Chaperone Guidelines
Robertsdale High School Golden Bear Marching Band
2009/2010 School Year
Logistics Chairman Bill Campbell
The support and assistance of parent chaperones is necessary to the success of the band’s various activities. While the most important thing that we do is make sure that our kids are safe….there are other responsibilities that must be done for the game/event to be a total success.
Before each event:
Arrive in the band room or designated area 30 minutes before roll call.
- Pick up badges from Mr. Campbell
- Receive any additional instructions
- Offer help where needed-but let the students handle any special loading or unloading
Who Is In Charge:
1. Ultimately, decisions for the band will be made by the director, Neil Sasser, and/or associate director Robin Isherwood
2. Discipline is handled by the band director/associate director. If there is a problem, please try to resolve the matter in a peaceful non confrontational manner. Most (not all) students respond better to request instead of demands or threats. Please do not get into a verbal/physical confrontation with a student (avoid getting on the same level as the student). They are children and will often times make bad decisions (be the better person). Let the director’s handle the problems.
Taking Roll:
1. Taking roll is key for off-campus games/events
2. Count and check names before the bus leaves and after each time that we stop.
3. We do not move until everyone is accounted for.
4. Students can only check off of the bus after an event if they have a note from their parents/guardians that has been signed by a Principal/Assistant Principal.
5. Please do not let anyone on the bus that is not on the list or who has not been cleared with Mr. Sasser
Bus Guidelines and Safety Rules:
1. Students need to remain seated while the bus is moving
2. Nothing outside the bus window at any time
3. Only one person per seat (charter buses) or two per seat if it is a school bus
4. We will have a chaperone on the front and back of each bus
5. No shouting or screaming on the bus – this can distract the driver
6. No “Public display of affection” – students can sit together and hold hands – that is the extent of what is allowed
7. Stereos/CD/IPODS/DVD players etc. must have personal headphones
8. All movies must be rated PG or lower and must be approved by the directors/chaperones
Arriving at the Game/Event:
1. Please do not dismiss your bus until directed by the Band Director
2. Generally the unloading crew exits first
3. As band members get off the bus, make sure they have everything they are supposed to have (i.e. full uniform [note gloves and hats], instrument [if carried on the bus], etc.)
4. Once everyone is off the bus, walk through the bus and check for anything that may have been forgotten
AT THE GAME/EVENT:
- Please escort band members to the bathrooms when asked. In the event a band member of the opposite sex ask you to escort them to the bathroom, find a chaperone of the same sex to go with you
- Control traffic when band is marching to/from the stadium and to/from the field. Because our band is so large, some people will get impatient and try to cut through the line. In a nice way, ask people to wait until the band passes
- First priority for seating in the band section goes to band members. Yes, there will be times with alumni of the band will come over to visit – that’s okay – but it’s not a section where friends/family of band members can join them for the entire game
- Sit along the edge of the band when in the stands
- Band members are not allowed to leave the band area to visit with parents, friends, etc. unless allowed by the band director
RETURNING FROM THE GAME/EVENT:
- Have band members clean up their own trash (this helps the bus driver get home sooner)
- Check for items left on bus – turn them in at the band director’s office
- Remember to return your Chaperone badge
GENERAL GUIDELINES:
- No PDA ... “Public Display of Affection” – sitting together is fine, but no public displays of affection
- If you see inappropriate behavior, remind the band member of their responsibility to behave properly (a request for cooperation generally works better than a demand)
- If inappropriate behavior continues, take the issue to the Directors.
- Remember that responsibility for discipline belongs to the RHS Band Staff.
- Never allow a band member to leave the group unescorted
- Stay engaged (please don’t disappear)
- Do not allow, encourage, or ignore exceptions to rules
- Do not consume alcohol while you are serving as a chaperone
- Do not use tobacco products in front of band members
- Treat your own child the same way you treat the other band members. Let other chaperones supervise your child if possible.
