Army Europe K-12 PCS INBOUND Handbook PCS Handbook ARMY OUTBOUND SY17-18 | Page 10

PCSing the Student Athlete
Moving with a high school athlete can present challenges. You
want to ensure that the sport your child loves is available in the
school you choose and that your child has a shot at being on the
team even though he/she will be a “newbie”. It all comes down to
RESEARCH, REPUTATION, being REALISTIC, & being READY!
RESEARCH: the options available in your new location. It may impact your home
choice, so do it prior to choosing a place to live. A School Liaison Officer can assist
you with information about the local schools and put you in contact with athletic direc-
tors at various schools and community programs. Make contact early to see what
you need to participate. You can check out the school websites which your SLO can
also provide. Contact the school to find out if there are any training dates or camps
prior to tryouts or school starting.
REPUTATION: Often a student athlete is frustrated by a
move because he/she
has worked hard to earn a reputation with their coaches. Bring that with you! Request
a letter of recommendation from the current coach prior to leaving. Take video of the
athlete in action to bring along. Have any statistics at hand. In cases where a student
might miss tryouts make arrangements to send a video link to the coach .
Be REALISTIC: Not all sports are available everywhere. Some locations are will-
ing to start programs if enough students are interested. Your athlete might find they
enjoy yet another sport that you hadn’t thought of. Have an open mind. Some loca-
tions may also offer private or city recreation programs that have great travel teams.
Some locations may have more intensely competitive programs than you are used to,
You may enter a school with a relaxed attitude about competition. Some locations
may conduct your sports season at a different time of year than you are used to.
Be READY: Have an up to date sports physical with you so your athlete is ready
to start from day one if necessary. Be sure the physical
meets the new school’s requirements. Find out what equip-
ment and supplies are the responsibility of the student to en-
sure you have what you need. Make contact with a current
team member to find out about anything perhaps not listed
on the site. You might be able to connect to an athlete
through the Youth Sponsorship program, through a guidance
counselor, or the athletic director. Ask your SLO for help!
Maintain your nutrition and workout schedule even during the
move. Your athlete doesn’t want to be out of shape when try-
outs start!
Now go out there and WIN one for your Army Family team!
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