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William Jablon
Director of Athletics
 814.467.4567 x225
bjablon@windberschools.org
 
 
 
Guidelines for Parents of Windber Area Athletes
 

             Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.  We hope that the information provided in this pamphlet makes both your child's and your experience with Windber Area School Districts athletic program more enjoyable.

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

 Communication from the Coaching Staff:
  • Philosophy of the coach
  • Expectations the coach has for your student/athlete, as well as the team
  • Locations and times of practices and events
  • Team requirements; practices, special equipment, out-of-season conditioning
  • Procedures followed should your child be injured during participation
  • Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation
  • Requirements to earn a letter
 
 
As your child becomes involved in the programs at Windber Area School District, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives.  It's important to understand there also may be times when things do not go the way your child wishes.  At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
 
 Appropriate concerns for discussion:
  • Treatment of your child, mentally and physically
  • Methods to help your child improve
  • Concerns about your child’s behavior

Sometimes, it can be difficult to accept your son/daughter's not playing as much as you had hoped.  At the same time, our coaches are professionals and we have every confidence they are making judgment decisions based on what they believe is best for all student-athletes involved.  As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach.  Other things such as the next list, must be left to the discretion of the coach. 

Issues NOT appropriate to discuss with the coach:

  • Playing time
  • Team strategy
  • Play calling
  • Other student-athletes

It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position.  Always remember - the best interests of the team are placed ahead of any one individual.  By questioning publically any of the above mentioned items, you will be promoting individual style which we seek to avoid in interscholastic athletics.

For concerns requiring discussion with the coach, please follow these procedures:

  • Call or email to set up an appointment
  • If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director (A meeting will be set up for you)
  • Please do not attempt to engage a coach in conversation before or after an event or practice.  These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.  Meetings of this nature do not promote resolutions.

The next step:

If the meeting with the coach did not provide  a satisfactory resolution, please call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director and Coach to discuss the situation.

Spectator-Cheerleader relationship:
 
Cheerleaders try to infuse spirit into the fans/spectators and lead them in selected cheers. Taking this responsibility into your own hands is not appropriate.  Fans that leave the stands to direct cheers may often cause confrontations.  Following the cheerleader’s directions is absolutely necessary at all athletic events.  The emotions and atmosphere at athletic events  can be very exciting and the cheerleaders need to be allowed to direct and control this aspect of the event.

 
Relationship with Officials:

Officials agree to follow a code of ethics.  They really do not care or have a vested interest in which team emerges as the victor.  It is also very important to understand they are a necessary part of the game, as an event cannot be played without them.

While you may not agree with all of their calls, you are not to engage or harass them in any way.  It is also important to remember they are in charge for the event and have complete authority to have unruly spectators removed. In many sports, teams will see the same officials many times during a season.  Coaches, Athletic Directors and school officials work hard to establish a rapport and a good working relationship with officials.  This relationship can easily be damaged by spectators who choose to ignore proper behavior.
 
Sportsmanship:

Because athletics should be educational in nature, it is important that all parents demonstrate good sportsmanship and serve as role models for our athletes and students.  Sportsmanship is an overall display of respect for the rules of sport and for all others – players, coaches, officials, and fans.  It also involves a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity.  This means:

  • There will be no vulgar or inappropriate language from spectators
  • Taunting or trash talking about opponents and the cheerleaders will not be tolerated
  • Spectators cannot leave the bleachers or enter onto the court or field during a contest
  • Fans should be supportive and positive.  Cheering should be done for our team and not against our opponent
  • We should not impede or interfere with our opponent’s cheerleaders from leading their cheers
  • In some specific sports such as basketball and volleyball, we should not yell while the opponent takes a foul shot or player attempts to serve

 

Athletic Department policies:

Student-athletes waiting and/or loitering in the lobby pose potential problems.  The risk of injury and property damage can possibly result from unsupervised gatherings.  In part to address this issue, the athlete is responsible to:

  • Arrange transportation for practices and games in advance
  • Leave the building and grounds as soon as possible, but not more than one half hour after the conclusion of a practice or contest

 

Travel Policy:

All team members must travel as a group to and from all athletic events.  A team member may be released to the custody of a parent/guardian at the conclusion of an away event.*

* In order to be transported home by a parent, the student must submit (and have signed by an administrator) the permission form to travel home with a parent.