1. Forming a Student Leadership Group at Your School A presentation constructed by the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

2. Forming a Student Leadership Group Guidelines for member schools to create their own student leadership/advisory groups. This group will serve to address concerns of their own student-athletes, not limited to but including: college prep, sportsmanship, community service, inclusion of ALL sports and safety of student-athletes

3. What is a Student Leadership Group?  Purpose –  Why should this group exist at your school?  This group can accurately represent the student-athlete population and break down barriers between administration and students  Composition –  How many students should be in this group?  SAAC Suggestions:  Junior and Senior representative from each sport that the school offers  Coaches can nominate the representatives or schools can create applications for interested students to fill out  Qualifications –  What type of students should be in this group?  A leader that might not necessarily be the captain of the team  Someone who wants to be more involved with the team and school

4. Selection Process and Meetings  How should students be selected to this group?  SAAC Suggestions:  Nomination process  Coach determines nominee with input provided by members of the team  Minimum GPA  Good academic standing preferred but GPA to be determined by school  Must have enthusiasm and willingness for school involvement  How often should a group like this meet?  SAAC Suggestions:  Leaders within each team should meet once a week  Overall group of representatives from each sport should meet once a month

5. Discussion Topics to Address with Committee Potential Topics Include: College Prep, Sportsmanship, Community Service, Inclusion of ALL sports and Student-Athlete Safety

6. College Prep Discussion Questions and Topics  What do student-athletes need to know about preparing for college?  SAAC Suggestions: Eligibility requirements (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA), time management, standardized test prep  What resources should student-athletes refer to when they are considering playing collegiate sports?  SAAC Suggestion: Consider bringing in a guest speaker from guidance department  What other topics should be discussed with the overall group?  SAAC Suggestions: Social media awareness, different higher education opportunities, host a career workshop

7. Sportsmanship Discussion Questions and Topics  How should student-athletes display good sportsmanship around the following: teammates, opponents, coaches and officials?  SAAC Suggestion: Behavior standards should be set at the beginning of each sports seasons.  How should student-athletes handle difficult situations?  SAAC Suggestion:  Six “C’s”  Chill your parents  Calm your friends (if necessary)  Check your attitude  Communicate your feelings in respectful manner  Coaches deserve your respect  Congratulate your opponents  What type of topics should be discussed with the overall group?  SAAC Suggestions: Sportsmanship awards, creating a contract between parents and coaches to let the coaches coach, and establishing a 24 hour - 48 hour rule before parents/fans can contact coach or administration after the contest

8. Community Involvement Discussion Questions and Topics  How should a student-athlete be involved with their community?  SAAC Suggestions:  Recognize local businesses who sponsor the school and other programs  Promote the sport within the elementary schools and help keep younger kids active. Allows high school sports teams to set a positive example.  Community service is needed for some scholarships  What type of topics should be discussed with the overall group?  SAAC Suggestion: Create a special night that promotes a greater cause such as fighting cancer or standing up against domestic violence

9. Inclusion of ALL Sports Discussion Questions and Topics  How should schools better promote all types of sports within their school?  SAAC Suggestions:  Provide incentives to attend less popular sports games  Allow students to attend open practices  Encourage students to attend information sessions on each sport  Utilize the morning announcements for try-outs plus upcoming games  Recognize accomplishments from ALL sports  What type of groups within the schools should work together to make sure accomplishments from all sports are promoted properly?  SAAC Suggestions:  School Administration and Coaches  Student Government or Key Clubs  Student Section Social Media

10. Student- Athlete Safety Discussion Questions and Topics  What do student-athletes need to know about concussion safety?  SAAC Suggestions:  Stress the importance of baseline testing  New policy requires student-athletes to view concussion video  Bring in guest speakers who can help students understand the science of concussion  How can student-athletes avoid injury?  SAAC Suggestions:  Bring in athletic trainer who can demonstrate proper stretching and importance of nutrition  Coaches should be involved with this presentation so that they also understand the importance of and following through with athletic trainer recommendations  Provide education materials on understanding your limits  What type of topics should be discussed with the overall group?  SAAC Suggestion: Remember a serious injury can take athletics away!

11. Questions?  Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have –  Quinten Ershock  352-372-9551 ext 190  QErshock@fhsaa.org QErshock@fhsaa.org  REMINDER -> SAAC Nomination Forms are due on August 27!