(Many of you will already have seen the following note which was e-mailed to all of the parents and players on the Soocer Booster Club's mailing list. It is reprinted here both because it explains an important matter in very clear terms and because more than one parent has requested that it be posted since multiple players are currently unable to play because they have not attended the study table as required... Please note that the not here applies equally well to both boys' and girls' teams, varsity and junior varsity alike.)

"Below is a note that Coach Karassik presented to the booster club last night concerning the academic standing of some of his players. At the meeting, the other coaches asked that we send this to all club members so the policy is clearly understood. Please read the note and if you have any questions contact your coach."

NOTE TO VARSITY BOYS: Coach Neuhaus is expecting the return with signature of the handout he gave those who are currently in study table.

To the parents of the Chamblee Charter High School JV Boys Soccer team:

As you are all aware, the first priority for your sons should be academics, which is why they are collectively known as student-athletes. The administration/county has set rather stringent rules for their eligibility. If your son has earned a grade below 71 in any class, he is required to attend something called 'study table'. This is a way for a student to have at least 1 hour/week that they can spend time in a quiet, suitable atmosphere for study. The point is to have extra time so they can raise their grade to a passing level. There are opportunities to attend study table on Monday and Tuesday from 7:45-8:15 and 3:30-4:00. However, we have to ride a bus to practice, which effectively makes the afternoon session unusable. He will need to attend both of these morning sessions to meet the required 1 hour of extra help time. The supervising teacher of study table will NOT let any student in her room after 7:45. No excuses, no exceptions.

There are two ways to avoid having to attend study table. 1) Raise the grade to a C. 2) Attend 1 hour of tutorial with the teacher who has given the sub-71 grade. If your son elects to receive extra help from the his teacher, he will have to get a note from that teacher and give it to Ms. Amy Knapp, the study table supervisor, before 3:30 on Friday afternoon. If his grade is above the 71 mark, he will have to get a grade printout from his teacher and give it to Ms. Knapp so she can take him off of the list.

If your son does not elect to attend study-table or go to his teacher to receive extra help, his eligibility is suspended for 1 week. Regardless of what tutorial or study table session he attends, 1 hour of extra help is required PER WEEK. This is not negotiable. I feel that the policy the school has set is extremely fair. However, I believe the punishment is rather lenient. If your son's eligibility is lifted for one week, he will also sit out an additional game for behavior detrimental to the team. This is an academic institution with an athletic program. Not vice-versa. If you feel this policy is unfair, please do not hesitate to contact me @ 404-694-0582.

In summation, if your son has a failing grade he will need 1 hour of tutorial per week until the grade is sufficiently brought up. If he does not attend the tutorials, he will miss 1 week of games (as mandated by the administration) and an additional game (as stated by the coach). If you would like to know if your son needs to attend these sessions, please contact me and I will let you know.

Thanks for your time and support,

Jeremy Karassik