Falcon School District 49

 

 

Middle School Athletic

Handbook

For Parents and Athletes

 

 

 

Revised

7/15/08


 

 

Falcon School District 49

Statement of Athletic Philosophy

 

The members of the Falcon School District believe that interscholastic and intramural activities shall be an integral part of the educational program. The purpose of these activities is to provide an educational experience not otherwise provided in the classroom curriculum. Athletics provide life-long lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work, winning and losing lead to the development of better citizens. The activities and contests shall be developmentally appropriate, being tailored to the physical, mental and emotional maturity levels of the participating youth.

 

The following contribute to the development of this philosophy:

 

Ø      Development of fundamental sports skills

Ø      Elementary and middle school programs, both competitive and non-competitive, that support the high school athletic program

Ø      Competitive high school athletic programs

Ø      Programs that allow for maximum opportunities for student participation

Ø      Principles of fair play and sportsmanship, including treatment of opponents as competitors not adversaries

Ø      Development of opportunities for students’ personal and social growth, enhancement of confidence, and commitment to excellence on and off the field

Ø      Highly Qualified coaches who are full time staff members

Ø      Opportunities for professional growth for coaches

Ø      Adequate resources for programs at each level

 
Sports Physical

All athletes MUST have a current physical within the last calendar year on file, BEFORE they can TRY OUT for any athletic activity.

 

Athletic Fee

A participation fee of $40.00 per sport will be assessed to each student. Once a student has been involved in two sports within a school year, the third sport’s fee will be $20.00. A student involved in the government run lunch program will need to provide additional info in order to waive this fee. Forms are available in the office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sportsmanship

 

Falcon School District will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct by ANY of it’s’ participants. This includes spectators, parents, coaches, athletes or students.  If a spectator, parent or student is observed acting inappropriately, the administration expects it to be stopped. If it is not stopped, that spectator may be asked to leave by an official, school personal, administrator or police officer. If the person resists leaving, the police will be called and he/she will be charged accordingly. That spectator may forfeit his/ her privilege of attending future contests either home or away. If removed from a game, the spectator MAY have an opportunity to meet with school administration to try to resolve the issue. If the spectator shows up at future contests without resolving the issue, he/she may be charged with trespassing.

 

If an athlete acts inappropriately (see guidelines presented in the Athlete’s Code of Conduct), the coach is expected to take disciplinary action. This may include suspension for the remainder of the game or longer. Consequences for such behavior should be outlined in team rules and expectations and discussed prior to competitive season.

 

If a coach acts inappropriately, (see guidelines presented in the Coaches Code of Conduct), the coach will be dealt with by the Administrator. Consequences may range from verbal reprimand, to written reprimand, to suspension, to dismissal. Coaches are expected to set strong examples and should model expected behavior at all times!!

 

The Fundamentals of Sportsmanship

  1. Gain an appreciation and understanding of the rules of the sport.
  2. Exercise exemplary conduct at all times.
  3. Recognize and appreciate skilled performance regardless of affiliation.
  4. Exhibit respect for contest officials.
  5. Openly display respect for opponents.
  6. Display pride in your actions.

 

 

Middle School Athletics Guidelines

 

Athletic guidelines apply to all students participating in any extra-curricular athletic activity.

 
Attendance

All team athletes are expected to attend all practices, team meetings and events. Arrangements for absences must be made with the coach as soon as possible. In all cases, a parent will need to contact the school, either by telephone or written note, unless the athlete is obviously ill. The following attendance procedures apply:

  1. If a student is absent on the day of the event, that student is not eligible to participate that day. Students must attend at least half of the classes on the day of an athletic event.
  2. In order to participate in a Saturday event, the athlete must be in attendance on Friday.
  3. An exception to the rules might be pre-arranged absence, school sponsored trips are considered the same as being in attendance.

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility Policy and Procedure

At Falcon School District 49, we feel that the athletic program is an extension of the total education program. Therefore, the administration, teachers and coaches will constantly monitor the students’ performance in their classed to determine if they are eligible for participation in athletics. Eligibility criteria and procedures are as follows:

 

Procedures
  1. The grade will be determined by the cumulative grade average for the academic grading period.
  2. Each student-athlete will be placed on a weekly grade check. This is our check to insure academic progress.
  3. Any student who receives an F on a grading report will be ineligible for the following week Sunday thru Saturday.
  4. Any student that receives an F for any 3 weeks during a season will be dismissed from the team.
  5. The athletic department will pull grades from the computer on Friday of each week during the sports season.
  6. Coaches will be given a list of student-athletics who are failing in any class on Friday afternoon.
  7. Athletes with F’s may be required to attend a mandatory daily study hall for 45 minutes, before or after school with coach’s supervision. After studying they will join the rest of the team and finish practice.
  8. Athletes will not be allowed to play in a sports game or travel with the team as long as they maintain an F on their grade report.
  9. Appeals may be made to the Athletic Director who will report finding as soon as possible to the athlete and coach.
 

 

Uniforms

Athletes will be issued numbered uniforms and appropriate equipment. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the uniform and equipment clean and free from damage. If a uniform or equipment item is missing, lost or damaged the student is responsible to replace the missing, lost or damaged item. Students will not be allowed to keep any parts of the issued equipment or uniform. They must return their issued uniform and equipment to coaches in clean and good condition.

 

Training Rules

Inappropriate school behavior may result in suspension or removal from an athletic team. As in all areas of society, we are concerned about substance abuse. Therefore, we have structured rules. The possession of alcohol, drugs and tobacco is strictly forbidden during or after school hours. If there is evidence of possession or use of any illegal substances, the following penalty system will be used.

  1. 1st Offense-10 calendar days of no competitive action. Students may come to practice-but may not dress out, nor will they be allowed to attend games.
  2. 2nd Offense-Suspension from participation for the remainder of the current calendar school year.
  3. 3rd Offense-Suspension from participation for one calendar year.

 

The training rules do not preclude school rules and consequences. Therefore, a stricter penalty may be given.

 

Suspension

Students who have in-school suspension may participate in practices and competitions after school at their coaches, athletic director or administrator’s discretion. If a student is suspended from school he/she may not participate in practices or competitions on the days of their suspension.

 
Due Process

In all cases, students and their parents are protected by due process. Obvious stages of appeal are available and we hope this will ensure that each individual will have their rights protected.  The levels of communication are:

  1. Coach
  2. Athletic Director
  3. Principal

 

 

Athlete’s Code of Conduct

 

As a student/athlete representing Falcon School District 49, and more specifically Skyview Middle School, you carry a huge responsibility to act in a way that will bring pride to the District, your school, your team and your family. In as such, the following are guidelines of expected behavior. By signing at the bottom, after reading, you agree to abide by these standards of behavior set forth by the District.

  1. I agree to respect and care for the equipment I am issued and agree to return it at the end of the season in good condition.
  2. I agree to respect those in authority, including the coaches, administrators, custodians, teachers, and adult officials from other schools.
  3. I agree to practice good sportsmanship before, during and after contests, recognizing the talents and efforts of my opponents and the game officials.

§         I agree to congratulate my opponent on his/her effort

§         I agree not to argue with calls made by officials

§         I agree to practice self control at all times, including no fighting or taunting or other negative behavior which would bring disrespect to my team and school

  1. I agree to leave the facility I am visiting in better condition than when I arrived. This means not damaging or vandalizing school property, stealing, or leaving trash behind.
  2. I agree to represent my team with pride by following the agreed upon dress code on game days-at school and to/from competitions.
  3. I agree to represent my team and my school with appropriate public behavior, including when visiting a restaurant.
  4. I agree to encourage and remind my teammates of expected behavior and to correct it when necessary. He/she is representing the program of which I am proud to be a part.
  5. I agree to attempt to resolve conflicts or concerns with my coaches before asking my parents to get involved. I understand that part of the lesson I am learning through participation in sports is that I have responsibility for my actions and for learning how to handle adverse situations.
  6. I agree to use my assigned locker and to keep it locked at all times.
  7. I agree to abide by the team’s safety rules that the coaches have presented.

 

 

Participant’s Pledge

 

            I promise, on my honor to obey all school rules and regulations, to keep myself in good physical condition, to take proper care of my equipment and to return it when called to do so. The parent and/or student, is responsible for all equipment issued to him/her from Falcon School District 49. Any damage or loss of said equipment would be replaced at current costs. Athletics may not keep replaced equipment. I promise to keep up in schoolwork, to play hard but clean, to be loyal to the team, to conduct myself at all times in a sportsmanlike manner and to be a credit to Falcon School District 49.

            I understand that the Falcon School District DOES NOT provide accident insurance for students participating in school sports. I have read and understand the entire athletic guidelines, for Falcon School District 49, and agree to abide by the rules set forth in them. I pledge my support and cooperation to the team, the coaches, the school and the decision they agree upon.

            I understand and agree that my participation fee is not a guarantee of playing time. I understand that this fee will be non-refundable once the athlete has participated in an athletic competition. Injury, quitting or being removed from the team will not allow the refund of any of the extracurricular fee. Your signature along with your parent/legal guardian’s denotes that you are eligible to participate in any organized athletic activity, provided they have a current physical on file.

 

 

Parent/Legal Guardian’s Code of Conduct

 

As a parent/ legal guardian of a student/athlete representing Falcon School District 49, it is expected that you role model behavior conducive to good sportsmanship and behavior that will not embarrass the school, your student or yourself. By signing below, after reading, you agree to abide by these standards of behavior set forth by the District.

  1. I agree to applaud the efforts of ALL the players on both teams.
  2. I agree to cheer FOR our team not AGAINST another team.
  3. I agree that officiating is a difficult, thankless task, and that officials are doing the best they can to be fair to both teams and accept their decisions.
  4. I agree not to taunt players, officials, coaches or fans before, during or following a competition.
  5. I agree to help control unacceptable behavior of other spectators by reminding them that it is ok to cheer for our own team, but inappropriate to cheer against another.
  6. I agree to support the goals of sportsmanship and help bring pride and respect to my son/daughter and the school they are representing.
  7. I agree to support my son’s/daughter’s role on the team, even if I don’t understand his/her position on the team. If my student or I have concerns, I will direct my son/daughter to approach the coach at an appropriate time to discuss our concerns. If I feel it is necessary to meet with the coach, I will set up an appointment with the coach, but will not harass or verbally assault the coach.
  8. I agree to encourage my son/daughter to resolve conflicts or concerns with their coaches before asking for my help. I understand that part of the lessons they will learn through participation in sports is that they take responsibility for their own actions and learn how to handle adverse situations.
  9. I agree that practices are for the coaches and athletes only, unless given permission by the coaches.
  10. I agree to pick up my athlete, or find transportation for them within 15 minutes of the end of practice or arriving from an athletic event.