization & Evaluation • “No Cut Policy” & “Walk On Teams” • Safety & Self Esteem • League Set Up & Other Schools • Communication Procedures • Sport Specific Drills • Athleticism & Conditioning • Game Conditions/Scrimmaging • Apparel & Tryouts • Evaluated On Tryout- Not Youth Leagues

20. Tryout Rumors • Do Not Speak Up/Anonymous Letters • “A” Team and “B” Team Comparison • Private Team Influence • Automatic Placement • Private Coach Influence • Players Play Together • “Son/Daughter said……” • “He knew someone” • “He/She teaches that child”

21. Thank you Jeremy Thode Director of Health, P.E., & Athletics 912-2080 jthode@commack.k12.ny.us