Inspiring. Exceeding. Leading.

Athletes understand that they are students in the athletic setting. From coaches and teammates they learn the values, skills, and strategies that are important for participation in the Brownell-Talbot athletic program.

Students who participate in the athletic program are expected to make a sincere and complete commitment to their teams. Team members are expected to follow school and team rules and to fulfill team attendance and promptness requirements.

A student athlete is required to attend all contests in his or her specific sport whether participating or not, unless prior permission is granted by the coach. A student athlete is responsible for arranging his or her schedules in order to fulfill his or her commitment as an athlete and team member. In the case of conflicting school activities, the student must notify the coach prior to the season start or as soon as possible to work out any potential conflicts so as not to harm either the team or student's ability to succeed.

A student athlete is responsible for all academic work missed. Failure to maintain academic commitments may result in suspension or dismissal from the team. Athletes will also be accountable to school policies, which may result in disciplinary action. Athletes involved on non-Brownell-Talbot teams understand that school athletic obligations take priority over athletic contests and practices outside of school.

Student athletes are expected to participate in pre-season training and conditioning programs, which are invaluable for safety and skill development. Athletes must accept the importance of a healthy lifestyle in order to compete at the highest possible level. Athletes should put maximum effort into workouts and follow healthy habits including healthy eating and adequate rest as important to achieving the highest athletic performance.

Players represent the entire Brownell-Talbot community during their participation on a team. They accept the responsibility and privilege of representing Brownell-Talbot. It is expected that players exhibit positive sportsmanship in competition, which includes fair play and respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators. Players also serve as role models for aspiring athletes in middle and lower school grades.

Student athletes understand that Brownell Talbot sports teams are competitive and strive for excellence; therefore, the amount of playing time and level of achievement is based on merit, hard work, commitment and athletic capability as judged by the individual's coach.

Expectations of Parents
Being a parent of an interscholastic athlete can be a very rewarding experience. Support your child to help him or her reach their highest athletic potential. As a parent, be positive and remind your child that it is the effort put forth which is most important. Do not let playing time dictate your child's happiness. Make every effort to be supportive when things are not going well for your son or daughter, or for the team.

When your son or daughter makes a team, you have the right to know what the coach's expectations are for your child and the team. As a parent, you should also know the coach's philosophy. All coaches have different expectations and these should be communicated to the parents through a team meeting or a letter home. Parents should understand that Brownell-Talbot sports teams are competitive and strive for excellence; therefore, the amount of playing time and level of achievement is based on merit, hard work, commitment and athletic capability as judged by the individual's coach.

Be supportive of the coaching staff in front of your son or daughter. If you have concerns to discuss with the coach, please call him or her to arrange an appointment. Please do not discuss concerns with a coach immediately before, during or after a game or practice. It is never appropriate for a parent to discuss with a coach the status of another student athlete. If a parent has an unresolved concern and would like to discuss it, he or she may contact the Activities Coordinator.

Parents understand that they are role models and are part of a larger community called Brownell-Talbot, which holds its students, families, and faculty to a higher standard. Parents should view each practice and game as an opportunity to model their values to their children. Parents exhibit this behavior by their conduct towards all athletes, coaches, officials, fellow parents, opposing athletes, coaches, and other parents, on and off the playing fields and in the stands.

Expectations of Coaches
As Brownell-Talbot is committed to providing a model of excellence in athletics, coaches help players make this vision a reality. Each program is designed on the principles of performance excellence to fulfill this commitment. It is the responsibility of each coach to embrace the athletic program goals and design a program to reach their individual sport goals. Coaches teach the skills so student athletes can grow in their competence and competitiveness, creating a desire to succeed and excel.

Coaches understand that they are teachers and role models exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior. They view each practice and game as an opportunity to teach ethical values and conduct within the context of sport. Coaches model this behavior by their conduct towards their athletes, parents, officials, and opponents, on and off the field.

Coaches have a responsibility to communicate their philosophy and expectations of players and the team to each player and parent. These expectations should include practice and game schedules and locations, required equipment, and off-season conditioning programs. Coaches need to clearly explain team policies and disciplinary action that may result in an athlete being denied participation.

Coaches are expected to seek ongoing education and certification in areas such as skill development, strategy, training, conditioning and safety from which the individual athlete and the overall team will benefit.