OSAWATOMIE 

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Student Athlete/Activities Handbook

2025-2026

OSAWATOMIE HIGH SCHOOL

1200 TROJAN DRIVE

OSAWATOMIE, KS  66064

(913) 755-2191

A WELCOME FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR        4

PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK        5

ATHLETICS OVERVIEW        5

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES        6

ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES        6

ROLES OF ATHLETIC COACHES        6

ROLE OF THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR        7

ACTIVITIES ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY (District Requirements)        9

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY        10

ELIGIBILITY RULES        10

DELAYS IN ELIGIBILITY        10

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION RULES        11

SUSPENSIONS        11

ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION        12

DROP OFF POINTS        12

PRACTICE TRANSPORTATION        12

ACTIVITIES ALCOHOL, DRUG AND TOBACCO POLICY        13

EQUIPMENT AND LOCKER ROOM GENERAL INFORMATION:        14

HEALTH AND SAFETY        14

PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT        15

  COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS, COACHES, AND THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR        15

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP        15

PARENT EXPECTATIONS        15

COMMUNICATION YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD’S COACH        15

COMMUNICATION COACHES NEED FROM PARENTS        16

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES        16

INAPPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES        16

PROCEDURE FOR DISCUSSING A CONCERN WITH A COACH        16

MEETINGS WITH PARENTS: CHAIN OF COMMAND        17

CONSEQUENCE FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT FROM PARENTS        17

APPENDIX I        18

APPENDIX II        19

A WELCOME FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

    As we embark on another exciting season here at Osawatomie, I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership and dedication to our athletes and activities participants. Your commitment and passion have not only shaped our teams but have also fostered a culture of excellence and sportsmanship within our community.

The role of coaches and sponsors is indispensable in our pursuit of athletic achievement and personal growth within numerous activities. Your guidance goes beyond the field or court; it extends into the lives of our kids, instilling values of perseverance, teamwork, and respect. These qualities are not only crucial for success in activities but also in life beyond athletics.

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, I encourage us all to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play. Our students look to you not just for coaching, but for mentorship and inspiration. Let us continue to set a positive example for them, both on and off the field, by demonstrating integrity, humility, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.

Together, we have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. By nurturing their talents and fostering a supportive environment, we can empower them to achieve their full potential. Your dedication to this cause is deeply appreciated and serves as the cornerstone of our program's success.

Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment to our students and our organization. I am confident that with your leadership, this school year will be filled with achievements and memorable moments that will shape our students for years to come.

Wishing you all the best for the school year ahead.

-Jordan Kupersmith

Athletic Director, USD #367

PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK

A student athlete handbook serves as a vital resource for student athletes by clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities related to behavior, academic performance, training, and competition. It provides essential guidance on school and athletic department policies, including eligibility requirements, codes of conduct, and disciplinary procedures. Emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and ethical conduct both on and off the field, the handbook also prioritizes safety with detailed guidelines for injury prevention and proper conduct during athletic activities. Academic support services are highlighted to ensure student athletes can balance their educational and athletic commitments successfully. Moreover, the handbook serves as a valuable tool for conflict resolution and ensures compliance with regulations at local, state, and national levels, promoting fairness and equity in interscholastic athletics. Overall, it aims to foster personal and athletic development while instilling positive values essential for success in sports and academics alike.

Understanding the importance of sportsmanship, leadership, and academic excellence is crucial for fostering well-rounded individuals in any educational setting. These values not only contribute to personal growth but also enhance the overall educational experience by promoting respect, integrity, teamwork, and commitment. Sportsmanship instills fairness and respect for opponents, while leadership cultivates the ability to inspire and guide others towards shared goals. Academic excellence underscores the importance of intellectual growth and lifelong learning, preparing individuals to succeed both in their chosen fields and as responsible members of society. Together, these principles form a foundation for holistic development, equipping individuals with the skills and attitudes necessary for success in diverse facets of life.

ATHLETICS OVERVIEW

We believe that participation in school athletic teams offers valuable experiences that every student should have the opportunity to pursue. As extensions of the classroom, these extracurricular activities should align with and support the overall educational goals and objectives. When conducted effectively, athletics can significantly contribute to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth of our athletes.

We emphasize that high school athletics can instill lifelong values such as discipline, leadership, work ethic, camaraderie, respect, sportsmanship, citizenship, dedication, teamwork, goal orientation, and the value of hard work. While winning within the rules is a primary aim of competitive sports, it is not the sole measure of success. True success in athletics occurs when athletes are empowered to reach their full potential and grow into well-rounded individuals with the necessary skills to compete at the next level.

Students who opt to participate in our athletic program are expected to uphold basic standards of conduct, demonstrating self-discipline and a willingness to sacrifice personal interests for the good of their team. They must also show respect for the dignity and rights of others, exhibit good sportsmanship, and adhere to authority.

Osawatomie School District athletic programs strive to teach student-athletes’ fundamental skills, self-discipline, and sportsmanship, while aiming for excellence in the academic setting.  With this as our focus our athletic program will address the unique needs of our students and focus on developing fundamental school and sportsmanship skills for the future.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals of the USD #367 Athletics & Activities Department are aimed at fostering a positive and enriching experience for all participants:

1. Emphasize the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.
2. Eliminate any factors that undermine the integrity of the game.
3. Highlight the values gained through fair competition.
4. Demonstrate cordial courtesy and respect towards teammates, visiting teams, and officials.
5. Foster a respectful relationship between hosts and visitors.
6. Respect the integrity and decisions of officials.
7. Ensure thorough understanding and adherence to game rules and eligibility standards.
8. Encourage leadership, initiative, and sound judgment among all involved in sports programs.
9. Recognize that extra-curricular activities promote physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being.
10. Maintain perspective that athletic contests are games, emphasizing their role in personal development rather than exaggerated importance.

ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ROLES OF ATHLETIC COACHES 

Athletic coaches in public schools play a vital role in the development and success of student-athletes. Their responsibilities extend beyond teaching the fundamentals of sports and include various aspects of personal and academic growth. Here are some key roles of athletic coaches:

1. Skill Development and Training

1. Instruction: Teach the techniques, strategies, and rules of the sport.
2. Conditioning: Develop and implement conditioning programs to improve physical fitness and performance.
3. Skill Enhancement: Focus on individual and team skill development through regular practice sessions and targeted/current practices.

2. Team Building and Management

1. Team Dynamics: Foster a sense of teamwork, cooperation, and camaraderie among players.
2. Leadership: Serve as a role model and leader, guiding students on and off the field.
3. Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve conflicts among team members to maintain a positive team environment.

3. Discipline and Character Development

1. Behavioral Standards: Establish and enforce codes of conduct and discipline.
2. Character Building: Promote values such as respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and integrity.
3. Accountability: Hold athletes accountable for their actions and decisions.

4. Academic Support and Mentorship

1. Academic Monitoring: Track and support the academic progress of student-athletes.
2. Mentorship: Provide guidance on balancing sports, academics, and personal life.
3. College Preparation: Assist students in preparing for college sports, including scholarship opportunities and recruitment processes.

5. Health and Safety

1. Injury Prevention: Implement safety protocols to prevent injuries and ensure a safe playing environment.
2. First Aid and Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to injuries and emergencies during practices and games.
3. Mental Health Awareness: Recognize and support the mental and emotional well-being of student-athletes.

6. Communication and Collaboration

1. Parent Engagement: Communicate regularly with parents about their child's progress, team events, and expectations.
2. School Administration: Collaborate with school administrators to align athletic programs with school policies and objectives.
3. Community Involvement: Engage with the community to build support for the athletic programs and foster school spirit.

7. Event and Program Management

1. Scheduling: Organize and schedule practices and coordinate games, and tournaments with the athletic director.
2. Logistics: Manage travel arrangements, equipment, and facilities.

8. Evaluation and Feedback

1. Performance Assessment: Evaluate individual and team performance to identify areas for improvement.
2. Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to help athletes grow and develop their skills.

By fulfilling these roles, athletic coaches in public schools contribute significantly to the holistic development of student-athletes, preparing them for future challenges both in sports and in life.

ROLE OF THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

The Athletic Director (AD) plays a crucial role in the administration and oversight of high school athletic programs. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of duties aimed at ensuring the success, safety, and integrity of the athletic programs. Here are the key roles of the Osawatomie Athletic Director:

1. Program Development and Management

1. Program Planning: Develop and implement athletic programs that align with the school's mission and educational objectives.
2. Policy Implementation: Establish and enforce policies and procedures for athletic programs.
3. Strategic Planning: Develop long-term plans for the growth and improvement of athletic programs.

2. Leadership and Supervision

1. Staff Supervision: Suggest hires, train, and supervise coaches and other activity staff.
2. Leadership: Provide leadership and direction for the athletic department.
3. Professional Development: Encourage and facilitate ongoing professional development for coaches and staff.

3. Budgeting and Financial Management

1. Budget Oversight: Develop and manage the athletic department’s budget.
2. Fundraising: Coordinate fundraising efforts to support athletic programs.
3. Resource Allocation: Allocate resources effectively to meet the needs of various sports programs.

4. Compliance and Risk Management

1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all athletic programs comply with school, district, state, and national regulations.
2. Risk Management: Develop and implement safety protocols to prevent injuries and manage risks.
3. Eligibility: Monitor student-athlete eligibility and ensure compliance with academic and conduct standards.

5. Facility and Equipment Management

1. Facility Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and scheduling of athletic facilities.
2. Equipment Management: Ensure proper inventory, maintenance, and distribution of athletic equipment.
3. Upgrades and Improvements: Plan and oversee facility upgrades and improvements.

6. Scheduling and Event Coordination

1. Event Planning: Schedule and coordinate athletic events, competitions, and tournaments.
2. Logistics: Manage logistics for home and away games, including transportation and accommodation.
3. Game Day Operations: Ensure smooth operation of events, including staffing, security, and crowd control.

7. Communication and Public Relations

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate regularly with students, parents, coaches, and school administrators.
2. Public Relations: Promote the athletic programs and build positive relationships with the community and media.
3. Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve conflicts among stakeholders.

8. Student-Athlete Development and Support

1. Academic Support: Ensure student-athletes receive the support they need to succeed academically.
2. Character Development: Promote sportsmanship, leadership, and personal development among student-athletes.
3. Wellness Programs: Implement programs to support the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes.

9. Evaluation and Improvement

1. Program Assessment: Evaluate the effectiveness of athletic programs and make necessary improvements.
2. Performance Reviews: Conduct regular performance reviews for coaches and staff.
3. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms for receiving feedback from students, parents, and other stakeholders.

By effectively fulfilling these roles, the Athletic Director ensures that high school athletic programs are well-organized, financially sound, and aligned with the educational goals of the institution. This, in turn, enhances the overall experience for student-athletes and helps them achieve success both on and off the field.

ACTIVITIES ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY (District Requirements)

In addition to the KSHSAA policy on eligibility, the following academic eligibility will apply. USD #367 7th through 12th grade teachers will update grades every Friday and Wednesday. The administration will run a list of students who are receiving Ds or Fs. Any student who is failing two or more classes (59% or below) when the list is generated will be ineligible to participate in any school sponsored competition, extracurricular performance, or trip as part of any extracurricular activity (excluding school dances).  Administration will send out a “Check-In” list of students who have two or more failing grades.  Students have an opportunity to improve their grade and be eligible for the rest of the week if they are not on the “Check-In” list.  The first two weeks of each semester will be a “probationary” period to establish grades. The ineligible list will go into effect at the start of the third week.

Students who improve their grades during the course of the week may be cleared from the ineligible list by administrative approval only. Students will not be cleared on the day of a contest/event.

A student may practice during the week they are ineligible, but at the coaches’ discretion. A student’s main priority is academics, not extracurricular events, so representing USD #367 is a privilege, not a right, it must be earned.

Rationale: This will help alleviate interruptions in class from student-athletes wanting to be cleared on the day of a game. It will also help coaches be able to better plan lineups by knowing who is available.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

At times during the course of the school year, some students involved in several activities may find themselves scheduled to participate in more than one event on the same date. If this occurs, the student must make a choice as to which activity he/she is going to attend. The student should notify the coach or sponsor of the decision at least one week in advance of the scheduled activity.

In the event a conflict occurs between two events or activities, if one of those activities is a state-sponsored competition, the state-sponsored activity will always take precedence.

In the event a conflict occurs between two events or activities, if one of those is a practice and the other a competition, the competition will always take precedence.

No sponsor and/or coach should threaten the student with a reduction of his/her grade nor a reduction of playing time at the next game.

ELIGIBILITY RULES

In order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities the KSHSAA requires an athlete to have passed five (5) classes from the previous semester. Summer school classes do NOT count towards eligibility. A student must also be currently enrolled in five (5) classes. Students who do not meet this requirement will be ineligible for one semester. Students may continue to practice with a squad only if they have the potential of future eligibility.

A USD 367 student is eligible to participate in high school activities when:

All regulations of KSHSAA and USD 367 are met (Handbook on file in athletic director’s and principal’s offices

1. An athletic physical form has been properly completed, signed, and filed by the coach with the athletic director prior to student participation in a practice session.
2. A concussion awareness form is completed and on file.
3. Have completed required concussion awareness training, and turned in copies of certificates to the athletic office.
4. Students attending the ACLC will not be eligible for KSHSAA athletics and activities.

DELAYS IN ELIGIBILITY

There are several factors that delay eligibility. These include: foreign exchange students, transfers from another school or district.

These students require paperwork that has to be sent to previously attended schools and then returned back to us. The sooner these students are identified; the sooner the process can begin. Seek out these students early in your season so their eligibility can be verified prior to the first contest.

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION RULES

Participation in extracurricular activities is an important part of school life. Trips made by athletic teams, music groups, student council, and all other student organizations provide opportunities for students to represent their school and community before the public. It should be considered a privilege to represent USD 367.

To be eligible as a participant in any outside of school activities, a student must:

1. Be in attendance during regular school hours the half-day immediately preceding the activity. (Exceptions may be made under unusual circumstances. These exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the administration and should be requested in advance when possible. Examples of possible exceptions are: medical appointments or attending a funeral of a family member.)
2. Make arrangements with his/her teachers for make-up work. Make-up work should be done in advance when possible
3. Meet academic eligibility policies established by the school district and the Kansas State High Schools Activities Association (KSHSAA). According to the KSHSAA, students must have passed five classes the preceding semester to be eligible. The school district has additional requirement

SUSPENSIONS

Students who have been assigned a suspension (OSS or ISS) by administration will be ineligible for competition/travel on the date(s) of their assigned suspension.

Rationale: Higher expectations for student behavior.

ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION

Transportation for out of town school activities will be provided by the school. Students who wish to participate in activities must use school transportation both to and from the activity. In the event that parents wish to transport their son/daughter after an activity, they must sign out with coaches prior to leaving from the activity. Special circumstances should be discussed with the head coach AND Athletic Director in advance.

DROP OFF POINTS

As a convenience to parents, students utilizing school transportation to sporting events can be dropped off with a parent before reaching Osawatomie. Prior approval by parents and school authorities must be obtained before reaching the drop off point.

Under no circumstances will students be allowed to ride home from a “dropping point” with anyone other than that student’s parents. Students may be dropped off at a specified location if they were picked up there. Also, with advance approval, they may be dropped off at a location if their parents meet them there.

All athletic trip scheduling will be completed by the athletic director, and any changes to the trip schedule need to be approved by the athletic director.

It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure that his/her athletes behave responsibly while on the bus. Athletes should be reminded that as team members, they are representing Osawatomie, and any misconduct will negatively reflect on their team, coach, and school.

PRACTICE TRANSPORTATION

Students of USD 367 may be transported to practice in one of two ways:

1. Those students who are of legal driving age (16 or older) and hold a valid drivers’ license and who can provide their own transportation, will be allowed to drive their own vehicle to practice each day.
2. Those students who are not of legal driving age or who do not have valid drivers’ licenses or cannot provide their own transportation will be transported to practice each day via school transportation.

Parents will make arrangements to have their child picked up at the off-campus practice site at the conclusion of practice.

ACTIVITIES ALCOHOL, DRUG AND TOBACCO POLICY

USD 367 believes that school activities are a positive influence for students and the community. The expectation for all of our students is to be lawful in the conduct of their daily lives. Students who voluntarily represent USD 367 in various school activities are held to a high standard of conduct.

The following guidelines reinforce the expectation of good conduct and positive representation of USD 367 by students who participate in USD 367 activities. School activities shall include: any school sponsored competition, performance, or trip as part of any extracurricular activity (for example: athletics, music, cheerleading, drama, FFA, etc.). Participation in school activities is a privilege. This privilege is available to a student for as long as the student complies with district policies, Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) policies and/or coach/sponsor rules. Failure to comply with any of the guidelines will result in suspension of the privilege of participating in school activities.

Under these guidelines, an offense shall mean the use, possession, disbursement, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, any illegal or misuse of drugs, by an USD #367 Middle School and/or Senior High School students during their time as a student. It should be understood that the school staff will not “police” the community looking for violators. The intent of this policy is to prevent problems. Violations of the rules must be observed by a staff member, law enforcement officer, or reported by the student’s parents if penalties are to be imposed.

Consequences for student participants who use, possess, and/or distribute alcohol, drugs, or tobacco during any academic year (at school events or in public) are listed below. School procedures, district policy and additional team rules established by the head coach may also apply

• First Offense: The student will be ineligible to participate in all school activities for ten (10) school days after the penalty has been imposed. If a violation occurs at the end of the school year, consequences will be carried over to the next school year.
• Second Offense: The student will be ineligible to participate in all school activities for forty-five (45) school days. If a violation occurs at the end of the school year, consequences will be carried over to the next school year.
• Third Offense: The student will be ineligible to participate in all school activities for ninety (90) school days. If a violation occurs at the end of the school year, consequences will be carried over to the next school year.

A conference with student, parent, or legal guardian, coach, school administration and others deemed necessary will be conducted for each offense.

Self-Disclosure: If a student voluntarily initiates disclosure of a violation of the Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco policy to school administration, in writing and prior to the administration of consequences, an administrator will conference with the coach/sponsor, the student, and the parent/guardian. No disciplinary action will be administered for the initial self-disclosure. The self-disclosure will be recorded by an administrator. Subsequent self-disclosures of a violation to school administration will result in the steps outlined in Parts A, B, and C of the above policy. A student may only self-disclose one time during their high school career.

Note: Violations during a student’s time in Osawatomie Middle School will not carry over to Osawatomie High School. However, violations are accumulative while the student is in Middle School and then again when he/she is in High School.

EQUIPMENT AND LOCKER ROOM GENERAL INFORMATION:

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.        Any senior that does not make the varsity team in the sport that they are participating in will be unable to suit up in the varsity or junior-varsity games. This will be a decision made by the coaching staff based on the player’s ability and their contributions to the team. The player will be given the opportunity to continue practicing.

2.        Each participant will be held financially responsible for damage beyond normal use or loss of equipment. The condition of the damaged or lost equipment and the cost of the replacement will determine the amount of financial obligation.

3.        School equipment that is going to be loaned to a student over the summer or throughout a season must be approved by the principal so that a complete record may be kept of loaned equipment.

4.        Any equipment or supplies purchased by the schools for resale to athletes must be paid for by the student before he can receive it. All money transactions will be handled through the office and the receipt will be used as proof of payment.

5.        Any equipment that has become obsolete, outdated, worn out, or generally useless of its specific function shall not be given or sold to athletes without the express consent of the principal. Periodic reduction of obsolete equipment is necessary. The principal will be notified so that records will be kept of the type and quantity of equipment and date of disposition.

LOCKER ROOM

1.         Safety should be stressed in the locker room.

2.         No shoes with spikes or cleats are to be worn in the locker area.

3.         The shower room should be kept clean at all times.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

It is the responsibility of all USD 367 coaches and sponsors to make paramount the safety of all participants.  Each coach and sponsor will provide the AD an action health plan in case of any emergencies

PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

Parents/Guardians are expected to support their child in their specific sport or activity.  Parents will support the coach or sponsor.  If there are any issues, parents/guardians must follow the chain of command for communication.

  COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS, COACHES, AND THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP

The most important factor in a successful parent/coach relationship is respect. Coaches need to respect the fact that parents want the best for their own children and are protective of them. Parents need to respect the fact that the coach makes decisions for the good of the team based upon what they evaluate every day in practice and what the situation is in the game at that time. Any discussions between parents and coaches MUST be done in a respectful, professional manner. If this cannot be accomplished, then an appointment should be made with the Activities Director to mediate a meeting.

Both parenting and coaching can be difficult, challenging and ultimately rewarding experiences. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when your children become 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 team or activity.

As a parent, please understand that there is no one who works harder and wants to be successful more than your child’s coaches.

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

If you have ten fans from the crowd and let each coach a game, each one would receive some type of criticism. Therefore, there can only be one person to give personal judgments, the coach. It must be remembered that a coach sees and evaluates his/her players every night at practice and at every game. The coach knows and understands which players can excel in certain situations and which players do not have the ability to perform in such situations.

Coaches are oftentimes faced with the task of playing many athletes and still manage to keep a competitive game so we can maintain our enthusiasm to be competitive.

The bottom line to all of this is simple: The coach must be the judge of what is best for his/her players, his/her team, and his/her program and final decisions and personnel judgment in every case must be left to him/her.

COMMUNICATION YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD’S COACH

1. An understanding of the USD 367 Activities Philosophy.
2. An understanding of the coach’s personal philosophy.
3. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all players on the team.
4. Locations and time of all practices and contests.
5. Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning, etc.
6. Procedures and preparations to deal with students injured during participation.
7. Student actions that may result in the denial of your child’s participation.
8. Expectations the coach has for our fans attending events.

COMMUNICATION COACHES NEED FROM PARENTS

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach involving your child only.
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts, in advance, that would result in missed practices.
3. Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

When your children become involved in the programs at Osawatomie middle and high school they will experience some of the most challenging and rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way your child wishes. At these times, the expectation is that the student-athlete will initiate a discussion with the coach about their concerns. We believe this approach is both the most likely way to a positive resolution, and a valuable learning experience for the Osawatomie student. The coaches have been instructed to encourage this type of dialogue and to promptly set aside time for individual, private appointments when requested.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

1. The treatment of your child, both mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child’s progress, behavior, health and grades.
4. Your child’s role on the team.

It can be very difficult to accept a situation when your child is not playing as much as you may have hoped. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions on what they believe to be in the best interest of all the students involved and for the team as a whole. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed below, must be left to the professional discretion of the coach.

INAPPROPRIATE CONCERNS 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 involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences become necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution of the issue of concern. It is also important to understand that extra-curricular activities are not a “requirement” of the school. Therefore there is NO guaranteed playing time for any student at the varsity level. This is determined by the coach.

PROCEDURE FOR DISCUSSING A CONCERN WITH A COACH

*We ask that you wait 24 hrs after an event to contact a coach about a concern, unless it is an injury.

MEETINGS WITH PARENTS: CHAIN OF COMMAND

• 1st meeting is between athlete/participant and coach/sponsor.
• 2nd meeting is between parents and a coach.
• 3rd meeting is between parents/coach and athletic director
• 4th meeting is between parents/coach/athletic director and principal
• 5th meeting is between parents/coach/athletic director/principal and superintendent.

Please DO NOT attempt to confront a coach before/after a practice or contest. These can be extremely emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature simply do not promote a positive resolution. In addition, our coaches have supervision responsibilities for their student-athletes during these times that require their full attention.

Call the coach to set up an appointment. Please do not show up for a meeting with any coach without first making an appointment.

Osawatomie High School phone number is  (913) 755-2191

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not result in a satisfactory resolution? Call or write the Athletic Director outlining the facts and concerns of the situation. As appropriate, additional conferences will be arranged and the situation will be addressed. Please understand that this does not guarantee change if one is not found to be warranted.

CONSEQUENCE FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT FROM PARENTS

Parents should lead by example, and should help set the standard of excellence for sportsmanship while attending athletic events. If any parent is found guilty of unsportsmanlike behavior, such as yelling at a coach or other athletes with vulgar or threatening language, or engaging in inappropriate displays or demonstrations they may have their privileges to attend activities suspended. Suspension shall be determined by the Athletic Director and Superintendent of Schools and can range from 1 event to a full academic year suspension, depending on the severity of the incident.

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APPENDIX I

USD 367 COACHING  STAFF

USD 367 Website Link: https://www.usd367.org/

Osawatomie High School

Osawatomie Middle School