Parents Offer Perspectives of High School Athletics

When one thinks about high school athletics, student-athletes and coaches quickly come to mind, and that is perfectly natural. In addition, administrators, athletic trainers and officials are also highly involved and important contributors. But there is also another group that should be included in the discussion, and that is parents.

While the No. 1 reason that young people participate is to have fun or to enjoy the experience with friends, coaches should, however, have a passion for the sport and, hopefully, want to see student- athletes grow and develop. But what should parents expect from a high school athletic program?

Faith Getty, a parent of a football player at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Fountain, Colorado, had this to say: “Parents should expect that the program will foster the needs of their son or daughter and also align with its mission. One should not expect an ‘everyone plays’ atmosphere nor expect that their student’s playing time exceed their true abilities.”

As a parent of a field hockey and softball player at Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Delaware, Jason Minear mentioned that, “An athletic program should promote sportsmanship, hard work, teamwork, ethical behavior and a healthy lifestyle for all athletes who are involved. Most importantly, the program should enforce a standard of conduct for athletes, coaches and parents.” It should be noted that Minear had a son who also participated for four years which helped to formulate his take on the value of high school athletics.

“I feel that an athletic program should promote the importance of education, because most high school athletes will not go pro in a sport,” Minear added. “The ability of individuals to work with others for a common goal in a game is so much more important than winning or losing.”

Randy Rager is a parent of four student-athletes, two of whom are currently participating and two who have graduated. Combined, they played five different sports at Watertown-Mayer High School in Watertown, Minnesota.

“I feel that you should expect a safe and supportive environment to develop skills, to grow relationships and compete for playing time,” Rager said.

Beyond expectations for his student-athletes, Rager also thought that attracting student spectators to contests was important in order to create a supportive environment. He felt that this might be accomplished with theme nights, by awarding the “fan of the week,” or by utilizing giveaway items. But, Rager said, athletics can also contribute to school and community spirit.

As a parent of two athletes in the South Huntington Schools in Huntington Station, New York, Kim LaRegina believes that a high school athletic program offers a great deal to students.

“It strives to build powerful relationships between coaches, players and families, encourages a love of the game, teaches the importance of community service, guides our children to succeed in the classroom and prepares them for life after high school,” LaRegina said.

That’s no small feat and a lot to expect, but athletics does contribute to a student’s feeling of being empowered and included.

Shelly Schroeder, a parent of two daughters who participate at Greene County Community High School in Jefferson, Iowa, noted that there should be better open communication between coaches and parents because they both have the same basic interest and that is ensuring the best possible environment for the student-athlete. “By working together for this common goal, success would be undeniable and limitless,” Schroeder stated.

Rager supports Schroeder’s point of view.

“Student-athletes should feel free and encouraged to discuss issues with the coaching staff,” Rager said. “Coaches should hold their athletes accountable to the standards of the program, and be able to discipline them when they do not meet academic or team expectations.”

“All stakeholders – the athletic director, coaches, athletes, families, game officials and the community – play an integral part in shaping the athletic program and the lives of our children,” LaRegina said. “I hold the program at South Huntington close to my heart because I have seen my two boys develop into happy, motivated athletes, and most importantly, kind, outstanding individuals.”

While many comments from parents centered around what student-athletes can gain through their participation, Getty offered another interesting perspective.

“When students enter into a high school athletic program, parents should have realistic expectations concerning their child’s performance,” Getty said. “Learning to accept that not every athlete will play a lot, or perhaps even at all in some games, is an important lesson. Parents, too, can learn a lot from the high school athletic experience and that may also help their child along the way.”

Schroeder echoed some of these same sentiments, noting that parents and coaches shouldn’t focus on their own goals or objectives, but rather what is best for each young person on the team.

“If this is done, student-athletes can reach their potential through hard work and dedication, and become the best possible version of themselves,” Schroeder said.

With effective communication, shared goals and realistic expectations by everyone involved – athletes, coaches, parents and administrators – education-based athletics and other activities can be a great vehicle for young people to grow and develop into outstanding individuals. And everyone can also enjoy, value and cherish the unique journey that it offers.