Parental Expectations

Everybody involved with Pope Athletics believes that we exist to serve our students.  We also believe that athletics is a tool to teach young people life long skills such as teamwork, accountability, dedication and respect.  Athletics also teaches young adults how to win with class and lose with dignity, persevering to compete another day. In those occasions when a student-athlete may be recruited for collegiate sports, we will do everything we can to help and support the student. 

We can not do our job without the support of all of our parents.  We ask that parents support their student’s athletics endeavors, win or lose.

Communication with Coaching Staff

All Pope High School Coaches understand the importance of open and direct communication with the parents of their athletes.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with coaches any time they have concerns or issues that they wish to address.  However, there are some guidelines regarding communicating with a Pope High School Coach.

When emailing or speaking with Pope Coaches, the following will not be tolerated:

    Rude or disrespectful language

    The use of profanity

    Threats against a coach's career or reputation

    Language that is demanding or bullying

    Accusations that are unsubstantiated or based on rumor and/or speculation

Feel free to discuss the following with your student's coaches:

    Any concerns regarding the treatment of your student

    Issues regarding the mental and physical health of your student

    Ideas to improve the athletic or academic performance of your student

The following items will not be discussed between parents and Pope High School coaches:

    Playing time

    Issues with other students or other student-athletes that may require divulging confidential information

    Play-calling or in-game strategy decisions

We encourage your student-athlete to take concerns to their coaches. To make sure concerns are addressed and handled as quickly and appropriately as possible, we ask that you follow the “chain of command:”

1.       Assistant or Position Coach (if applicable)

2.       Head Coach

3.       Athletic Director (Robert Shaw)

4.       Principal (Dr. Charlotte Stowers)