Academic Policy

Every Player gets grade checked every week

Every F is ten Sprint Poles
Every D is 5 Sprint Poles
Any GPA under 2.5 is 5 Sprint Poles

By GPA do you mean their total grade point average on their report card? Meaning they would not run 25 poles if they had two F's and D on a grade card? Thanks.

You got it 100% correct. I used to have them run poles but in some cases it was as big of a punishment as others. As soon as I started putting them on a stopwatch and they had to have to sprint I haven't had as many grade issues.

Your school has an academic policy. I don't punish players on the field/team for their academic failures. Instead, I try to get them help. For example, our teacher's contract states that we have to be in the classroom 45 minutes after school ends. So, I tried to have players report to me if they are having grade troubles. Then, I'd find kids in my classes who were good at those subjects. Then, I set up tutoring during that 45 minutes. Most of the time, those tutors received some small compensation. If you check with your guidance department, there are grants for tutoring that most schools are eligiable for. Then, it is a win/win because your player will be eligiable and they will receive some good instruction one on one that just might help them understand the subject. JMHO!

A players love for the game and desire to play it and avoid potential consequences would not give the player motivation to live up to the school academic standard? Would that not be part of developing the total person, and not just a baseball player?

quote:

Originally posted by Nicholas25:
A players love for the game and desire to play it and avoid potential consequences would not give the player motivation to live up to the school academic standard? Would that not be part of developing the total person, and not just a baseball player?

Sure it is. However, you have an opportunity to be more than just a coach. I understand that we all consider ourselves mentors. For what I do, I show the player and parent that I'm willing to set time aside, bring in a tutor and help them help themselves. Sure you can rely on punishment. For me, that isn't what I wanted to do.

Nicholas, neither your nor I are wrong. We have different perspectives. My brother tried very hard to get good grades. He couldn't. He would come home and cry over his homework, test scores, ... To be sure the effort was there. In your scenerio, you would then punish him. He already hated school and sports were the only positive for him. Take that away and I don't know what would have happened. That is why I think the way I do. Again, neither of us are wrong.

Good stuff, Coach. I will consider this.

quote:

Originally posted by CoachB25:

quote:

Originally posted by Nicholas25:
A players love for the game and desire to play it and avoid potential consequences would not give the player motivation to live up to the school academic standard? Would that not be part of developing the total person, and not just a baseball player?

Sure it is. However, you have an opportunity to be more than just a coach. I understand that we all consider ourselves mentors. For what I do, I show the player and parent that I'm willing to set time aside, bring in a tutor and help them help themselves. Sure you can rely on punishment. For me, that isn't what I wanted to do.

Nicholas, neither your nor I are wrong. We have different perspectives. My brother tried very hard to get good grades. He couldn't. He would come home and cry over his homework, test scores, ... To be sure the effort was there. In your scenerio, you would then punish him. He already hated school and sports were the only positive for him. Take that away and I don't know what would have happened. That is why I think the way I do. Again, neither of us are wrong.

I agree with this - don't punish the hard workers if they still can't get it. Not every kid is going to pick up what they need in every class. If they're working hard then it's our job to find them extra help or direct them how to get extra help.

The flip side is not every kid is going to push themselves like they would on the baseball field in the classroom. These kids I don't have a problem finding some sort of punishment as motivation. I tell my guys when I see bad grades I'm going straight to the teacher and asking them about work ethic, attitude, behavior, being responsible and things like that. If they give me a good report then we try to work something out - extra help, tutoring, alternate assignments, whatever. If I get a bad report then it's time to have a talk and bring in mom / dad. Let them know this is unacceptable and figure out a workable solution.

quote:

Every F is ten Sprint Poles

If a kid had an F he was suspended pending for 2 weeks pending review of academic progress Had 2 fs off the team.

Our coach has a C and above policy. The district is D and above. If you fall below his C you bring your books to practice and study. Sometimes some of the other players will be assigned to help tutor. If it is a game day you can dress but you must bring your books to study because you will not be playing. He checks it every week and for some players, everyday.

Most athletes would rather run than study for 2-3 hours while everyone else is practicing, playing in games. I have seen players tutoring other players in the dugout during games. Not just subs, but starters who have to play.

Coach B,
I agree with you 100%. Unfotunately there is nothing in our contract about spending that length of time on campus. If I had teacehrs that were willing to tutor I would send them to tutoring. My biggest problem is tutoring is a voluntary siutation and absolutely no compensation will be given.

Our district requires a grade/behavior check form to be signed by every teacher every week. Any grade below a C puts the player on academic probation. They are required to attend after-school tutoring sessions twice a week and may not start a game. If they have multiple grades below a C, they are ineligible to play.

It's out of caoches hands at our HS, Grades are checked weekly, We don't have D's-that's not a passing grade. 2 F's you sit bench until next week results.

As a parent we have rule in our house below a C you are not playing. Sports are great, but if you don't have the grades, work ethic you won't make much of yourself in life.

Our school uses tutors for any student having academic struggles. They are arranged by the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society, and tutors meet four days a week after school in the media center to help anyone who needs it. Tutors receive community service hours. Bright Futures and other academic scholarships are tied to community service hours, so there are plenty of volunteers. A good source for tutors might be your National Honor Society or World Language Honor Society sponsors.