Team Commitments

I am a student-athlete.  I will uphold my obligations as a student and seek any necessary help I require from the appropriate resources on campus. I will manage my time wisely so that I can balance my dual responsibilities.

I am aware that our goal is to win, but our purpose is far greater.

I accept responsibility for my behavior on campus and off.  I understand that what I say and do affects my teammates, my school, and my family either positively or negatively, including my communication on social media.

I use language consistent with what is used in a classroom.  No shaming, swearing, or belittling of teammates or opponents.

I act with respect toward myself and the people and things around me, including my parents, my coaches, my teammates, my teachers, my opponents, officials, spectators, and facilities.

I give my best effort daily to practices, games, and events.  I understand that my effort demonstrates my commitment to the team and my respect for my coaches and teammates. 

I display good sportsmanship.  I acknowledge and applaud the efforts of others and encourage my teammates with positive statements.  I refrain from boasting to my teammates and trash talking opponents.  I am humbled in victory and I accept defeat graciously.

I am courageous in my character.  I am a role model because of my character, not because of my ability.

I am courageous in my communication.  I will speak up and have tough discussions with my teammates, coaches, and parents when the need arises.

I understand that playing time is a coaches’ decision.  I will participate fully in the evaluation process and seek clarification and steps for improvement from my coaches. However, my playing time will not be a distraction or take away from the team.

It is imperative that we coach with a transformational purpose that nurtures successful people, not just successful athletes.  Our goals, behaviors, interactions, and communications should reflect our purpose.

We will remember that parents are a stakeholder in the journey.  We strive to work with each family to help their child succeed.  We will provide clear communication regarding purpose, goals, guidelines, athlete role, and athlete evaluation.

Our athletes are student-athletes, we are teacher-coaches, we hold ourselves to the same standards on the field as we do in the classroom.

We know the difference between shaming and coaching.  No shaming, swearing, or sarcasm. (regulated thermostats, not boiling thermometers)

We know that creating a culture for athletes to communicate with us openly is imperative to their growth as people.  We will coach our athletes to self-advocate and speak up in a constructive and appropriate manner.

We are not afraid to apologize and reconcile mistakes.  We all make them.  When a mistake is made publicly, we apologize publicly; when mistakes are made personally, we apologize personally.

We will treat opposing coaches and teams with the honor true competitors deserve.  We will accept defeat graciously and victory humbly.

We will treat all referees, officials, and game managers with the utmost respect.  They are imperfect and trying their best, just as we are.

Regardless of our wins and losses, we will be successful if we carry out the above items.

Playing time is not always equal, but each athlete is a part of our Panther community and will be provided the same level of respect, care, and communication as any other athlete.  It is our job to ensure that each athlete knows where they stand and what role they play on our teams. 

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.