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Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Athletics values the commitment to using athletics to be an extension of the classroom. To that end, every student athlete is encouraged to take personal responsibility for their own concerns and questions about their sport and athletics. Forms, practice schedules, games schedules, and other materials will be distributed through the student athlete to the parents, in an effort to build and maximize the individual responsibility of the student athlete. As such, we further encourage all student athletes to interact with the coach at appropriate times if there are questions or concerns about their play.
Coaches are encouraged to attend the Raider Booster Club meetings throughout the year and are also encouraged to have meetings with parents and athletes throughout the year. During the pre-season, NJSIAA regulations allow for one player only meeting to distribute paperwork. Coaches are also encouraged to meet with athletes throughout the year to explain decisions that impact their individual performance and methods and suggestions for improvement.
Bearing in mind that our Athletic Department desires strong communication with both the student athlete and parent, we have created a generalized process for questions and concerns. In the event that questions or concerns arise the student athlete must first meet with the coach to discuss the question or concern. The meeting should be requested for a time that is either before or after practice. Moreover, this meeting shall not be held during an academic period of the school day. In the event that the student athlete and coach are unable to resolve the issue, the student athlete, parent, and coach may arrange a meeting to be held during the working hours of the coach. If this meeting does not lead to a resolution then the group may arrange a meeting with the Assistant Principal - Athletics. The next step in the process would be to request a meeting with the Building Principal. The final level for questions or concerns would involve the Superintendent of Schools.
The Administration recognizes that there are situations that will cause a different approach as well as a deviation from the aforementioned process. The Assistant Principal - Athletics will be the primary point of contact if a student athlete or parent has a situation that needs to deviate from the process.
Additionally, coaches and administrators will not have open discussions about playing time or in game coaching decisions/strategies. These situations are decisions that are determined by the Head Coach and also involve other student athletes. When meeting with any level for a question or concern, only the individual student athlete will be discussed.
Coaches will not be available to meet with parents immediately before or after athletic contests. In addition, the Administration and Coaches will not meet with parents during an athletic conference. These are emotional times and often the concern or issue is amplified by the tension of the moment. It is strongly encouraged to utilize the 24 hour rule; meaning waiting 24 hours prior to requesting a meeting or contacting the coach.
For further clarification, please contact the Assistant Principal - Athletics, Ryan Miller, at 908-889-8600 ext 31004, or via email at rmiller@spfk12.org.
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