Acting like Ladies

Newsletter Vol. 2015-02

I want to focus this main article on part of what I discussed with the players this past Tuesday - "Acting like Ladies". By nature, I am organized, structured and a disciplinarian. I believe in respect for the game, the players who play it, the officials, the school, the community and most of all, respect for their family/parents. We will ALWAYS be courteous, respectful and polite. We will greet our opponents with "Good Luck" and conclude with "Good Game". We will not argue with the officials (that is my job). If/when we go out to eat after matches, we will let the other customers get in front of us in line. We will keep our gym clean and clean up our bench after away matches. We will open doors for adults and little kids. We will even say "Thank You". I feel this way, because as a team, we represent North Pocono and the surrounding community.

On a stricter side, I advised all the players to "Don't be Stupid". I warned them that if they get into any trouble at school or at home, they will also have to face me. I will strongly enforce any outcome from either the school or their parents.

Not discussed with the players (yet) is grades. All high school sports are defined as "Extra" circular. Extra is the key word. The players are not going to high school to play volleyball, they are going to high school to get an education. Sports teaches some very important skills (teamwork, respect, etc...), but these skills are not math, science, history, etc... I strongly believe that athletes (as well as musicians) with a good education are better prepared for post high school than a student that did not participate in extra-circular activities. I will be enforcing a process that was used at the University of Scranton when I coached women's volleyball there. If a player is slipping in a class, they will still be required to attend practice, but instead of being on the court, they will sit in the stands (or cafe) and work with a tutor on that subject.

The above section is my personal beliefs and opinions and I think it is important, based on the amount of time I will be spending with your daughters, that you know these beliefs and opinions. If you have any comments, questions relating to this or any other part of the team, please contact me.

Jim (01 Jun 2015)