Tips for Being a Supportive Parent

Being the parent of a high school interscholastic athlete can be an extremely exciting experience. Participating in this adventure with a son or daughter can be and should be a cherished activity. Parents support is very important to the athlete, the high school and the community. 

To make this cooperative effort the most rewarding it can be for the parents and the athlete, here are some thoughts collected over the years on being a supportive athletic parent: 

Be Positive

Being on a high school team is quite an accomplishment. Don't let playing time dictate the athlete's happiness. Celebrate the fact that they were good enough to make a team. When you consider over 300 Little Leaguers end up as 10 - 15 seniors on the varsity baseball team, each year they can remain part of a team is cause for celebration. 

Be Supportive of the coaching staff in front of your Son/Daughter

Nothing can erode the intricate fabric of teamwork faster than athletes doubting the capabilities of their coaches.

 

A Message to our Fans 

Our athletic programs meet the basic needs of many students and are of great value to them. The success of the program is due to a large extent to the work of the coaches and students involved. The spectator also has a role in the program. If the program is going to continue to be successful, spectators must encourage good sportsmanship, courteous treatment of visitors and absolute fairness under all conditions. This year we ask all fans to remember, "Athletics is FUN!!" and to do your part to keep it fun. 

These are high school athletes who are performing. They are friendly rivals as members of opposing teams. They are not enemies. 

This is the theme of interscholastic athletics, the idea of friendly competition. The visiting team is a guest of the home team. They are expected to be so regarded and treated. 

The officials are men and women who, by agreement between competing teams, are assigned to administer the rules of the game. Their experience and their integrity qualify them for their part in this friendly interscholastic contest. All spectators, too, should reflect this attitude of sportsmanship no matter what their personal feeling of loyalty may be to one or the other of the teams in each contest.

 

Spectator Expectations 

1.       Respect decisions made by contest officials.

2.       Refrain from taunting, booing, heckling, and use of profanity in any manner.

3.       Sit in the designated area assigned to each school.

4.       Loitering in the upper parking lot is not permitted.

5.       Admission to this contest is not a license to verbally assault others or be generally obnoxious.

6.       Respect athletes, coaches, and fans.