Welcome, Parents of Athletes!

Parents of our high school student-athletes should be well-informed about several key areas to support your children effectively. Here are some important aspects:

 1. Academic Requirements

• Eligibility: Understand the academic requirements for participation in sports, such as minimum GPA or specific course requirements.
• Balancing Academics and Athletics: Strategies for helping their children manage their time effectively to balance schoolwork and sports.

 2. Health and Safety

• Injury Prevention and Management: Awareness of common sports injuries, prevention techniques, and the importance of proper equipment.
• Nutrition: Knowledge of proper nutrition to support athletic performance and overall health.
• Mental Health: Recognizing signs of stress, burnout, or mental health issues and knowing how to seek help.

 3. Physical Development

• Age-appropriate Training: Understanding the appropriate level and intensity of training for their child's age and development stage.
• Rest and Recovery: Importance of adequate rest, sleep, and recovery time to prevent overtraining and injuries.

 4. College Recruitment Process

• Scholarships: Information about athletic scholarships, including the types available and how to apply.
• Recruitment Process: Understanding the recruitment process, including timelines, requirements, and how to communicate with college coaches.
• NCAA Rules and Regulations: Familiarity with the NCAA eligibility requirements and recruiting rules.

 5. Support Systems

• Communication: Encouraging open communication between the athlete, coaches, and school staff.
• Emotional Support: Providing emotional support and encouragement, regardless of the athletic outcomes.
• Parent Involvement: Understanding the appropriate level of parental involvement and support without being overbearing.

 6. Life Skills

• Time Management: Teaching effective time management skills.
• Goal Setting: Helping their child set realistic and achievable goals, both academically and athletically.
• Resilience and Coping Skills: Encouraging resilience and the ability to cope with setbacks and challenges.

 7. Ethics and Sportsmanship

• Fair Play: Emphasizing the importance of fair play, respect for opponents, and adherence to rules.
• Character Development: Promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

 8. Financial Considerations

• Costs of Participation: Understanding the costs associated with sports participation, including equipment, travel, and fees.
• Budgeting and Planning: Planning for potential expenses related to sports, especially if aiming for college-level play.

 9. Understanding of Commitments

• Time Commitment: Realistic understanding of the time commitment required for practices, games, and travel.
• Family Balance: Balancing sports commitments with family time and other activities.

 10. Legal and Ethical Issues

• Consent and Waivers: Understanding any legal documents or waivers they might need to sign.
• Rights and Responsibilities: Knowing the rights and responsibilities of student-athletes and parents within the school sports program.

By being educated in these areas, parents can better support their high school student-athletes, helping them to succeed both on and off the field.