2007/2008 Season “Communications Guidelines” 

I want everyone to know exactly what types of communications are appropriate within our organization and what are not.  It can get confusing as to whom you should talk to if you have a concern or problem regarding crew - but it is actually very simple. 

Text Box: First, each and every person within the South Crew family – coaches, boosters, parents, rowers – all DESERVE the right to have a one-on-one session with the person(s) who has an issue with them.  Please afford everyone this right – no one likes to be confronted in a group – this can feel like an attack.  BOOSTER MEETINGS WILL NOT BE USED AS A METHOD OF PERSONAL ATTACK TO ANYONE.  

 

 

 

 

 

 1)    If you or your rower has a problem or a question regarding uniforms, rowing fees, fundraising, travel reservations, any item that is financial in nature, the Brundage Memorial Regatta, or any similar item  - - - this is a Booster question.  Please feel free to call any officer or chair person and speak with them freely regarding the situation.  It is best to contact the person responsible for that item if possible, that way you will get a direct answer to your problem.   Example - if it is a uniform problem - contact Karen Patton - Uniform Chair Person. 

2)     If you or your rower has a problem or a question regarding coaching, conditioning, ergs, work outs, rules at the boat house during conditioning, decisions of coaches, placement in the boats for the season, how the kids earn their place in the boats for the season, perceived opinions of coaches, the other rowers, or anything else to do with any form of coaching or conditioning - - - this is a Coaching question.  Do not call a Booster member for questions regarding these problems, they will refer you to a coach to resolve the issue.   

Our coaching staff is responsible for all coaching decisions - allow them the opportunity to resolve any problem or concern you may have with them.  Please do not contact Booster members for coaching issues.  This is not the Boosters 'jurisdiction' to influence coaching decisions.  The boosters are not part of the coaching staff. 

Our coaching staff is quite capable of handling disputes and will address your concerns.  However, we are all adults and we all know differences of opinions will occur from time to time and not every difference of opinion will have a favorable outcome for everyone involved.  That is something everyone must learn to deal with in life - not just in crew.  Not everyone gets their way all of the time.  This is a varsity level sport and what one parent sees as unfair or unjust to their rower – may be the best decision for the team as a whole.   

3)      If you have a problem that you have made an honest attempt to resolve with a coach(s) one-on-one and you feel as though that the problem is still not resolved, please contact Joe Crislip.  He is the Athletic Director at Parkersburg South High School and the school board is responsible for hiring the coaching staff.  Please keep in mind, Mr. Crislip is busy and should only be contacted if it is a major problem that cannot be resolved within our coaching staff - I am sure he would not appreciate hearing every minor problem that arises during the season. 

Text Box: If we can keep our communications focused on the correct person, there will be less stress on everyone involved in the problem and it will keep those who should not be involved in the problem, out of it to begin with.  

 

Likewise, if it is a Booster problem, contact the boosters directly.  Please refer to the appropriate person to call - try to call the person responsible for decision, if at all possible. 

 

 

 I greatly appreciate your help in adhering to this guideline.

Amy Dent, Patriot Crew Booster President