CHERRY VALLEY-Cherry Valley-Springfield athletic director Karen Whiteman held a mandatory meeting for all players participating in winter sports and their parents on Oct. 29 to review changes to the school's code of conduct and talk about sportsmanship.

Changes to the code of conduct include the following.

Any player or cheerleader observed by any coach, staff member, administrator, athletic director or parent who admits any involvement in use or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia and or/tobacco will not be allowed to participate in a practice or game on that day. The addition of drug paraphernalia was added after an incident at the school last spring, Whiteman said.

Also, all athletes and cheerleaders must ride the bus to and from games, unless a parent or guardian gives a note to the coach or building administrator stating that his or her son or daughter will be riding home with them. The parent shall sign out the student at the conclusion of the event.

Also, basketball players and cheerleaders must wear neat attire at all home and away games.

"The main reason for the mandatory meeting was to emphasize sportsmanship," Whiteman said. "Sportsmanship begins at home. Responsible behavior by athletes, coaches, fans, cheerleaders, and other connected with athletics must result from a set of clearly-stated goals placed into practice."

Whiteman finished the meeting with the following poem entitled "Dear Mom and Dad."

How badly you must want to win, not for yourself but me,

So help me play this game Mom & Dad, with dedication goals and dignity.

It's embarrassing for me, Mom and Dad, when you criticize the coach,

If you think that is helpful, then try a new approach.

Call and make arrangements, to meet him face to face,

far better than to tell yell at him in such a public place.

I think that you will also find, your friendship will be sealed,

In a more conducive atmosphere than on the playing field.

Please try to go along with him, not judging wrong or right,

You know he's got a job to do, that must be done tonight.

As he stands along down there, in front of all the fans,

help him to do the job he must, by staying silent in the stands.

Snap decisions he must make, under pressure of the game,

and certainly where you must sit, 'tis not really quite the same.

Even when he calls it right, I often make a mistake,

that surely makes him look as though his coaching is at stake.

Sometimes he will chew me out, then he'll pat me on the back,

and I will get it right next time, you can count on that.

He'll take the blame for losses and walk out on a limb,

but he'll give you credit for each and every win.

So be there when I need you Mom and Dad,

shout encouragement to ME!