1. Teach The Texas Way Now (Not Just in August)
One of the trends we see across the state is that coaches who have ejections—even when their Texas Way engagement looks “high”—often watched every resource in a single day at the start of the year or over the summer.
It becomes a check-the-box task.
A certification re-up.
A one-and-done.
But just like culture isn’t built in a day, neither is good sportsmanship.
And I get it—you and your coaches are busy. But trust me, it takes far less time to teach students how to play The Texas Way than it does to clean up the mess when they don’t.
That’s why we created the monthly emphasis videos and resources. Each video is less than seven minutes long, with posters, team discussion guides, parent letters, and more. These are small, consistent touchpoints that keep The Texas Way alive all season long.
The Texas Way is more than a checkbox. It’s a way of living that must be practiced consistently.
2. Practice Your Fight Response Before You Need It
Last year, basketball was the only sport that didn’t see a reduction in student ejections. But the issue wasn’t dozens of out-of-control athletes.
It was group ejections.
Group ejections don’t happen because a team is “undisciplined.”
They happen because a team is unprepared.
When a fight breaks out:
- Do bench players know exactly what to do?
- Do assistants know their role?
- Does the head coach have a pre-established plan?
- Has the AD aligned expectations with the entire staff?
If you haven’t taught it, practiced it, recorded it, and reviewed it…don’t expect kids to suddenly execute it perfectly in the heat of the moment.
Just like anything else: If you want them to respond the right way, you have to coach them.
And when players fall short, use it as an opportunity to coach them up—not just punish them. Our Post-Ejection Protocol is designed to help students, coaches, and fans learn from mistakes and come back stronger.
3. Parent Communication Matters
We cannot expect sportsmanship from athletes if adults are not modeling it in the stands. And one email at the start of the season won’t turn the tide.
Changing parent culture requires weekly (sometimes more!) reminders.
- Use SportsYou.
- Send game-day messages.
- Put a note in the Friday newsletter.
- Reinforce expectations every chance you get.
That’s why we make regular parent and fan messages available on The Texas Way Assets page. They can be shared on any platform. You’ll also find fan letters and ready-to-use resources to help you keep the conversation alive.
One practical tool that gives you real-time feedback is providing an “Officials Postgame Survey” for officials to complete. A simple form (example here) asking officials how they experienced your gym—positive or negative—gives you a temperature read you can share with parents. And when parents know the gym is being evaluated, behavior tends to improve.
Final Thoughts
Coach, these three reminders aren’t complicated, but they make all the difference:
- Teach The Texas Way (again and again).
- Practice the fight response before you need it.
- Lead parents to support The Texas Way.
Thank you for who you are and what you do. If I can help you or your district in any way, or if you want to share your story, email me at Mackey@2Words.tv.
Mackey