2023_EastPauldingProgram_Proof

RAIDERS

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR I welcome you to the 2023 football season at the Bone Yard! Friday nights offer communities a traditional time and place to congregate and support their students. A shift to positive behavior by spectators must occur if officials are going to be retained. There is a big difference between fans and fanatics. Fans support the officials, the players, and the coaches, unlike fanatics who tear down and do harm to the participants, the school, and the community. The proliferation of social media platforms has made it easy for fanatics to post messages that they would never say in a face-to-face setting. We want adults to use social media to help and not hurt students, coaches and officials involved in high school sports. Help do your part to make the 2023 season a success! Although academics are our #1 priority, extracurricular activities assist with building teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship, self-esteem, and school spirit. We must intentionally give students experiences that are about more than just the game and instead are relevant to real life. The goal is to operate a program at its highest level with the belief that great teams will follow. Student-Athletes will leave East Paulding a Champion for Life!

If you are a parent attending a high school athletic event this fall, you can help by following these guidelines:

· Act Your Age. You are, after all, an adult. Act in ways that makes your family and school proud. · Do Not Live Your Life Vicariously Through Your Children. High school sports are for them, not you. · Your family’s reputation is not determined by how well your children perform on the field of play. · Let Your Children Talk to the Coach Instead of You Doing It for Them. High school athletes learn how to become more confident, independent, and capable—but only when their parents don’t jump in and solve their problems for them. · Stay in Your Own Lane. No coaching or officiating from the sidelines. Your role is to be a responsible, supportive parent—not a coach or official. · Remember, participating in a High School Sport Is Not About Getting a College Scholarship. According to the NCAA, only about two percent of all high school athletes are awarded a sports scholarship, and the total value of the scholarship is only about $18,000. · Make Sure Your Children Know You Love Watching Them Play. Do not critique your child’s performance on the

car ride home. Participating in high school sports is about character · development, learning and having fun—not winning and losing.

You can have a major influence on your child’s attitude about academics and athletics. The leadership role you take will help influence your child and our community in the future. We look forward a tremendous year in athletics and sportsmanship in all the East Paulding High School activities. We appreciate your support!

Andy Dorsey Director of Athletics East Paulding High School