August 2014
Dear Parents, Students, and Fans,
Welcome to the 2014-15 school year and another exciting year of Lions athletics. At
Saint Viator, we believe strongly in promoting the values of sportsmanship in our
coaches, athletes, parents, and fans. This Sportsmanship Handbook will serve as a guide
and a basis for our sportsmanship expectations here at Saint Viator.
It is our hope that you will take the time to read through the information in this handbook
and to understand our expectations of spectators at all of our sporting events. We want to
promote the positive values that our program instills and be great examples of how fans
should act at athletic contests. Attending athletic events is a privilege that should be
taken seriously. Everyone involved in the contest should be able to interact in a positive
and sportsmanlike manner.
In addition to the sportsmanship pieces, there is also some important information
concerning good communication practices between parents, athletes, and coaches. This
information should also aid in providing an enjoyable experience for our student-athletes
and those that work with them and support them.
I look forward to seeing all of our fans at the many athletic events throughout the year. I
also look forward to working with you to uphold our commitment to the value of
sportsmanship. We must all be good models of positive behavior and remember that
when attending these events we are representing Saint Viator High School and all that it
stands for.
GO LIONS!
Sincerely,
Marty Jennings
Athletic Director
ATHLETE/PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION
Saint Viator High School believes in promoting appropriate
communication practices among our athletes, parents, and coaches. We
believe that discussions with the coach should be done in the appropriate
place at the appropriate time. Especially after contests, we ask you to
observe our 24 hour period before contacting a coach with concerns from
the night before. This will insure that everyone is in the proper frame of
mind before engaging in any type of discussion.
We also believe that there are appropriate concerns to bring to the coach.
Those include: issues of mental and physical well being, strategies for
improving individual performance, and issues of behavior.
Issues not appropriate for discussion with coaches are: playing time,
starting positions, team strategy, play calling, and other members of the
team.
Student-athletes are encouraged to resolve their issues with their coach
directly. After this interaction takes place, parents may decide to ask to
speak with the coach to further clarify the findings of the initial meeting
between coach and athlete. There will be times, however, where a
situation may need to be resolved with the mediation of the athletic
director. Parents are encouraged to speak with the coach first, before
going to someone in the administration. This insures that the person
directly involved with the issue can work with you to resolve it effectively.
SPORTSMANSHIP OBJECTIVES FOR THE SAINT VIATOR COMMUNITY
ADMINISTRATORS

Set the tone by establishing guidelines for good sportsmanship and leading the
community by example
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Promote and model proper sportsmanship and attitudes
FACULTY AND STAFF

Teach the concepts and support the qualities of sportsmanship
COACHES

Coach their players

Lead by example on and off the playing surface

Teach sportsmanship, sound values and maintain proper perspective

Know the rules

Abide by the rules

Respect the judgment of the officials

Refrain from any actions that may incite the fans or players

Show their appreciation for good opponent play
STUDENT/ATHLETES

Act responsibly and respectfully

Know the rules

Treat others as they wish to be treated

Appreciate good play from both opponents and teammates
PARENTS

Let the coaches coach

Let players play

Let officials officiate

Applaud good play on both sides

Praise the players, win or lose

Speak and act in a positive manner

Remember that this is a game

Encourage good sportsmanship from others
A SPORTSMANSHIP PRAYER
THAT’S MY KID DOWN THERE!
Please don’t curse that kid down there;
He is my kid, you see;
He’s only a kid you know,
He means the world to me.
I did not raise my kid, dear fan,
For you to call him names;
He may not be a superstar
But these are high school games.
So please don’t knock those kids down there,
They do the best they can;
They’ve never tried to lose a game,
They’re kids and you’re a fan.
This game belongs to them, you see,
You’re really just a guest;
They do not need a fan that gripes,
They need the very best.
If you have nothing nice to say,
Please leave the kids alone,
And, if you’ve forgotten your manners,
Then please just stay at home.
So, please don’t curse those kids down there,,
Each one’s a parent’s kid,
And win or lose or tie, you see,
To us, they’re number one!!