Athletics Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for parents, guardians and attendees

Tacoma Public Schools is dedicated to creating a safe and civil environment for our student-athletes, coaches, and parents. We believe that the values of respect, sportsmanship, and fair play are crucial to the success of our athletic programs. To ensure that every student-athlete's experience is enriching and enjoyable, we ask all parent, guardians, and attendees adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

Realize your importance to the team
Parents/Guardians are important to the success of our school athletic programs. Understand that your student-athlete and coach will need your support through the entire season.

Encourage good sportsmanship
Parents/guardians of student-athletes are representatives of our school community and an important part of modeling good sportsmanship at contests. Please set a good example for your student by always demonstrating the highest standard of sportsmanship. Watch, cheer, and support the efforts of all players. Keep all comments positive and encouraging.

Allow the coach to coach
Coaches are hired by the school and have the support of the Administration and Athletic Director in their ability to teach the game to your student-athlete. Always support the coach when talking in front of students.

Communicate appropriately

• Use the 24-hour rule before communicating with your student-athletes coach. This lessens the tension and allows the discussion to not be driven by emotion.
• Student-athletes should be able to discuss any issue with their coach first. Most of the time, this will resolve any problems that arise. These conversations should be just before or at the end of practice when the coach is able to have a private conversation with the student-athlete.
• If the problem or concern still exists, the parent should contact the coach, athletic director and/or school administrator via district email to set up a meeting to resolve the issue.

Make sure your student abides by the player code conduct
Being a part of an athletic team means putting the team ahead of any individual gain. Make sure your student-athlete understands and abides by the player code of conduct. This includes behavior at school, grades, and respect of staff and peers. Reinforce the message that life has rules, and they need to follow them to be successful.

Monitor your student athlete’s social media
Social media posts should be positive in nature.

Take care of the athletics uniforms
All student-athletes are required to keep their assigned uniform in like new condition. Please wash the uniform according to instructions after games/meets. Student athletes and their parents are responsible for the damage of or loss of the sports uniform.

Understand tryout sports and playing time
Many sports are tryout sports, meaning a competitive athletic program where tryouts are conducted, and only a limited number of participants are selected to join the team based on their skills, abilities, and performance during the tryout process. Team rosters are developed by coaches and consist of individuals who demonstrate the highest level of proficiency, teamwork, and potential to contribute to the overall success of the team in competitions. Playing time is not owed or guaranteed to any student-athletes.

This Code of Conduct is intended to provide the most ideal, positive environment for our student-athletes to compete. We appreciate your commitment to our student-athletes and the values of our athletic programs, and we believe that your support, understanding, and adherence to this Code of Conduct will contribute to a positive and enriching athletic experience for all involved.