NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Education Through Interscholastic Athletics

NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT

For Immediate Release May 1, 2018

Contact Information:

Chris Watson, Dir. of Communications Phone: 518-690-0771 Ext. 19 cwatson@nysphsaa.org

NYSPHSAA Announces First Ever Coaches Appreciation Day Student-Athletes Can Thank and Celebrate Coaches on May 16th

Latham, NY- The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) is proud to announce its first ever Coaches Appreciation Day on Wednesday May 16th, a day student- athletes are encouraged to thank school approved coaches who have had an impact in their life or high school athletic career.

Coaches Appreciation Day was established to recognize all coaches at every level, including Modified, who have coached Fall, Winter or Spring sports within a NYSPHSAA member school. The concept was initiated by the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Committee over a year ago and chose the Wednesday of Week #46 on NYSPHSAA’s Standard Athletic Calendar to celebrate coaches around the state. In 2019, Coaches Appreciation Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 15th.

“We are elated to finally establish an opportunity to recognize coaches. They are the individuals who impact high school student-athletes on a daily basis during a sports season and contribute a significant number of hours toward a team’s success,” said Executive Director Robert Zayas. “We encourage student-athletes, school districts and fans to take a moment on May 16th to thank coaches in their schools even if its a simple gesture like a phone call, text message or email.”

NYSPHSAA has offered student-athletes, school districts and fans several ideas to encourage participation in the 2018 NYSPHSAA Coaches Appreciation Day including:

• Like and follow NYSPHSAA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tag your photos, videos and messages with #NYSPHSAACoachesDay.

• Instagram your favorite picture of your coach with your team on the medal stand after a big win.

• Tweet the best advice you have ever received from a coach.

• Post on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter a photo or video of the team surprising the coach

  with something he or she likes (coffee, candy, etc.)

• Relive a moment where you witnessed your coach go above and beyond

• Design your own image for NYSPHSAA Coach Appreciation Day and post it somewhere

  online.

• Hug your coach (if you see them in-person)

• Send a thank-you email or text to a coach of your current or former team

• Post a message on the marquee of your school

  NYSPHSAA has also established the hashtag #NYSPHSAACoachesDay for all social media posts for anyone who wants to share their favorite memories and stories throughout the day.

  About NYSPHSAA (Twitter: @NYSPHSAA | Facebook: NYSPHSAA | YouTube: NYSPHSAASports):
  The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. is a non-profit, voluntary, educational service organization composed of public, parochial, and private schools dedicated to providing equitable and safe competition for the students of its member schools. The organization conducts 32 championship events and governs the rules and regulations of high school athletics in New York State. Membership is open to secondary schools providing interschool athletic activities for boys and girls in grades 7-12.

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