Coach,
The year is just getting started, but already so many coaches and athletic directors across the state have committed to playing The Texas Way.
Whether your district is actively pursuing the District of Distinction title or just figuring out how you can get started, you can find inspiration in these examples from other districts.
Let’s take a look.
1. Signs & Statements
You can join McKinney ISD and many others by claiming your free Texas Way signs from Sign Champ! Mansfield ISD took their sign game to the next level, and wrapped one of their stadiums in the Pillars of The Texas Way:
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has created cards to hand out to fans at events that explainThe Texas Way, as well as parent letters that can be digitally shared with parents or printed out to be signed.
Alongside the visuals, districts are making sure that spectators and visiting teams hear about The Texas Way through pre-game announcements and student-led videos that can be broadcast at games or shared through digital platforms like sportsYou.
2. Actions & Accountability
Talking about The Texas Way helps us spread the message, but to really impact the way sports are played in Texas, those words must have action behind them.
For example, Southwest ISD requires teams to practice how they will respond to various emergency situations, such as a fight on the field. Other districts require teams to describe and practice their Bench Protocol. Some districts find it helpful to film these practice scenarios.
Another action item is to have a clear process to follow after a player or fan is ejected. Fort Bend ISD has implemented a Return to Play protocol for student and parent ejections, which includes completing a National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) course and submitting an Ejection Reflection form.
Remember: The Texas Way has a post-ejection protocol for coaches, athletes, and fans available in your dashboard.
Many schools are planning an Officials’ Night to honor their game officials, and using the Officials Appreciation Toolkit from THSCA as a guide. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD teams have recognized spectators with a Texas Way Fan of the Game, too, and they encourage teams to recognize Texas Way Athletes of the Game, Week, or Month.
3. Community & Service
Many Texas Way districts encourage or require their teams to complete community service projects each year.
One of those districts is Canyon ISD, where AD John Peterson told coaches, “You need to go serve the community in the off-season, so they can come serve you during your season.”
McAllen ISD completed over 70 community service projects last year, and has a goal to beat that mark this year!
Service is what connects us to others. When we serve in our community, we emphasize that we are part of that community.
FINAL THOUGHTS
These are just a few of the great examples of things happening in communities across the state.
I hope these inspire you and encourage you to find your own way to engage in The Texas Way.
Thank you for being a part of this. Thank you for your work. If I can help you or your district in any way, or you want to tell your story, email me at Mackey@2words.tv.