Inside Panther Athletics

Although Parish provides opportunities for students to participate in numerous different sports, it’s a fact that the School can’t provide all sports and athletic activities, at all levels, for all student athletes. For this reason, we have instituted an alternative athletic program that recognizes a student’s participation in off-campus athletic activity. A student who participates in an Olympic medal sport and/or a TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) sport that is not offered by Parish can gain P.E. credit for the off-campus athletic activity.

Student Trainer Program

Students who are interested in medicine and athletics can benefit from serving as a student trainer. Student trainers assist the athletic trainer who is responsible for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries. This position is important enough that student trainers can receive a letter. Other benefits include:

• Traveling with and being part of a team.
• Gaining knowledge that will help those planning on entering a career in the medical field, such as anatomy, injury evaluation and rehabilitation procedures.
• The possibility of receiving scholarships to go to college as a student trainer.

Concussion Management Program

Parish seeks to provide a safe return to activity for all athletes after injury, particularly after a concussion. In order to effectively and consistently manage these injuries, we have developed procedures to aid in insuring that concussed athletes are identified, treated and referred appropriately, receive appropriate follow-up medical care and are fully recovered prior to returning to activity.

There are three key areas that Parish has addressed in order to proactively address concussions.

• Equipment. We constantly research new equipment to make sure that every athlete in every sport has the right equipment to help prevent injuries.
• Experienced medical team. We have two adult licensed athletic trainers on staff who are trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion as well as monitoring and referring the athlete to another medical professional. Our medical team also includes a team physician and a concussion specialist.
• ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Testing) contract. ImPACT is a proven online concussion management tool that effectively and consistently manages concussion injuries.

In Upper School athletics, our objective is to provide the best possible skills development for our student-athletes in a safe and enjoyable environment, while being successful in interscholastic competitions.

Our goal is to have a varsity team and either two junior varsities (an A and B team) or a junior varsity and a freshman team. Tryout practice(s) are held prior to the start of every season and each student-athlete is evaluated by a group of coaches, led by the varsity head coach.

Middle School Athletics begin in 7^th and 8^th grade. We emphasize participation and the development of athletic game skills. 

Our student-athletes are placed on teams that are grouped based on similar talents and experience. Subsequently, our teams are placed in appropriate competitive divisions and leagues. Each team works toward achieving the goals of continuous improvement, individual improvement, and community bonding.

Games and practices are typically after school. Schedules vary weekly. Generally, our teams will play a maximum of two games per week. Occasionally, students are allowed early release from school for away games. Transportation to and from school is provided. Students may leave with parents after competition, ONLY with coach’s consent.

Many of our teams participate in the TAPPS and IAA Leagues. These Leagues include fellow TAPPS schools and also K – 8^th grade schools in the DFW area. The League regular season schedule includes playoffs with a Championship game.

Parish provides a “Sports Fellowship” approach for our Lower School and early Middle School Athletics. The purpose is to ensure that parents are informed of the opportunities for their children to participate on a grade-level sports team and for all those who accept the invitation, finding (or forming, if needed) a team on which to play. When creating new teams, Sports Fellowship facilitates the formation; however, parent volunteer coaches are a requirement for a team to organize. These teams provide a full participation and fun approach for our students. The student will receive basic instruction and gain general game knowledge.

Parish Extend Athletic Academy is a partnership between Athletics and Parish Extend with a common goal to offer a comprehensive catalog of sports specific program opportunities dedicated to developing Parish's young athletes. Participants in these programs are trained by Parish or Parish-approved coaches according to Parish's coaching philosophies and methods which will help prepare athletes for future participation in junior varsity or varsity athletics. Opportunities vary by sport and age group and may include weekly classes, private team coaching, skills and coaching clinics, tournaments and more. Sports currently offered through the Athletic Academy include Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer and Speed & Agility. 

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