Helpful Hints for Senior Leaders
1. Be early, stay late (Check in, check up and check out!). Checking in means that
YOU go to the PE teacher and ask what needs to be done. Get dressed as fast as
possible and leave the locker room. The PE teacher should not have to seek you
out everyday. Being the last one to leave the class at the end of hour ensures that
you have finished your responsibilities.
2. Watch the clock and be aware of time. Students have 5 minutes after the bell to
dress. Start lining up students after that 5 minute mark.
3. Take attendance by doing a “head count” and double check that number with your
attendance records. Even if your PE teacher doesn’t give you their grade book, you
can still take attendance with a head count.
4. Know the rules and regulations for your sport units. A good leader makes it their
responsibility to make sure their information is correct. If a student asks a
question about a rule and you don’t know the answer, don’t make up an answer to
cover your bases.
5. Be confident in your ability to spot common errors in student’s technique and
make corrections when you see mistakes. Pay attention to game play.
6. Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to safety. Move sweatshirts off the
courts and move any obstructions like tables and chairs. Address the issue with
students if they are not using equipment correctly (kicking volleyballs and banging
badminton rackets on the ground are some examples).
7. Leaders are expected to participate with the class in activity if the teacher does not
give another assignment.
8. Keep your attitude in check; you are a student first and a leader second. Be careful
to not give off the “us verses them” and “lowly freshmen” attitude. Friendliness and
empathy are qualities of a good leader. Earn and maintain respect by your
willingness to help.
9. Enthusiasm is contagious! Get excited about ALL activities and be a positive roll
model. Be pleasant in voice and manner.
10. Be supportive of teachers and their policies in school and out of school. Keep
things confidential and diplomatic.
11. Show up ready and prepared. Anticipate the needs of the teacher and take
initiative. Start making the most of down time by organizing equipment for the
period (ask for the teacher’s keys and get equipment out and ready BEFORE the
period begins).
12. Do something every day to help the people around you. Offer to go the extra mile
for your PE teacher. Doesn’t matter how menial you think the task is... do a little
something extra every day to help out.
13. Keep your socializing with co-leaders to a minimum once PE class is in activity.
Remember you are constantly being watched by the freshmen.
14. Officiating game play requires communication and involvement on your part. Be
assertive and project your voice. Stop activity if you see a discrepancy— use that
time as a teachable moment.
15. Know everyone’s first name in your class.
“Competence goes beyond what you say in words… your actions dictate how others
perceive you.” --John Maxwell, Winning with People.