RCS- Athlete /Parent/ Coach expectations

Please read and become familiar with the policies listed below, keeping in mind that participating in the Running Creek School Athletic Program is a privilege, not a right. Those who choose to play for RCS have made the decision to make a commitment to the team and program, and have chosen to make sacrifices for the good of the team and not the individual. Those who chose to participate understand they have made the commitment to attend all practices and games, unless an excused absence occurs. (see below). Remember, when participating in RCS Athletics, you are not only representing yourself and yourfamily, but all families, board members, faculty, staff, coaches, and students associated with our program. If a failure to act under the guidelines occurs, the privilege to remain on the team may be revoked. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Practice Attendance:

All players areexpected to attend practice. If a player has an unexcused absence from practice, they will forfeit eligibility for the next game or contest. Tardinessis not acceptable and may affect playing time in a game or contest. If absenceand tardiness is chronic, it will affect the player’s right to remain on the team.

 Playing Time(games):

Any player without an excused absence who does notattend ALL his/herclasses at school on a game day will not be allowed to attend practice or playin that day’s game. Failure to dress for and participate in Physical Educationwill result in the student-athlete being ineligible for that day's practice or contest.(Medical, dental, funeral, weddings, or school –related functions will beconsidered as excused absences, but participation will be at the coach’s discretion.) Failure to attend morning classes due to illness, but a return toafternoon classes will result in ineligibility for practice or gameparticipation that day. Serious disrespectful behavior or negative attitude atany on time on the RCS campus may result in loss of playing time. PLEASE NOTE:If a student-athlete is ineligible for a game or contest, he or she will not travel with the team and mustbe picked up at school following the normal end of the school day.

 Athlete/ CoachConflicts:

The following topics areappropriate for discussion:  

 The treatment of your child.  Ways to help your child improve. Concerns about your child’s behavior.

As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach.

The items listed below should be left to the discretion of the coach: 

Playing time, positioning, and event entry. Team strategies, game tactics, play calling. Any discussion about other student athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and player, or coach and parent. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other person’s position. When a conference is necessary, the following procedure should be used to help resolve any concerns.

Student-Coach—open-door policy for all coaches          

Parent-Coach—done by appointment

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach please call the coach to schedule an appointment. If the coach cannot be reached, call me. 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 usually do not promote positive resolutions. 

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?

Call and schedule an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.         At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary.

Transportation

RCS will provide transportation to and from athletic events.  Athletic events may include practices and/or games.  All student athletes who travel with a team to an away athletic event must return to the school with the team.  The only exception to this policy is when both the coach and parent/guardian agree that it is beneficial for the student athlete to ride home with the parent/guardian. The parent MUST sign the athlete out with the coach before leaving and must leave the uniform with the coach. Student athletes will not be released and signed out by anyone other than a parent to ride home from athletic events without prior principal approval. 

Uniforms

The uniforms will be handed out to players before the game/contest and will be collected by the coach following each game/contest. The school staff will wash and dry each uniform before wearing again. At no time should the uniform go home with an athlete.

Parent Code of Conduct

Interscholastic athletic competition should demonstrate high standards of ethics and sportsmanship and promote the development of good character. Sportsmanship is achieved when participants are committed to pursuing victory according to the eight sportsmanship traits: courage, good judgment, integrity, kindness, perseverance, respect,responsibility, and self-discipline. This code applies to the parents of allstudent-athletes involved in interscholastic sports in the RCS sports.       

Courage—having the determination to do the right thingeven when others don’t.

Good Judgment—setting priorities in accordance with team, county, state, and national rules.

Integrity—having the inner strength to be fair and courteous during athletic events.

Kindness—being considerate, courteous, generous in spirit to the opposing team; treating others as you would like to be treated.

Perseverance—being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of opposition.

Respect—showing high regard for coaches, officials,opponents, fans, administrators, self, team, and the school you are representing.

Responsibility—showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct, and being accountable for your actions.

Self-discipline—refraining from inappropriate behaviors and maintaining self-control at all times

 As a parent, please acknowledge that you are a role model. Remember that school athletics is an extension of the classroom, offering learning experiences for the students. Please show respect for all players, coaches, spectators, and support groups. We ask that you participate in cheers that support, encourage, and uplift the teams involved.  Understand and exhibit the spirit of fair play and the good sportsmanship expected by our school and school system. Please accept the responsibility to be a model of good sportsmanship that comes with being the parent of a student athlete.

If you have questions or concerns please contact me.

 Colleen Lambert

(Athletic Director)

 704-485-8030

colleen_lambert@scs.k12.nc.us