PARENT INFORMATION

Hopefully this page will help answer some of the frequently asked questions I receive from parents.  Should you not find your answer here, please feel free to contact me at jnorton@bridgmanschools.com .  You can also reach me at 466-0227.

I have scheduled three "meet the team" nights, the dates are listed on the previous page.  These evenings are an opportunity to meet me, the players and parents of your child's sport, and the coaches.  This is also an opportunity to hear the coaches team rules and expectations.  Please take advantage of these nights.

Also, check the web page periodically for updates, schedule changes, and any other pertinent information.  Below I have answered some FAQs. If you have a question you think should be on here, email it to me at jnorton@bridgmanschools.com .

Q:  How does my child sign up for a sport?

A:  As sport seasons approach, there are announcements in the school for either a meeting and/or a sign-up in the office. Once the coach knows of your childs interest, he will then be given try-out and/or conditioning information.  This is difficult for Fall Sports because they start in the middle of the summer while the kids are on break.  For Fall Sports, in the Springtime, sign-up lists are placed in the offices (RMS and BHS).  Your kids need to sign up and give valid phone numbers and addresses so coaches can contact them as the season approaches.  Most coaches also have meetings in the springtime to discuss any summer activities that are available to prepare your child for the coming season.  If your child has ANY interest, he should sign up so he has access to the information from the coach.  Of course, you could contact the Athletic Office at anytime during the summer to get practice information.  It is important to schedule family vacations around the first week of practices, this is often the "try-out" period.  No coach is able to cut an individuals, then keep a different individual who missed tryouts, it just isn't fair.

Q:  What does my kid need to do to play sports?

A:  Before even practicing, your child MUST have a physical on file in the school office.  A valid physical means it was completed AFTER April 15 of the previous school year.  A common misconception is that you just need to have had a physical in the last year.  While this is true for many things, the MHSAA requires it be completed after April 15.  Schedule your doctor trips accordingly!  Also, come into the HS office to get the appropriate form for the doctor to fill out upon completion of the physical.

Before the first contest, all HS athletes must pay a $45 participation fee.  Fee should be made payable to Bridgman Athletic Fee and it can be turned into the HS office or the coach.  Payment plans can be negotiated by contactting the Athletic Office.

Q: Why do I have to pay for miscelaneous items on top of the $45 fee?

A: The Participation fee helps the school offset athletic costs related to insurance, medical supplies, uniforms, transportation and officials.  Many sports require additional equipment and items that will remain the property of the athlete (ie shin guards, socks, hats, swim suit, etc).  These purchases must be made by the individuals.  Both the coaches and myself are cognicent of these additional expenses and we will work to find the best prices available to offer team members on these items.  Additionally, some sports need to purchase their own uniforms because they can not be passed along from year to year.  If these additional expenses become burdensome, please express your concern to the coach.  Additional fundraisers to offset some of these costs is an option.  Some teams like to also buy team sweatshirts and t-shirts, etc.  These are not required, but often the kids like to have them.

Q:  What is the MHSAA?

A:  The governing body for interscholastic sports in the State of Michigan.  More information is available at mhsaa.com .

Q:  I have some concerns with the coach, who should I talk to?

A:  Each situation is different, but usually you should start with the coach directly.  I always stand ready to assist, and facilitate a parent/coach meeting if the need be. I have attached a brochure that is an excellent publication on how parents should communicate with coaches.  If you are a first time sport parent, this is a "must-read."

COMMUNICATION BROCHURE (2 pages)

Q:  Where do I find directions to the games?

A:  Maps to other schools

Q:  Can I take my kid home after the game?

A:  Each coach has a different policy regarding this.  If the coach allows this, he/she will have a clipboard, with a sign-out sheet, that each student's parent must sign after each game.  Student's are not allowed to go home with other parents.  In the event that alternate transportation needs to be arranged for whatever reason, the "alternate transportation" form on the previous page must be completed.