SMUS - ATHLETICS

In everything that we do in SMUS Athletics, there is an emphasis on character, and an environment is created in which the student-athlete can grow. The SMUS Athletics Programme believes sport teaches young athletes to learn many values, including life-long fitness, the value of competition, winning with humility, losing with grace. The most important experience of sport is developing the character of the athlete. Students may learn these lessons regardless of their level of participation, whether it is recreational or at the highest competitive level. Coaches, parents and the athletes themselves are all role models. SMUS Parents play an integral part in supporting our learning environment, which will enable athletes to discover their potential in sport, while learning lessons of courage, respect and honesty in the process. The SMUS Parent is a respectful and supportive ambassador of our school. Cornerstones of the SMUS Parent Athletic Code of Conduct RESPECT – SMUS Parents operate in an environment of mutual respect, and treat the athletes, coaches, officials and other sport spectators in a manner that fosters this climate. A parent’s language, in-game demeanour, and overall decorum should reflect the types of behaviours that best represent our school. This behaviour extends to the appropriate use of technology and social media in a respectful manner, including not taking (and/or distributing) photos of anyone that would be considered embarrassing or inappropriate CHARACTER – SMUS Parents contribute to a team culture where the character grows. Parents acknowledge the important relationship between athlete and coach and provide support that will allow for growth and encourage communication at all times. COMMITMENT – SMUS Parents understand and enable their athlete’s ability to be fully committed to their team, making training and game attendance a priority. Parents encourage open communication between an athlete and the coach regarding attendance concerns. Parents acknowledge that it is through an emphasis on commitment and hard work that athletes contribute to the achievement of team and individual goals while learning the value of courage in the process. COMPASSION – SMUS parents will model the passion and compassion that is consistent with the School’s Vision and Mission statement. We strive to develop athletic leaders who hold themselves accountable to the SMUS beliefs, while leading with a compassionate ethic. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION – SMUS Parents will encourage their athlete to communicate directly with coaches any issues or concerns the athlete may have, thereby enabling them to learn courage, demonstrate respect and develop leadership skills. If the situation is a parent concern, please follow the communication guidelines outlined in the SMUS Parent Handbook, which first begins with direct communication with the coach. If a situation exists where a parent believes that a coach is not respecting an Athlete’s personal space/boundaries – or might be involved in something inappropriate - it should be reported to the coach’s supervisor or the Director of Athletics.