Welcome to Semiahmoo Thunderbirds Athletics!
Please read the following CAREFULLY. It will help answer MOST (IF NOT ALL) questions you may have.
In addition to the below, please take the time to view our Student-Athlete Code of Conduct HERE and our Coaching Culture (Coaching Philosophies) HERE!
Coaching Culture @ Semiahmoo (Coaching Philosophies):
What are the academic expectations as a Semiahmoo Thunderbird student-athlete?
In addition to the below, please take the time to view our Student-Athlete Code of Conduct HERE!
Student-athletes are expected to attend classes and perform to the best of their respective abilities, day in and day out. While we understand each student's relative strengths in various subjects, attending class is a non-negotiable and often plays a sizeable role in success (excused absences excluded).
As much as we have heard it before, it is student-athlete, NOT athlete-student. We maintain this expectation of ALL our student-athletes at Semiahmoo, regardless of skill level or role on team.
A failure to perform in classes - including attendance - will result in a collaborative case-by-case action plan being formed by the coach(es), Athletic Director, classroom teacher(s) and parent(s)/guardian(s) - and, if necessary, school admin - to help provide a clearer pathway to achieve a higher level of relative success (for each particular student).
Failure to comply to this action plan may result in a suspension or removal from the student-athlete's respective team(s). This is the final course of action (and one we wish to avoid if at all possible).
Competing for the Semiahmoo Thunderbirds must be understood as a privilege, not a right. We want as many student-athletes to achieve the highest levels of relative success they possibly can - both academically and athletically.
What is an "athletic fee"? What is the breakdown for these costs? How is the money utilized by the Athletics department?
A totally understandable question...you want to know where your money is going. We guarantee full transparency with money/funding and costs - at all times.
Unfortunately, like most things, the cost of sports and the cost to participate and compete in sports is rising each year. Things like field bookings (reminder ALL South Surrey Athletic Park fields are city owned and we need to rent them; we do not own any fields), uniforms, tournaments, league registration fees (SSSAA, SFAA & BCSS), referee/officials costs, new equipment, provincial tournament costs, etc. are rising each year. We appreciate your gracious understanding with this and empathize with rising costs.
All students on any Semiahmoo sports team pay an athletic fee. Without payment, students cannot compete/participate in their selected sport(s).
If necessary, payment plans/instalment plans can be offered. Please reach out to Mr. Plumb if you require a payment plan/instalment plan. There is also the option to apply for a KidSport grant HERE: https://kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/surrey-white-rock/apply-for-a-grant
At Semiahmoo, there are two tiers of athletic fees. Tier 1 sports are "cheaper" due to cheaper facility/field booking prices and length of seasons (which reduces referee costs). Tier 2 sports are more expensive due to far more expensive facility/field booking prices and a typically longer length of season (which significantly increases referee costs).
Tier 1 - $75/season
Tier 2 - $125/season
Is it a one time fee or do I pay for each sport?
Students will need to pay an athletic fee for each team/sport, even if they play multiple sports within the same sports season (fall, winter, or spring).
Again, this is due to the rising costs for our student-athletes to compete in sports, sadly. Athletic fee payments are what our program relies on for any sustainability.
Where can I pay my student's athletic fee?
Fees can be paid HERE: surreyschools.schoolcashonline.com
Notes:
Why am I seeing a "lost jersey/uniform fee" on SchoolCashOnline?
Students who fail to return their jersey(s)/uniform(s) to their coach or Mr. Plumb within one week of the season concluding will be charged a $125 missing uniform fee to replace the uniform(s).
Note: this $125 fee is per jersey/uniform set. Uniform costs have exponentially increased in recent years and there is an additional surcharge to order one single jersey/uniform set.
Why am I seeing a "team gear/team apparel" charge on SchoolCashOnline?
Semiahmoo Thunderbirds is proud to be in partnership and in an active contractual agreement with Under Armour and, beginning in 2024/2025, we are in the process of switching our uniforms over to Under Armour.
Team gear/apparel is beyond looking the part of a student-athlete; it can help enhance belonging to the Thunderbird community, something we hope our student-athletes are proud to belong to and do their very best to represent in a healthy and professional manner.
Coaches have been provided with an Under Armour apparel digital magazine to select apparel from. Coaches, in conjunction with players who wish to order apparel, can select apparel to order for the team, limiting choices to a few different choices (and colours).
Notes:
What determines "eligibility"?
Eligibility is determined by the BCSS (BC School Sports) board.
Factors such as address/location, when the student transferred, and reason for transfer can and do impact eligibility.
Please see "INFO FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES > ATHLETIC FORMS" or go HERE for any relevant forms you may need.
Reach out to Mr. Plumb for more information and/or if any clarification is needed.
Where can I see tryout dates/information?
Tryout dates/information can be seen in one/all of the following three locations:
What is the tryout process? What should I/we expect?
Under each coach's expertise, teams are selected based on the following (but not limited to): skill level, fitness level, cooperation, attitude and effort, punctuality, academic performance, school community presence, etc. This is each coach's prerogative and may vary from sport to sport and level of said sport.
Some teams and sports may require multiple rounds of tryouts. If additional rounds are required, the coach(es) will communicate this to who will be advancing to the next tryout.
Some coaches may choose to post a final roster on the Athletic Director office door, verbalize/announce who made the final roster, or create a Teams team for the final roster.
If an athlete wishes to obtain clarity on why they may have failed to make a final roster, they are encouraged to speak with that respective coach(es) - in a respectful and gracious manner.
Note: some teams, like Track and Field and Cross Country, do not have a tryout process. Athletes are automatically added to these teams (if they wish to participate) and are encouraged to attend practices, in preparation for competition in Surrey championships to, hopefully, advance to South Fraser zone championships and, eventually, provincial championships.
Dates and the latest info can be found HERE! Students are also encouraged to check our Semiahmoo Athletics instagram and the Thunderbird Times app for all the latest updates.
- All our coaches have active Criminal Record Checks. If one is set to expire during their season of play (including playoffs), they will be provided instructions/procedure on how to renew (active for 2 years from the date/time of issue).
- Our coaches coach for FREE, graciously giving their time, effort, energy and expertise. Please respect their time, effort, energy, and expertise.
- Our coaches are not perfect. We do not expect them to be. They may make mistakes. We believe this to be a positive for our student-athletes to understand that even coaches/teacher make mistakes and grow and improve from these mistakes - similar to what we would expect of our athletes. We believe this modelling, even if subconsciously done, helps foster deep levels of respect and powerful connections amongst coaches and student-athletes alike.
- Our coaches believe in DEVELOPMENT, especially at the junior levels (grades 8-10) and providing our athletes with a holistic experience where they can develop life skills alongside expanded athletic abilities and skills.
- Coaches create an environment that is safe, where students feel they can be challenged and held accountable and held to high standards that are foundational to Thunderbird Culture.
- Coaches challenge students - without belittling - and possess high amounts of integrity in how they coach and conduct themselves.
- Our coaches value seeing players continuing to play (beyond the current season) and foster a love for the game...the ULTIMATE WIN.
- Coaches may construct their own student-athlete contracts for players and parents/guardians to review and sign. Once signed, it is considered agreed upon. The Athletic Director, Mr. Plumb, has asked coaches to send him any student-athlete contracts they may have composed and he will review and approve or suggest amendments, if necessary.
- If there is an issue/dispute between a coach and player, for whatever reason, Semiahmoo Thunderbirds Athletics strongly encourages players and coaches to discuss "in house". We strongly believe this fosters healthy rapport and communication skills amongst adolescents/teens that are vital life skills. If the issue cannot be resolved between the coach and player, Mr. Plumb will step in. These issues are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and most issues can be resolved between the coach and player without requiring Mr. Plumb to step in.
- If/when Mr. Plumb has to step in, an effort to communicate with home will be made at that time and, at that time, parental/guardian involvement might be necessary.
What are the academic expectations as a Semiahmoo Thunderbird student-athlete?
In addition to the below, please take the time to view our Student-Athlete Code of Conduct HERE!
Student-athletes are expected to attend classes and perform to the best of their respective abilities, day in and day out. While we understand each student's relative strengths in various subjects, attending class is a non-negotiable and often plays a sizeable role in success (excused absences excluded).
As much as we have heard it before, it is student-athlete, NOT athlete-student. We maintain this expectation of ALL our student-athletes at Semiahmoo, regardless of skill level or role on team.
A failure to perform in classes - including attendance - will result in a collaborative case-by-case action plan being formed by the coach(es), Athletic Director, classroom teacher(s) and parent(s)/guardian(s) - and, if necessary, school admin - to help provide a clearer pathway to achieve a higher level of relative success (for each particular student).
Failure to comply to this action plan may result in a suspension or removal from the student-athlete's respective team(s). This is the final course of action (and one we wish to avoid if at all possible).
Competing for the Semiahmoo Thunderbirds must be understood as a privilege, not a right. We want as many student-athletes to achieve the highest levels of relative success they possibly can - both academically and athletically.
What is an "athletic fee"? What is the breakdown for these costs? How is the money utilized by the Athletics department?
A totally understandable question...you want to know where your money is going. We guarantee full transparency with money/funding and costs - at all times.
Unfortunately, like most things, the cost of sports and the cost to participate and compete in sports is rising each year. Things like field bookings (reminder ALL South Surrey Athletic Park fields are city owned and we need to rent them; we do not own any fields), uniforms, tournaments, league registration fees (SSSAA, SFAA & BCSS), referee/officials costs, new equipment, provincial tournament costs, etc. are rising each year. We appreciate your gracious understanding with this and empathize with rising costs.
All students on any Semiahmoo sports team pay an athletic fee. Without payment, students cannot compete/participate in their selected sport(s).
If necessary, payment plans/instalment plans can be offered. Please reach out to Mr. Plumb if you require a payment plan/instalment plan. There is also the option to apply for a KidSport grant HERE: https://kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/surrey-white-rock/apply-for-a-grant
At Semiahmoo, there are two tiers of athletic fees. Tier 1 sports are "cheaper" due to cheaper facility/field booking prices and length of seasons (which reduces referee costs). Tier 2 sports are more expensive due to far more expensive facility/field booking prices and a typically longer length of season (which significantly increases referee costs).
Tier 1 - $75/season
- Aquatics/Swimming
- Badminton
- Cross Country
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Wrestling
Tier 2 - $125/season
- Basketball
- Golf
- Rugby
- Soccer (Boys & Girls)
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
Is it a one time fee or do I pay for each sport?
Students will need to pay an athletic fee for each team/sport, even if they play multiple sports within the same sports season (fall, winter, or spring).
Again, this is due to the rising costs for our student-athletes to compete in sports, sadly. Athletic fee payments are what our program relies on for any sustainability.
Where can I pay my student's athletic fee?
Fees can be paid HERE: surreyschools.schoolcashonline.com
Notes:
- Login information is required. If unsure of your specific login information, please contact Semiahmoo Secondary's main office.
- We do not accept cash or cheque.
Why am I seeing a "lost jersey/uniform fee" on SchoolCashOnline?
Students who fail to return their jersey(s)/uniform(s) to their coach or Mr. Plumb within one week of the season concluding will be charged a $125 missing uniform fee to replace the uniform(s).
Note: this $125 fee is per jersey/uniform set. Uniform costs have exponentially increased in recent years and there is an additional surcharge to order one single jersey/uniform set.
Why am I seeing a "team gear/team apparel" charge on SchoolCashOnline?
Semiahmoo Thunderbirds is proud to be in partnership and in an active contractual agreement with Under Armour and, beginning in 2024/2025, we are in the process of switching our uniforms over to Under Armour.
Team gear/apparel is beyond looking the part of a student-athlete; it can help enhance belonging to the Thunderbird community, something we hope our student-athletes are proud to belong to and do their very best to represent in a healthy and professional manner.
Coaches have been provided with an Under Armour apparel digital magazine to select apparel from. Coaches, in conjunction with players who wish to order apparel, can select apparel to order for the team, limiting choices to a few different choices (and colours).
Notes:
- Coaches should be reaching out to parents/guardians BEFORE ordering, so there isn't a surprise charge on SchoolCashOnline.
- If payment is an issue, please contact Mr. Plumb. We can also offer instalment payment plans for this, similar to our athletic fees, if necessary.
- Reminder that ordering team apparel is OPTIONAL, though encouraged when possible. We recognize families have many other climbing costs to consider and do not wish to add another financial burden.
- Team apparel is restricted to school colours (royal blue, white & red) or neutral colours such as black, grey (including any variants of grey), and white.
- Typically, the more senior the team, the more apparel they might order. For instance, grade 8 boys basketball might order a "shooter"/long sleeve top and a team hoodie. Senior boys basketball might order a full Under Armour fleece track suit, a "shooter"/long sleeve top, t-shirt, and backpacks - all team issued through Under Armour.
What determines "eligibility"?
Eligibility is determined by the BCSS (BC School Sports) board.
Factors such as address/location, when the student transferred, and reason for transfer can and do impact eligibility.
Please see "INFO FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES > ATHLETIC FORMS" or go HERE for any relevant forms you may need.
Reach out to Mr. Plumb for more information and/or if any clarification is needed.
Where can I see tryout dates/information?
Tryout dates/information can be seen in one/all of the following three locations:
- Semiahmoo Athletics - "INFO FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES > TRYOUT DATES/INFO".
- Semiahmoo Instagram Page - @semiahmoo.athletics
- Thunderbird Times app (available for iPhone via the App Store & Android via the Google Play Store).
What is the tryout process? What should I/we expect?
Under each coach's expertise, teams are selected based on the following (but not limited to): skill level, fitness level, cooperation, attitude and effort, punctuality, academic performance, school community presence, etc. This is each coach's prerogative and may vary from sport to sport and level of said sport.
Some teams and sports may require multiple rounds of tryouts. If additional rounds are required, the coach(es) will communicate this to who will be advancing to the next tryout.
Some coaches may choose to post a final roster on the Athletic Director office door, verbalize/announce who made the final roster, or create a Teams team for the final roster.
If an athlete wishes to obtain clarity on why they may have failed to make a final roster, they are encouraged to speak with that respective coach(es) - in a respectful and gracious manner.
Note: some teams, like Track and Field and Cross Country, do not have a tryout process. Athletes are automatically added to these teams (if they wish to participate) and are encouraged to attend practices, in preparation for competition in Surrey championships to, hopefully, advance to South Fraser zone championships and, eventually, provincial championships.
Dates and the latest info can be found HERE! Students are also encouraged to check our Semiahmoo Athletics instagram and the Thunderbird Times app for all the latest updates.
