Captains

NOTE: We only do captains in high school. In middle school we take turns practicing leadership.

When choosing a captain, I treat it the same way a promotion would work in a business.

IMPROVING THE TEAM: A captain must submit a resume with at least five accomplishments that has improved the overall team that can be defined in numerically. If a person is dedicated to the improvement of the team, that is easy to do. What I don’t like to see is someone quickly trying to cram five accomplishments in one week before the captains tryout.

LEADERSHIP: A captain should have leadership skills and understand how to motivate a team. For captains’ tryouts they will write an essay on the difference between a boss and a leader.

ROLE MODEL: A captain should be a role model in and out of practice. Most of my captains are also successful in multiple other areas of their lives such as school and music. Those who have already made National Honor Society and Tri-M can guide younger girls to the same accomplishments. I want to be able to look at my captain and say, “That is how you should be at all times.” NOTE: There is no opportunity for someone who uses drugs or alcohol to be captain.

MANAGEMENT TEAM: A captain becomes like another coach and is someone I think can easily work with me and the other captains. If someone cannot work with or get along with the other leaders on the team then they will not be a good fit for captain.

HARD WORK: A captain will attend every practice as well as additional weekly captains meetings. Becoming captain should not be thought of as a title but as extra work. If you are already struggling with school and sports, taking on captain is not a good idea.

SPORTSMANSHIP: A captain models good sportsmanship at all times.

Who will work with everyone and not just their friends? Who is a leader prepared to lead by example? Who best represents the values of the team?

Steps to Tryout for Captain:

1. Download the Captains Packet.
2. Fill out the Captains Application. This is where you share the five things you’ve done to improve the team.
3. The Athletic Director will review student grades and behavior logs to inform coaches.
4. The candidate will be interviewed by the coach(s), Athletic Director and 1 admin/teacher.
5. Candidate must speak to the team regarding:
   1. Why they think they would be a good Team Captain.
   2. Their leadership qualities. I would like to specifically hear the difference between a boss and a leader.
   3. What their goal and plan is to make the team more successful.
6. Vote taken by team
7. Complete the FREE Captains Course
8. Coaches/admin make final decisions using the information provided from above.
9. Agree to sign the Captain’s Contract and to attend every regular practice, fundraiser, and weekly captains’ meetings.