Important Events for Parents

Important Events for Parents

IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR PARENTS:

MEET THE COACHES NIGHT

(BEGINNING OF EACH SEASON)

The purpose of “Meet the Coaches Night” (Fall, Winter and Spring) is to provide a forum for coaches, parents and players to develop a bond of mutual respect, cooperation and shared responsibility. In addition, “Meet the Coaches Night” provides coaches the opportunity to promote their program, answer parent questions, define their expectations, solicit volunteers and hopefully begin to build a strong relationship between the students-athletes and parents.

SPORTS AWARD CERMONY

(END OF EACH SEASON)

The purpose of “Sports Award Ceremony” (Fall, Winter and Spring) is to recognize excellence and celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our student athletes and coaches.

COLONIAL ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

The purpose of the Colonial Booster Club is to support the athletic programs at TJHSST though the Activities Office. Support is achieved through CAB donations, concessions via parent volunteers, and program sponsorship.

Funds provided to the Activities Office are used for athletic equipment, uniforms and general athletic operations.

JOIN TODAY!

FOR DONATION INFORMATION:

VISIT COLONIALATHLETICS.ORG

THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL

FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION GUIDE

GET THE LASTEST INFORMATION AT THE FOLLOWING:

COLONIALATHLETICS.ORG

TWITTER: @CAB_TJ

FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/TJHSST

ACTIVITIES OFFICE: 703-750-8333

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to students. As parents, when your student becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your student. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your student’s program.

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR STUDENT’S COACH

  1. Philosophy of the coach.
  2. Expectations the coach has for your student as well as the players on the squad.
  3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
  4. Team requirements, i.e., fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning.
  5. Procedure should your student be injured during participation.
  6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your student’s participation.

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS

  1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
  2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
  3. Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.
  4. Medical or physical limitations of your student.

As your student becomes involved in athletic programs at TJHSST, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there are also may be times when things do not go the way you or your student’s wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

  1. The treatment of your student, mentally and physically.
  2. Ways to help your student improve.
  3. Concerns about your student’s behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your student not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your student’s coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE FOR PARENTS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

  1. Playing time.
  2. Team strategy.
  3. Play calling.
  4. Other student-athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the others’ position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH, THIS IS THE PROCEDURE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW:

  1. Contact the coach to set up an appointment.
  2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Activities Office at 703-750-8333. They will set up the meeting for you.

Please 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.

WHAT CAN A PARENT DO IF THE MEETING WITH THE COACH DOES NOT PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION?

  1. Call and set up an appointment with Director of Student Activities Rusty Hodges to discuss the situation.
  2. At this meeting the appropriate next step, if necessary, can be determined.

Research indicates a student involved in extra-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote success after high school. We hope the information provided makes both your student’s and your experience with Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology athletic programs more enjoyable.

Sportsmanship and the Role of Parents

Remember that interscholastic athletics are learning experiences for students and that mistakes are made. Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people as you would praise a student working in the classroom. It is not the role of parents to coach from the stands or to criticize game officials.