Giving prep athletes a voice

Looking for ways to strengthen your athletics department and improve the culture of your teams?

One of the best ways is to develop a Student-Athlete Leadership Council. Why? Because giving students a voice in their space will help restore respect in their sports and will encourage sportsmanship from the stands.

As reported by the National Federation of State High School Associations, one of the best examples of how to improve your athletics environment comes from one of the country’s largest school district, Montgomery County (MD) Public Schools. The district is comprised of 25 high schools and its council is comprised of 54 student leaders, two from each high school in addition to four at-large members.

The council meets every other month under the direction of athletics staff members. The purpose is to provide students’ voices in the administration of their programs.

One council initiative was to implement a new athletics safety plan after there were a few previous instances of negative behavior involving student-athletes, coaches and parents. The council was directed to design a public service announcement soliciting assistance from fellow students in upholding good sportsmanship at games.

The PSA highlighted the district’s R.A.I.S.E. core values, standing for Respect and Sportsmanship, Academic Excellence, Integrity and Character, Spirited and Safe Competition, and Equity and Access. It first appeared on the educational television station.

The second initiative centered on student section guidelines that were “for students, from students.” Students designed posters that were hung in gymnasiums and were to reinforce the PSAs’ messages while providing more detailed conduct rules. The posters needed to be relevant to all sports, as well as the variety of fans who attend each sport’s events.

The posters also were equipped with direct behavioral expectations such as “Cheer For Your Team, Not Against Each Other”; “Let Players Play, Coaches Coach and Officials Officiate” and “Show Your Spirit From the Bleachers.”

The second PSA, “Why I Play,” focused on the benefits of high school sports participation; the third video celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day; and the fourth highlighted the important role of high school athletics trainers for National Athletic Trainers Month.

Another PSA discussed the national officials shortage.

One of the primary reasons for so many PSAs was for athletes to become role models for future generations who hope to play sports and also to make sports affordable and accessible for everyone. The PSAs were able to make students feel like they had a voice and were being heard.

The result of all these initiatives was less arguing, less fighting and more respect.

Another article on the NFHS website describes possible criteria for student leaders includes multisport participation, participation in outside clubs, grade-point average and disciplinary history. It encouraged coaches be notified so they could encourage their players to apply for the council.

Council ideas for action can include community outreach programs in addition to running special events, and holding each other accountable.

An important side benefit for students of participating in such a council is participation looks good on college applications.

Nancy Justis is a former competitive swimmer and college sports information director. She is a partner with Outlier Creative Communications. Let her know what you think at njustis@cfu.net