Panther Parents’ Collective Commitments

• We understand and endorse the purpose of our child’s program. We understand that winning is one of the goals for the team, but the purpose of the team is far greater.

• We understand and endorse the school’s definition of success: to have fun and maximize athletic and human potential.

• We acknowledge and appreciate the highs and lows of our child’s growth toward maturity and their effort toward establishing stronger relationships with teammates, coaches, and themselves.

• We affirm our child and their teammates when good character, healthy sportsmanship, and other-centered behaviors are displayed. We do not affirm only their athletic performance or victory.

• We model good sportsmanship, while acknowledging and applauding the efforts of team members and opponents. We accept defeat graciously by congratulating members of the opposing team.

• We support the efforts of the team and the coaching staff regardless of how much or how little our child plays.

• We encourage our child and his/her teammates with positive statements, even when they make mistakes, as they are striving to improve every day.

• We recognize that our child, their teammates, and their coaches will make mistakes. We recognize mistakes and improvement from them as a vital part of the journey.

• We will be responsible, accurate, and accountable in our communications regarding Panther Athletics.

• When problems or questions arise, we will help our child to self-advocate and have them present the problem or question to the coach. If this is not sufficient, we will seek communication with the coach away from the practice and playing field. Communication with administration can always be in conjunction with coach communication, but should generally not be in place of it.

Because I am a parent who has the power, position, and platform to make a positive difference in the lives of all athletes, I commit to these collective commitments. When failing to live up to our standards, I will allow for accountability and take responsibility for my actions.