2016-17
NEWPORT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Athletic
Handbook
Introduction
The Newport High School Athletic Handbook is a reference guide for coaches, student-athletes
and parents, concerning the policies that govern interscholastic athletics at Newport.
Sound reasoning, good judgment and adherence to the school’s core values will be the standard
by which situations outside these stated rules and regulations are determined and evaluated.
Participation in Newport’s athletic programs is voluntary, thus competition in interscholastic
athletics is a privilege and not a right. With this privilege, the student-athlete is expected to
conform to the high standards of the athletic program. This privilege may be revoked if the
student-athlete fails or refuses to comply with the rules, policies, and procedures outlined in this
handbook, school and district Code of Conduct, and by the coaches.
Federal and state law, Kentucky education code, Newport Independent School District Policies,
KHSAA bylaws, and the KHSAA policies and procedures govern Newport athletic programs in
addition to those stated in this handbook.
Philosophy
The Newport Athletic Department believes that extra-curricular activities play a vital role in total
development of the student-athlete. Newport strives to demonstrate high standards of ethics
and sportsmanship and believes the highest potential of sports is achieved when participants
are committed to pursuing victory with honor according to six core principles: trustworthiness,
respect, responsibility, fairness, discipline, and good sportsmanship. This code applies to all
student-athletes, coaches, parents, and staff.
All Newport athletics must be in accordance with Newport High School’s academic goals and
objectives established for the development of the student-athlete. Newport athletics places
academic achievement as the highest priority as student comes first in student-athlete.
Newport athletics will show respect for teammates, opponents, administration, and coaches, as
well as the judgment of game officials. Newport exhibits fair play, sportsmanship, and proper
conduct on and off the playing field both by adhering to the established rules and standards of
the game to be played, and by refraining from the use of profanity, vulgarity, and other
offensive language and gestures. We maintain a high level of safety awareness through a
respect for and use of all appropriate equipment and use it safely and appropriately. Newport
student-athletes must refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal and non-prescriptive
drugs, anabolic steroids or any substance to increase physical development or performance.
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Principal
Kyle Niederman
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859-292-3023
The Principal will work to provide an academic and athletic program that work together to
develop a total experience for the student-athlete. The Principal will also ensure the smooth
processes and facilitation of a total academic and extracurricular program in accordance to the
policies of Newport Independent Schools.
Assistant Principals
Michael Hunter and Hallie Booth
Email: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Phone: 859-292-3023
The Assistant Principal will work to provide an academic and extracurricular program that work
together to develop a total experience for the student-athlete. The Principal will also ensure the
smooth processes and facilitation of a total academic and extracurricular program in accordance
to the policies of Newport Independent Schools.
Athletic Director
Tim Mosley
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859-292-3023
The Athletic Director’s mission is to develop, direct, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the
athletic program of Newport Independent Schools.
General Responsibilities
The Athletic Director is responsible for the supervision, development, coordination, evaluation
and improvement of a school/district wide athletic program. The Athletic Director is directly
responsible to the Superintendent of Schools and works under the direction of the High School
Principal and is responsible for the overall athletic program. The Athletic Director functions as a
consultant and advisor on collaboration with the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent,
Director of Finance, Head of Maintenance, and Principals in all matters pertaining to athletics.
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Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bans gender discrimination in schools, both in
Academics and Athletics. Title IX states: “No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any
education program or activity operated by a recipient which receives or benefits from federal
financial assistance.” Title IX is the complete responsibility of the Principal.
Benefits, opportunities, and treatments afforded sports participants are to be equivalent, but
not necessarily identical. Title IX specifically looks at the following components:
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Accommodations of Athletic Interests and Abilities
Provision of equipment and supplies
Scheduling of games and practice times
Travel and per diem allowances
Opportunity to receive coaching and academic tutoring
Assignment of compensation of coaches and tutors
Provision of locker rooms, practice, and competitive facilities
Provisions of medical and training facilities and services
Publicity
Provision of support services
Recruitment of student-athletes
Title IX Committee
The Athletic Director, in cooperation with the Principal, will organize and coordinate a Title IX
Committee. This committee will meet a minimum of (3) times per academic school year. The
committee shall be made up of the following representatives:
1. Principal
2. Athletic Director
3. Male Sport Head Coach
4. Female Sport Head Coach
5. Male Student
6. Female Student
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Transportation
Each Head Coach must complete a transportation request form for each away competition or
travel. The forms must be turned into the Athletic Director who will in turn deliver the forms to
the Transportation Department.
Head Coaches should have ALL transportation request forms for the ENTIRE season submitted to
the Athletic Director two weeks prior to the start of the season; the sooner the better.
All Head Coaches must create and maintain a bus roster for each scheduled bus trip. The roster
must include the student-athletes’ names, and emergency contact information.
 Last minute requests due to competition rescheduling, filling a game slot, etc. must be
submitted as soon as possible to ensure best chances of receiving transportation.
 Any cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to scheduled departure by calling the
driver and Transportation Secretary.
A Head Coach or paid Assistant Coach must accompany the teams on all bus trips. Trips are for
team personnel only.
After Games: If a student wishes to ride home with their parent or guardian, they may only do
so if their parent or guardian is present, and speaks to the coach in person, signing a note of
release.
Facility Usage
The Athletic Director maintains a master calendar for the use of each athletic facility. If you
wish to schedule a practice, competition, or event associated to your sport, send the dates and
time you would like to have the facility reserved. If there is a calendar conflict with the use of
the facility, the Athletic Director will inform you and ask for a secondary date and time.
Finance
The Athletic Director and Head Coaches are responsible for maintaining all budgets while
supervising the spending and financial processes for the athletic department. The following
processes and procedures MUST be followed at all times regarding any financial processing.
1. Each team and Head Coach has a District Allocated Budget that must be adhered to at
all times. The district Finance department and Accounts Payable process this account.
a. This account is District funded
b. This account is used for equipment needs, safety, entry fees, reconditioning,
etc.
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Spending/Purchasing Procedure (District):
1: Head Coach obtains a quote from a vendor for desired purchase.
2: Head Coach fills out a District Requisition/Purchase Order Request form.
3: Head Coach submits quote and PO Request form to the Athletic Director.
4: Athletic Director checks sport specific budget.
5: Athletic Director approves and submits quote and PO request to district Finance Dept.
6: Finance Dept. notifies Athletic Director of approval and PO number.
7: Athletic Director or Head Coach place order.
8: Completed orders checked by Head Coach and Athletic Director upon arrival.
9: Invoice sent to Finance Dept. for payment.
2. Each Head Coach may manage a School Account, designated to their specific sport,
which is processed by the school Finance Secretary.
a. This account is solely funded by money raised through fundraising activities by
each specific sport or Booster contribution.
b. This account is used for miscellaneous needs of each specific sport.
Spending/Purchasing Procedure (School):
1: Head Coach obtains a quote from a vendor for desired purchase.
2: Head Coach fills out a School Activity Purchase Order Request form.
3: Head Coach submits quote and PO Request form to the Athletic Director.
4: Athletic Director and Head Coach check sport specific account balance.
5: Athletic Director and Principal approve and submit quote and PO request to Finance
Secretary.
6: Finance Secretary notifies Athletic Director/Head Coach of approval and PO number.
7: Athletic Director or Head Coach place order.
8: Completed orders checked by Head Coach and Athletic Director upon arrival.
9: Invoice sent to Finance Secretary for payment.
Fundraising
Each Head Coach and sport is able to raise funds for use towards the improvement of their
equipment, facilities, gear, etc. Each sport is asked to only participate in four (4) different
fundraising activities. All fundraising activities must follow the financial procedures outlined
below.
Each fundraiser that includes any type of gaming/chance requires a Gaming license issued by
the State of Kentucky. Ask the Athletic Director for further information.
Fundraising Process
1. Fill out Fundraiser Approval
2. Submit form to Athletic Director for approval
3. Athletic Director receives approval from appropriate party
a. School specific requires Principal approval. (Majority of athletic fundraisers fall
here)
b. District Wide requires Superintendent Approval.
4. Athletic Director notifies Head Coach of approval
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5. Fundraiser takes place
a. Any money (cash or check) given directly to the Head Coach must be
documented on a Multiple Receipt form and separately accounted for.
6. All money and multiple receipt forms are submitted to the Finance Secretary for deposit
and record.
7. Fundraiser Worksheet is filled out.
Social Media
Student-athletes and Coaches are representatives of the Newport Independent School District,
and their behavior is subject to scrutiny by their peers, school district, community, and the
media. The actions of a single coach or student-athlete can reflect positively or negatively not
only on the individual, but also on his or her team, the Athletics Department and the entire
school. Therefore, student-athletes and coaches are expected to represent themselves and
Newport with honor, dignity and integrity at all times – including when interacting on social
networking websites and in other online environments. The popularity of social networking
websites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Vine, YouTube, Instagram, Blogspot, etc.) has grown
tremendously during the last few years. These websites can serve as valuable communication
tools when used appropriately. The use of social media, however, has the potential to cause
problems for both the teams and the school environment. Almost anything a coach or studentathlete posts on a social networking site may be viewed by others, and both the media and the
general public are more likely to view the profiles of coaches or student-athletes than the
profiles of other students or employees.
The following is acceptable for coaches and student-athletes:
1. Coach or student-athlete sharing positive news and information
2. Information pertaining to schedules, practices, and team events
3. Motivational material that is positive for all
The following is unacceptable for coaches and student athletes:
1. Posting or sharing information disruptive to the athletic or educational environment
2. Posting or sharing pictures or information that is in violation of school and team policies
such as obscene images or language, nudity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, and other
illegal activities.
3. Posting or sharing unsportsmanlike, demeaning, threatening, taunting, or derogatory
content towards any individual, including but not limited to: school administration,
coaches, teammates, faculty members, other schools, etc.
4. Posting or sharing information that is sensitive or personal in nature that is proprietary
to the Athletic Department or School District that is not public information. (Ex: Injuries
and medical information, eligibility status and grades, and other confidential
information.)
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Awards Banquet and Lettering
Following the conclusion of each sports season, there will be a banquet scheduled to celebrate
the student-athletes and team successes. The Banquets will be divided between Fall, Winter,
and Spring Sports. The banquets are tentatively scheduled for a Thursday two weeks following
the completion of the last sports for that season. If the tentative date is unavailable, a
secondary date will be decided by the Athletic Director in cooperation with the coaches.
Fall Banquet Includes:
Band, Football, and Volleyball, Soccer
Winter Banquet Includes:
Academic Team, Boys and Girls Basketball, Bowling, Cheer, and Wrestling, Archery
Spring Banquet Includes:
Baseball, Track, and Softball
Lettering and Awards:
Student-athletes can earn a bar for their participation in interscholastic athletics. They can also
earn a Varsity Letter for meeting the requirements of each sport played. The requirement varies
per sport. (Ex. For Football a student-athlete must participate in 60% of the Varsity contests or
24 quarters. A quarter counts when an athlete participates in 3 consecutive plays or 50% or
more of the offensive or defensive plays in that quarter.)
Student –athletes earning two (2) varsity letters in one sport or three (3) varsity letters in
different sports, earn a Letterman Jacket provided by the school. The jacket will include the
student-athlete’s name and Varsity letter. The student-athlete may add their bars, grad year,
and additional embroidery at their cost.
Coaches
Qualifications per KHSAA Bylaw 25
1. Level 1 Coaches:
a. An individual seeking a coaching position at the high school level shall be
categorized as Level 1 if that individual is:
i. A certified teacher and member of the regular school system faculty and
meets the following criteria prior to assignment to coaching duties:
ii. Is employed a minimum of three (3) regular periods for teaching classes,
which may include physical education
iii. Is employed for supervision of study halls
iv. Is exercising responsibilities in other activity assignments within the
school schedule.
2. Level 2 Coaches
a. An individual seeking a coaching position at the high school level shall be
categorized as Level 2 if that individual meets the following criteria prior to
assignment to coaching duties and does not meet the qualifications of Level 1:
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i. Shall be a high school graduate and 21 years of age
ii. Shall not be a violent offender or convicted of a sex crime that is
classified as a felony
iii. Shall submit to a criminal record check
iv. Shall meet one of the following additional qualifications:
1. Have graduated from a public or accredited high school and
hold a provisional or standard teaching certificate
2. Have completed sixty-four semester hours of college credit
from an accredited college or university as documented by an
official transcript
3. Be a graduate from a public or accredited high school and be in
compliance with the local district standards for serving as an
approved substitute teacher as approved by the Education
Professional Standards Board
OR
4. Be a graduate from a public or accredited high school and
complete all Board of Control prescribed electives as detailed.
a. Level 2 coaches approved under this shall complete
these requirements prior to coaching in the first
interscholastic contest; and prior to assuming duties,
Level 2 coaches shall successfully complete training
provided by the local school district.
Head Coaches Expectations
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Work with High Expectations of yourself, assistant coaches, and student-athletes.
Promote core values of academics, integrity, responsibility, trustworthiness, respect,
and sportsmanship above wins and loses.
Push the student-athlete to rise to the expectation and do things the “right way” at all
times with character.
Follow all Athletic Department polices and procedures
Communicate with the Athletic Director and School Administration
Act as good role models
Be enthusiastic and motivational
Build team unity in developing winning attitudes
Demonstrate a cooperative spirit with other coaches
Communicate with student-athletes and parents
Be teachers and help athletes set realistic goals for performance improvement
Head Coaches Roles and Responsibilities
1. Develop and oversee the complete Program of assigned sport from Youth/Middle
School to Varsity.
2. Ensure all student-athletes complete required forms. (Physical, drug test consent,
parent consent, eligibility checks)
3. Supervision and safety of ALL team members at ALL times during practice and
competition. (No athlete is allow to use any facility without proper supervision)
4. Proper care and supervision of locker rooms and facilities.
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Proper care, maintenance, and inventory of equipment and uniforms
Schedule all competitions and develop a Schedule to share with all stakeholders
Prepare practice plans and schedules.
Prepare team polices and procedures.
Communicate schedules and polices to all stakeholders (AD, parents, coaches, studentathletes) in the form of a pre-season parent meeting
Schedule transportation of all trips.
Follow financial procedures and submit all financial forms prior to any purchase.
Adhere to district allocated budget for equipment/needs purchases.
Submit all rosters to Athletic Director.
Completion of KHSAA required Safety Course.
Completion of KHSAA required Rules Clinic.
Completion of KHSAA required CPR/First-Aid Training.
Assist Athletic Director in planning, pre-game preparation and organizing volunteers to
work home events.
Sport specific roles and responsibilities as determined by KHSAA.
Any other responsibilities assigned by the Principal or Athletic Director.
Assistant Coaches Expectations
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Follow all Athletic Department polices and procedures.
Follow all policies and procedures of the Head Coach.
Be committed to attending all practices and competitions.
Communicate with the Head Coach, Athletic Director and School Administration.
Act as good role models.
Be enthusiastic and motivational.
Build team unity in developing winning attitudes.
Demonstrate a cooperative spirit with other coaches.
Communicate with student-athletes and parents.
Be teachers and help athletes set realistic goals for performance improvement.
Assistant Coaches Roles and Responsibilities
1. Assist Head Coach in all aspects of organization, game planning, equipment, budgeting,
supervision, and every aspect of coaching as required by the Head Coach.
2. Completion of KHSAA required Safety Course.
3. Completion of KHSAA required Rules Clinic.
4. Completion of KHSAA required CPR/First-Aid Training.
5. Any other responsibilities assigned by the Head Coach, Athletic Director, or Principal.
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Coaches Evaluation
In order for the Athletic Department to reach its fullest potential, quality coaches are essential;
therefore, all coaches must be evaluated. Only upon completion of the evaluation may the
coaches receive payment for their extra service contract if they are not employed full time in the
district.
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The Principal will evaluate the Athletic Director.
The Athletic Director will evaluate Head Coaches.
The Head Coach will evaluate assistant coaches.
The Head Coaches must complete the evaluation of assistant coaches within 2 weeks of the
conclusion of the season.
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Student-Athletes
Student-Athlete Expectations
As stated previously, athletics at Newport are a privilege and not a right. With privileges come
high expectations. We expect our student-athletes to pursue excellence in their athletic
endeavors. High school sports are extremely competitive, therefore, basic expectations across
all sports are in place that will help our teams and individuals excel:
1. Represent Newport with class, dignity, strong character and sportsmanship at all
times
a. Newport extends beyond any one individual or team, and any unsportsmanlike
behavior reflects negatively on the entire school. Our student-athletes are
expected to promote a positive image of the school at all times through their
actions and language both in victory and defeat, in school as well as in the
community. Be an example and a leader within the school.
2. Daily attendance at practices and competitions
a. In-season practices and competitions are mandatory and should not be missed
except for severe illness (documented), or family emergency. Missed practice
time and competitions will have consequences per each coach’s policies.
3. Follow all KHSAA, Newport High School, Athletic Department, and team rules
a. The KHSAA, school, and Athletic Department policies are the same across the
board, and each team develops its own set of rules that all student-athletes are
expected to follow. Violations of any of these rules and policies will result in
consequences that are outlined in the KHSAA bylaws, the Newport High School
student handbook, the student-athlete handbook, and the team rules,
respectively.
4. Be committed to the school athletic program in season and during the off season
a. Each student-athlete should participate enthusiastically and understand the
commitment and possible sacrifices that will be made for the team. The
student-athletes must understand the privilege of athletics and develop a
winning attitude while committing themselves to reach their academic and
athletic goals.
5. Communicate openly and honestly with respect for coaches, teammates, parents,
officials, and opponents
a. It is vital to develop a team attitude and be coachable and open to constructive
feedback as well as share any appropriate individual or team concerns with the
coaches or administration.
6. Develop and maintain mental and physical health behaviors
a. Practice self-discipline in demonstrating good personal health habits, being
alcohol, tobacco, and drug free, as well as dealing with challenges in a positive
manner
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Physicals
Every student-athlete must complete a mandatory physical screening by a licensed physician or
medical professional designated by the physician prior to ANY participation in athletic practice
or competition. The KHSAA required form can be found with the Athletic Department, from the
coach, or on khsaa.org.
Drug and Alcohol Use and Drug Testing
Every student-athlete must have a parent/guardian review and sign Newport High School’s Drug
and Alcohol Use and Drug testing policy. The form can be found with the Athletic Department
as well as on the Athletic Web Page.
Drug Testing
Newport High School randomly selects student-athletes for drug screens (with permission from
the consent form). Failing this drug screen will be addressed by the school administration
according to the District policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and the Drug Test
Consent Form.
Possession of Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco and Criminal Activity
Newport High School has a zero tolerance of any possession and use of drugs, tobacco, and
alcohol. The Principal according to District Policies will address violation of the schools policies
outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
The Principal will address any student-athlete involved in any criminal activity in accordance to
District policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Bullying and Hazing
Newport High School has a zero tolerance for Bullying and/or Hazing of any kind. The Principal
will address any student-athlete involved in any Bullying/Hazing in accordance to District policies
outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Academics
Season Eligibility:
KHSAA academic standards require that the student-athlete must have received passing grades
to ensure they are on expected grade level prior to participation in interscholastic athletic
competition.
- Freshman must have passed the 8th Grade prior to entrance into 9th Grade.
- Sophomores must have received 5 full credits to be eligible/on grade level.
- Juniors must have completed 11 full credits to be eligible/on grade level.
- Seniors must have completed 17 full credits to be eligible/on grade level.
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In-Season Eligibility:
Each student-athlete must be passing six (6) full credit subjects during the grading period as well
as for the entire year in order to be eligible for competition. The student-athlete may not
compete if they have more than 1 F (F/59 or Below). Incompletes cannot be counted as helping
to meet these requirements, and therefore count in the category of an F/59 or below.
Grade checks will be run weekly for all student-athletes. These reports will determine academic
eligibility. Grade checks will be initially but unofficially processed on each Monday, or the first
school day of the week. The students that are found with any number of failing grades F/59 or
below will be given notice of their failing grades and will have an opportunity to attend
ESS/tutoring with their teachers. Official grade reports will be processed on each Friday. If a
student is found to have more than 1 F (F/59 or below) they will be ineligible for the following
calendar week (Monday-Monday) of interscholastic competition.
**Student-athletes who fail to meet the academic requirements may continue to practice with
their team but may not participate in a contest. Student-athletes who are failing are expected
to attend ESS or work out a schedule with their teachers to make up their assignments and
grades.
ATTENDANCE
1. Absence from school:
a. Student-athletes should strive to be at school every day, on time for school, and
on time for each individual class.
b. In order to practice or compete on any particular calendar day, an athlete must
attend more than half of the school day.
2. Out of school suspension:
a. Student-athletes may not participate in practice or competition on the day that
he/she has been suspended from school for that day or any part of that day, as
well as the duration of the suspension. In order to return to participation, the
student must gain clearance from the school officials designated by the
Principal.
b. Upon return to school, the student athlete must return to practice, however,
they are not permitted to participate in competition until they have completed
a probationary period matching the number of days they were suspended.
i. Example: A student-athlete is suspended for 3 days; upon return to
school, they cannot participate in competitions for an additional 3 days
(even if they missed competition during the suspension), but must be
present at all practices. After the probation, they are fully eligible.
3. Missed Practice:
a. Student-athletes must adhere to each coach’s attendance policy.
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Tryouts
Students are allowed to try-out for a team if they meet all academic requirements for
participation in athletics. The try-outs are subject to the coaches’ discretion in reference to who
makes the team. Try-outs also include the practices/clinical that lead up to the actual try-out
dates; the student-athletes’ actions and mentality during those practices/clinical may play a
factor in the try-out process either positive or negative.
Removal from a Team
Should a violation of the athletic policies outlined in this handbook, coach’s team policies, or
school and district policies be severe enough that the student-athlete must be removed from
the team, the Head Coach will cooperate with the Athletic Director and Principal to decide for
removal.
If a student-athlete develops a mentality that becomes detrimental to the team dynamic and
may warrant removal, the Head Coach will cooperate with the Athletic Director and Principal to
decide for removal.
In any circumstance that may warrant removal from a team, the Head Coach will meet with the
student-athlete and discuss the reasons for removal. In cases of violation of school and district
policies, the Athletic Director and/or Principal will meet with the student-athlete to discuss the
removal. In either instance the parent/guardian will be contacted and informed via phone or inperson meeting.
**All communication regarding removal must be documented
Quitting or Changing Sports
If an athlete is removed from a team for any reason, (i.e. rule violation, grades, attitude, etc.)
that athlete will not be allowed to participate in any practice or game for any sport until the
season for the team from which the athlete was removed has concluded.
If an athlete quits a sport after 25% of the season they may not practice or play in a game for
any sport until the season for the team from which the athlete quit has concluded.
If a student-athlete is cut/does not make a team, they may join another team or program at
both coaches’ discretion. An athlete cannot quit one sport and join another, until that team is
no longer competing.
Example: An athlete cannot quit football to try out for basketball until football season is
completed.
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This is intended to keep athletes from jumping sports or quitting when a season is not going
well to join the next sport
Parents
Parent Expectations
Parents will demonstrate good sportsmanship by displaying the following behaviors:
 Providing support for coaches and officials to foster a positive, enjoyable experience for
all student-athletes.
 Understanding the game is for student-athletes and not for the adults.
 Recognizing that student-athlete participation in athletics is a privilege.
 Using good sportsmanship as spectators and conducting themselves in a manner that
reflects well on both the team and the school.
 Promoting the team by being supportive and helpful of the school program.
 Refraining from coaching their student-athlete from the stands or the sidelines.
 Expecting consistent student attendance at practices and games.
Parents will create a positive and supportive environment to promote their student-athletes
well being by:
 Supporting good conditioning and healthy lifestyle habits.
 Placing the emotional and physical well being of their student-athlete ahead of any
personal desire to win.
 Expecting their student-athlete to play in a safe and healthy environment.
 Supporting their student-athlete in planning how to meet their academic
responsibilities, given the demands of training and practice.
 Being a role model for other parents by remaining positive at sporting events.
PARENT/STUDENT-ATHLETE/COACH RELATIONSHIP
Parenting and Coaching are extremely difficult responsibilities. By establishing an understanding
of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater
benefit to student-athletes. As parents, when your child becomes involved in an athletic
program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on him/her. This begins
with clear communication from the coach of your child’s team.
Communication Parents Should Expect from their child’s Coach
 A pre-season parent meeting
 A copy of the team rules
 Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the team.
 Location and times of all practices and competitions.
 Team requirements, such as fees, special equipment, and off-season conditioning.
 Violations of team rules that results in denying your child’s participation
Communication Coaches Expect From Parents
 Concerns expressed directly to coach in accordance with the policies.
 Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
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Any medical or injury issues that need to be monitored with your child.
Athletic Issues Policy
As your child becomes involved in the programs of Newport, he/she will experience some of the
most rewarding moments of his/her life. It is important to understand that there also may be
times when things do not go the way you or your child wish. At these times, a discussion with
the coach is encouraged. In these rare occurrences, we ask that you follow these steps:
1. Wait 24-hours to make contact with a Coach after a contest or conflict.
2. Student-athlete requests a meeting with the Head Coach
3. Parent/guardian requests a meeting with the Head Coach; student-athlete is in
attendance.
4. Parent/guardian requests a meeting with the AD; Head Coach and student-athlete are
in attendance.
5. Parent/guardian requests a meeting with the Principal; AD is in attendance; Head
Coach and student have the option to attend.
Please follow these steps in order! We are teaching our student-athletes to be leaders and
responsible adults who can advocate for themselves; therefore, they need to initiate contact
with their coach if they feel there is a problem that needs to be addressed. As a parent or
guardian, please do not jump to calling the Coach, AD, or Principal directly.
Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches
 Coaching Philosophy (Schedules, relationships, expectations)
 The treatment of your child mentally and physically.
 Ways to help your child improve.
 Concerns about your child’s behavior
 Schedule Conflicts
It is very difficult to accept your child 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 and should be
discussed with your child’s coaches; other areas, such as those listed below, must be left to the
discretion of the coach.
Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss With Coaches
 Playing time/starting/sitting
 Team strategy
 Play calling
 Other student-athletes
Although we have this policy, it is important to realize that playing time is the sole decision of
the coach. No parent or student-athlete should ever approach a coach and ask why he/she is
not playing. Instead, a meeting or conversation should focus on what areas the student-athlete
needs to improve upon in order to increase playing time. Also, no other student-athletes will be
discussed in any meeting. Only the student-athlete involved in the situation will be discussed.
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