Goochland Middle School Athletic Handbook 2016-2017gmsathletics.goochlandschools.org/.../2012/...Athletic-Handbook-2.2… · Volleyball Ariel Perry [email protected] Cassie Strong

Goochland Middle School Athletic Handbook

2016-2017

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Table of Contents Welcome Letter…………………………………………………………..…….….…..3 Contact Information……………………………………………..…………….….…...4 Coaching Staff…………………………………………………..………….….….…...4 Mission Statement……………………………………………………..…………..…..5 Philosophy…………………………………………………………..……………..…..5 Sportsmanship……………………………………………………..……………..……5 Athletic Department Objectives…………………………………..…………….……..6 Attendance……………………………………………………..………….….…...…..7 Bus Transportation…………………………………………..……………….…….….8 Conduct……………………………………………………..…………….…………...8 Student Athlete Grades……………………………………..…………………………9 Eligibility and Insurance information……………………..……………..……………9 Illness and/or injury………………………….…………..……………………………9 Inclement Weather policy……………………………..…………………………..…10 Locker Room………………………………………..………………………………..11 Parental Responsibility……………………………..………………………...………11 Physical Examinations……………………………..…………………………………11 Playing Time………………………………….…..…………………………………..12 Practice…………………………………………..…………….……………………..13 Practice Wear……………………………….…...…………………………………....13 Equipment/Uniforms………………………..………………………………..………14 Selections for Team…………………………………………………………..………14 Academics vs Athletics………………………………………..……………..………15 Commitment to a Sport……………………………………………..………..………15 Athletic Code for Athletes…………………………………………….……..………16 Athletic Code for Coaches…………………………………….……………..………16 Discipline Regulations………………………………………...……………..………17 Rules and Consequences…………………………………………………….….……18 Transportation to Games……………………………………………………….….….21 Closed Practice Policy………………………………………………………….….…21 Spectator Guidelines…………………………………………………………...….….21 School Equipment/Uniform…………………………………………………………..22 Acknowledgement and Consent Form……………………………………..…………23

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Welcome to the Goochland Middle School interscholastic athletic programs! Extracurricular activities and Athletics play a vital role in the development of our children. Athletics provide a stable, organized environment in which student athletes are taught many core values such as: integrity, excellence, service, teamwork, punctuality, collaboration, accountability, respect, and leadership skills. Here at Goochland Middle School we strive to inform, inspire, educate and provide opportunities for all students not just those that are athletes. Athletics support the entire community by providing a sense of pride and belonging. We hope to provide learning and nurturing in a respectfully competitive environment for our athletes. Because of efforts and dedication we feel that our program is and will continue to be one of the best in our area. In order to maintain this goal our coaches EXPECT some important characteristics to show from our student athletes. Some of what the coaches look for in a Goochland Middle School Eagle is described below. E --- Eager to show respect for others! A --- Attitude is everything! G --- Grades come first! L --- Learning there is no “I” in team! E --- Excellent athletes! S --- Sportsmanship is mandatory! This handbook has been developed to inform you, the student and the parent(s), of the specific policies and regulations for interscholastic athletics at Goochland Middle School. Please read all of the materials in this handbook carefully. Parent(s) and student(s) must sign the Acknowledgment and Consent form and turn it in to the coach in order to be allowed to play for a sport team at GMS. On behalf of all the coaches and staff, thank you in advance for your support of athletics. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you in advance, Dan Summitt, Middle School Activities Director Jennifer Rucker, Middle School Principal

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Contact Information

Goochland County Public Schools 2938 River Road West

Goochland, VA (804) 556-5601

http://www.glnd.k12.va.us/ Dr. Jeremy Raley, Ed.D., ��� Superintendent ���

Goochland Middle School

3250-B River Road West ��� Goochland, VA 23063

���(804) 556-5320 / Fax 556-6223

Web address: www.glnd.k12.va.us/index/gms/ Athletic Blog: blogs.glnd.k12.va.us/gmsathletics/

Twitter: GMS EAGLES@gmsathletics

Mrs., Jennifer Rucker, Principal, [email protected] Mrs. Amie Potter, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

Mr. Dan Summitt, Activities Director, [email protected]

Coaching Staff SPORT COACH CONTACT Boys Soccer Jeff Ottaviano [email protected] Volleyball Ariel Perry [email protected] Cassie Strong [email protected] Cross Country Andy Meiller [email protected] Leigh Paulin [email protected] Cheerleading Jermelle Dandridge [email protected] Boys Basketball Leon Saddler [email protected] Jerry Turner Girls Basketball Corey Dandridge [email protected] Swim Cindy Matthews [email protected] Girls Soccer Paul Manno [email protected] Stephanie Hixon Softball Kenny Stokes [email protected] Baseball Track Stephen Fergusen [email protected]

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MISSION STATEMENT The Goochland Middle School Athletic Program will provide a variety of opportunities for students to participate in extra curricular activities so that they may attain their maximum potential within a positive environment.

PHILOSOPHY In accordance with the beliefs and policies of the Goochland County School Board, the Goochland Middle School Athletic Program is committed to promote and maintain policies that will protect the educational values of interscholastic athletes and enhance good sportsmanship. We strive to develop student athletes that will be successful at the high school level and beyond by developing fundamental skills, discipline, team concepts, and a strong work ethic.

SPORTSMANSHIP The ideas of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior and integrity permeate our culture. The values of good citizenship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all activities and disciplines. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Further, an awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others. Good sportsmanship is viewed as a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to play fair and to exhibit ethical behavior and integrity through competition.

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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES To provide an attractive program for the student-athlete.

• Provide the student-athlete with an enjoyable and rewarding experience • Make player safety and welfare our highest priority

To give quality instruction in the fundamentals of each sport offered.

• Specific athletic skills and strategies • Sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play

To be an integral part of the secondary school curriculum.

• Inspiring all athletes to give their highest effort in the classroom, as well as, on the playing field.

• To stress the importance of self-discipline in both the classroom, the community and on the field.

• Teach our athletes that dignity, self-worth, and self-esteem are achieved through hard work.

• To create a positive school climate that is enhanced when student-athletes and remaining students coexist without negative behaviors.

• Student populations work together as a team to represent their school in interscholastic competition.

• Develop concepts of goal attainment through hard work and rigorous self-discipline.

• To provide a vehicle for the development of interest in curricular school programs and ultimately lead to post secondary educational opportunities.

To make the athletic program a source of both school and community pride.

• Help each athlete to interact positively with faculty, community, and fellow students

• Make the team a positive influence on all who come in contact with it. • To demonstrate the social competence of operating within a set of rules, thus

gaining respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that penalties follow rule violations

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Attendance In order to participate, student-athletes must be on time for all practices and games. Practice begins promptly at 3:30pm (unless otherwise specified by a coach), All Student-athletes must be properly dressed and in the appropriate location at this time. Student-athletes should report to the locker room, or specified area, immediately after school and are not allowed to go to the bus ramp, parent pick-up areas or loiter in other areas on the campus (in the building or on school grounds). Violations will result in disciplinary consequences, included but not limited to dismissal from the assigned team. Tardiness will not be tolerated. If you have an after-school appointment with a teacher, please get a pass from that teacher with the time you left the classroom. You will have 10 minutes to dress and arrive at the proper location for practice. Notify your coach if you are going to be late to practice due to an appointment with a teacher. You are expected to attend all practices unless you are absent from school or have made prior arrangements with the coach. Unexcused absences from practices or school may result in dismissal from the team. You must be in attendance in school for at least one half of the school day to be allowed to practice or participate in a scheduled game. If you have been released from school through the clinic because of sickness and are gone for MORE than half the school day, you are not eligible to participate in athletic events that afternoon (practice or game). If you are absent unexcused from the practice prior to a game, you will not be eligible to start the next game or you may forfeit any playing time. If you do not dress for activity in PE class you will NOT be allowed to participate in after-school athletics. However, you should still attend that day’s practice or game. This information will be recorded in the student agenda, and forwarded through email when available.

While these policies and regulations apply also to attendance during try-outs, the consequences are different. If you are absent from a day of try-outs, you decrease the time a coach has to view your performance. This can only result in lessening your chances to be one of those selected for the team.

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Bus Transportation Students are required to ride the bus to an away game and are encouraged to return to GMS on the bus (for “team” and equipment purposes). Carpooling is also an option in which a coach might try to organize as alternative transportation. While riding the bus, students-athletes must remain seated at all times, for the safety of others as well as yourself. All the rules and regulations of the Goochland County Code of Conduct as well as the specific transportation regulations apply to bus transportation for extra-curricular activities. Listed below are a few reminders: • Walk; don’t run, down the bus aisles. • Always accept the seat assignment given to you by the coach. • Talk only with those seated near you in a quiet tone and keep your hands to yourself. • Follow the bus driver’s directions. • Clean up the area where you were seated before you leave the bus. Make sure all

windows are up in your area. • Be responsible for your own belongings. • Keep all body parts inside the bus. • Do not yell or make obscene gestures from the bus windows. Attendance will be taken upon departure from GMS and before returning from the away event. If an athlete is not returning to GMS on the bus after the away event, the parent MUST sign him/her out with the coach before leaving the destination. If a parent has made prior arrangements for the athlete to ride home with another parent, a note should be given to the coach before the game and the parent taking the child home must sign him/her out with the coach before leaving the school grounds.

Parents: Check with the coach of each sport for specific policies and regulations

concerning bus transportation. Conduct Proper conduct, as outlined in the Goochland County Code of Student Conduct, is expected at all times both on and off the field of play. As a student athlete, you represent the best of Goochland Middle School. Team membership is both an honor and a responsibility. Teachers are expected to notify coaches of those athletes who do not uphold the standards of behavior expected of a GMS student-athlete. Good sportsmanship is a must. Proper behavior should always be displayed. Take responsibility for your actions.

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Treat opponents, teammates, coaches, managers, parents, and referees with respect. Demonstrate a positive attitude at all times towards teammates, coaches but most importantly, yourself. Listen to and follow the coaches’ directions without argument. You should not roam around the school during practices or games, particularly when visiting another school. The team should always stay together. Males and females are NOT allowed in the locker rooms of the opposite sex under any circumstances. In addition to these general policies and regulations, a list of specific team rules may be distributed to those athletes who are selected for a team. GMS Student/Athlete Grades: Student/athletes at GMS are expected to perform in the classroom as well as on the field or court. Students/Athletes must have good grades in order to participate. If a student/athlete has an F in any core class in the semester before trying out they will not be allowed to try out, if a student/athlete has an F in any class during the current sports season and is on a team they are NOT allowed to play in a game and must sit out of playing time until such grade has improved to an acceptable level. If a student/athlete has a D in any class and is on a team, they are NOT allowed to start a game, but are allowed to practice and play with the team. If a student/athlete cannot maintain good grades, then they will be asked to stop playing the sport and concentrate on academics. Grades will be checked during tryouts and at each Interim Report and/or Marking Period. IF a student/athlete has an F or D in Power School, but has a note from their teacher saying their grade is different than posted at the time of the grade check, then they will be allowed to participate.

Eligibility & Insurance You must complete the Insurance/Eligibility letter for each sport that you try-out for, indicating the grades you earned the previous semester. If selected, your eligibility (grades) will be verified by the coach(es).

Illness/Injury A valid and current physical examination certificate is required in order to attend voluntary conditioning events and try out for any sport. A student will not be allowed to attend voluntary conditioning or attend try out sessions unless that physical form is on file with the Activities Director. Current emergency information and insurance information (on the Insurance/Eligibility letter) must be on file with the coach so that all necessary contacts and arrangements may be

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made should the need arise. If the athlete is under the care of a physician, whether for injury or illness, documentation must be provided from the PHYSICIAN before the athlete is allowed to resume participation. Notify one of your coaches IMMEDIATELY in the event of an emergency. To prevent injuries, teams always warm up properly before practices and games. This should include a variety of slow static stretches and some aerobic activity. Each coach will have his/her standard warm-up routine to follow. Horseplay, before, during, or after practice will not be allowed. To further prevent injuries, remove ALL jewelry before practices and games/matches. Equipment responsibilities are shared among the players, coaches and parents. To prevent injuries, athletes will not be allowed to participate if they are not properly dressed or are lacking in required equipment. Please plan ahead to have all of the required equipment and uniform for both practices and games.

Inclement Weather In the event of inclement weather, a decision will be made about which practices will be cancelled by 2:30 pm. Please DO NOT call the office prior to 2:30 p.m., as the information will NOT be available. Time is needed during the regular school day for the coaches and Administration to communicate with each other about the decision. For a game, the decision will be made by 2:30 pm. Again, the communication between the Activities Director/Principal and coaches and between the administrations of the two schools involved takes extra time. Please do not call before 2:30 pm to inquire about a game cancellation. Thank you for your consideration of our office staff. An announcement will be made to the students prior to the end of the school day as to which practices/games are cancelled and we will post information about the change on the Athletics Blog and Twitter. Students will be encouraged to ride their regular bus home. Please discuss contingency transportation plans for cancellations BEFORE the need arises. In the event that our teams have already started an AWAY contest and it is cancelled due to inclement weather, any student who does NOT have a parent present to take him/her home will be brought back to Goochland Middle School on the bus. We are not allowed to leave a child at a remote location unsupervised. Please discuss these pick-up plans for AWAY games with your child.

You can check the status of practices and games at our Twitter Account:

GMS EAGLES@gmsathletics

or on the Web page or Athletics Blog

http://gmsathletics.goochlandschools.org

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Locker Room Secure all personal items, clothing, and books inside your LOCKED locker. Try not to leave anything on the bench or floor. Coaches are required to lock the locker room and students are not to be given keys by the coaches. Use the restroom while in the locker room before practice or games. There is no re-entry into the locker room unless it is an emergency or you are with the team and the coach To prevent injury, horseplay in the locker room is not allowed. Eating and drinking in the locker room is not allowed. Males and females are NOT allowed in the locker rooms of the opposite sex under any circumstances. Once you are dressed and ready for practice, double check your belongings, LOCK YOUR LOCKER and proceed to your team’s appointed meeting area. After practice, gather all your belongings and leave your area of the locker room clean and neat. Proceed to the assigned area of the building to meet your ride. Parents should be on time and should be informed as to the times for pick-up after practices, games and events. Parental Responsibility Physical Examination A valid and current physical examination form is required before a student will be allowed to try out for any sport. A student will not be allowed to try out unless that physical form is on file with the coach or the Assistant Principal. (See “Physical Examinations” for more details). Insurance Eligibility The Insurance/Eligibility Letter must be completed, signed by you the parent and turned into the Activities Director. Current emergency information (phone numbers and persons to be contacted) is included on this form. These will be kept on file with the coach at all times so that all necessary contacts and arrangements may be made, should the need arise. Lost/Damaged School Property Lost or damaged uniforms and equipment must be repaired or replaced by the parent. The coach will notify you of the replacement cost.

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Parent Pick-up Generally, practices end by 5:30pm and home events between 6:30-8:00pm. Teams arrive from away events at varying times, depending largely upon the distance traveled. After students have gathered their belongings from the locker room, they are to meet parents in the assigned parking of the school property. Parents should be ON TIME and know/anticipate the times for pick-up for practices, events, home and away games. Coaches will communicate an anticipated arrival time to the players/parents. Students are required to ride the bus to an away game and are encouraged to return to GMS on the bus. If your child is not riding the bus and is going home with you, you MUST sign him/her out with the coach before leaving the school grounds. If a parent has made prior arrangements for the athlete to ride home with another parent, a note should be given to the coach before the game and the parent taking the child home must sign him/her out with the coach before leaving the school grounds. Volunteer Opportunities Parents are encouraged to volunteer to help in various capacities for sports teams during the year. Providing refreshments and snacks, operating concessions, videotaping, working at the scoring table, helping to set up fields and equipment are but a few examples. Physical Examinations One physical per year will be necessary. The physical examination must have been given after May 1st of the year beginning the current school year. The form is valid until June 30th of the ending school year-thus a 14 - month period. Once a child turns in a physical form to the Activities Director or coach, the form is kept on file for the remainder of the school year and other coaches will have access to that information. A valid, current and complete physical form is required before a student will be allowed to attend conditioning sessions and/or try out for any sport. Playing Time The amount of playing time for any individual athlete is at the discretion of the coaching staff. It is often determined by the hard work, motivation, and positive attitude displayed during practice. Coaches make every effort to maximize participation but that might not be possible for every game. Athletes concerned about

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their amount of playing time should speak directly to the coach. The Activities Director and the School Administration reserve the right to limit or take away playing time of the athletes due to academic or behavioral issues. Remember, playing for a school-sponsored team is a privilege not a right. Practice and Attendance Student athletes are expected to attend all practices unless absent from school or prior arrangements have been made with the coach. Consequences will be in place for absences from practices, this includes: loss of privilege to start a game, sitting for a predetermined playing time, suspension from game(s). Practice begins promptly at 3:30pm and will end no later than 6:00pm (please check with coach regarding an end time). Parents should be in the parking lot no later than 5:30pm. Coaches are required to supervise all student athletes until they are picked up. If you cannot pick your child up by 5:30pm, please make arrangements with another parent. Try-outs and Practices are closed to those not participating/coaching the session. This serves to avoid unnecessary distractions and/or make players nervous which ultimately could cause accidents and injuries. Practice Wear In order to practice the student-athlete must follow the practice dress code as addressed by the Athletic Director and coach of the sport. Our student athletes still represent themselves and our community while participating in practice and will show respect. Therefore, proper practice wear is a must. School clothes, dress shoes, cut-off jeans, spandex, sports halters, long jeans, and clothing that promote illegal or inappropriate things are not allowed. Some teams have practice uniforms and these must be worn according to the coaches’ directions. Athletic shoes must be worn securely. Warm-ups will be needed for colder weather and traveling to away games in the winter months. The wearing of your PE uniform is not allowed at practice because it may mean that your PE uniform will not be ready for use during your next PE class. After practice or a game, cleats and muddy shoes should be taken off before entering the building.

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Equipment/Uniforms Athletes must maintain and return uniforms that are assigned to them. Coaches will maintain accurate records of uniform issuance. Uniforms are to be machine washed in COLD water and hung to dry. DO NOT USE THE DRYER. Damaged uniforms must be repaired or replaced at the parent’s expense. The coach will inform you of the repair or replacement cost. Equipment responsibilities are shared among coaches, players and parents. Because of safety issues, athletes will not be allowed to participate if they are not properly dressed or are lacking in required equipment. Please plan ahead of time to have all of the required equipment and uniform for both practices and games. Cleats should NOT be worn in the building. They should be put on and taken off on the sidewalks outside the building. Selections Generally, selections (cuts) will be made in order to have a team that is manageable and safe for all participants. Coaches will use valid and reliable measurements during tryouts to evaluate the performance and potential of each individual athlete. Every student who is not selected for a team will have the opportunity to speak with the coach (es) about their strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement for the future. Students not selected should be proud of their efforts and gain maximum benefit from the experience to be better prepared for the next time!

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ACADEMICS vs. ATHLETICS Because academic pursuits clearly take precedence over extra-curricular activities (including athletics), students have a responsibility to maintain middle school academic standards. If a student finds that academic obligations are in conflict with his/her athletic obligations, the student should take appropriate action to develop and maintain quality study habits that lead to quality grades. The coaches will monitor grades on a regular basis during the sport season. Specifically, this means that students must take their classes seriously and keep communication lines open between parents, teachers and coaches. Students requiring additional study time should make necessary arrangements that do not conflict with regularly scheduled practices and/or contests. If after-school arrangements are the only means of addressing academic needs, the student MUST receive prior permission of the coach to attend after-school classroom obligations. However, we encourage student-athletes to utilize our Eagle Block to address academic needs.

COMMITMENT TO A SPORT BY A STUDENT The decision to participate in athletics is an important one. Deciding to no longer participate in a sport is a serious matter. Athletes should not consider dropping out of a sport without first consulting with the coach and explaining his or her intentions. Playing on other teams (travel, recreation, AAU, club) is not discouraged, but it is important that you remember that you have chosen to play on a school-sponsored team. The school team should come first, it is not ethical to be absent from a school practice or leave practice early for another practice session. Keep in mind that many other players do not participate on other teams and they are working hard to make themselves better. Your playing time will be limited if you miss practices or practice time (see attendance requirement). Changing from one sport to another sport once practice has started is also discouraged. Changing between can only occur as a result of the following:

• A discussion between the athlete involved and the coach of the initially chosen team;

• A discussion between the coach of the team later chosen; • Written release of the former coach.

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ATHLETIC CODE FOR THE ATHLETES The contest demands: • Fair play at all times, • A square deal to opponents by players and spectators, • Playing for the joy of playing and for the success of the team, • Playing hard to the end, • Keeping one’s head and PLAYING the game, not TALKING it (taunting), • Respect for officials and expectations that they will enforce the rules, • An athlete should not quit, cheat, bet or “grandstand.” The school demands: • Out-of-school and out-of-town conduct of a positive nature, • Faithful completion of school work as practical evidence of loyalty to school and

team, • Complete observance of training rules as a duty to school, team and self. Sportsmanship demands: • Treatment of visiting team and officials as guests and the extension of every

courtesy to them, • Giving opponents full credit when they win and learning to correct one’s own

faults through failures, • Modesty and consideration when one’s team wins, • An athlete will not “crow” when the team wins or blame the officials when it loses. ATHLETIC CODE FOR COACHES The school may expect: • Work of the coach to be an integral part of the school system with its educational

contribution, • Mastery of the principles of pedagogy and consequent improvement in teaching as

well as coaching, • Loyalty to superiors in making athletics fit into the general school program, • Insistence upon scholarship • Enforcement of all rules of eligibility. The athlete may expect: • A genuine and up-to-date knowledge of that which the coach proposes to teach, • Fair, unprejudiced relationship with all squad members; • Careful attention to the physical condition of players at the time of each contest, • Competent and trustworthy officials whose decisions will always be supported.

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Sportsmanship includes: • Teaching athletes to win by use of legitimate means only, • Counteracting unfound rumors of questionable practices by opponents. The influence of the coach necessitates: • Being the sort of person they want boys and girls to become, • Discouragement of gambling, profanity and obscene language at all times, • Encouragement of athletes to pursue healthy lifestyle

DISCIPLINE REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS General Philosophy: • Discipline should be administered in a supportive, rather than a punitive

environment. • A balance is sought between teaching that actions have consequences and acting

on belief that mistakes and misjudgments are not only inevitable with students, but also inescapably human.

• A coach must be conscious of negative behavior upon the team or group, individual students and the school. As a result, they may be required to establish certain rules that they distribute. These rules will be reviewed periodically.

• Coaches are to develop and administer specific policies with board guidelines of school policy. The school’s interest is ensuring equitable treatment of students, not in mandating rigid conformity to specific codes of behavior. It is believed that both parents and students will accept reasonable standards of behavior and disciplinary action if those standards are made clear at the beginning of a student’s participation in an activity. Head coaches have the primary responsibility of developing policies specific to their respective sport.

• Any policy that is established should recognize levels of seriousness of violations of codes of conduct and to provide for different official responses.

• Students are entitled to due process

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RULES & CONSEQUENCES FOR GMS ATHLETES

The following is a list of the Rules & Consequences that the coaching staffs believe is needed to ensure the type of program they are trying to build at GMS. We feel that these rules and consequences are for the benefit of the players for health and safety reasons. A player who adheres to these rules will help to make the teams at GMS competitive and respected. We would like for both the player and parents to read the rules & consequences: sign and return the agreement sheet by the set time for the given sport. We would like for the player to keep a signed sheet and the rules at home. These rules are for the duration of the season, from the first practice until all the equipment is turned in at the end of the season. Each team may have additional rules & consequences that pertain to that particular sport. RULE #1: RESPECT AND SPORTSMANSHIP: (on/off the field or court) Respect and sportsmanship will be shown to all coaches, fellow players, teachers, opponents’ coaches, officials, fans and the sport. Some of the items (but not all) that fall under the rule are such things as: arguing with coaches, players or officials, abusive language, stealing, fighting, behavior on the bench, bus ride behavior, school behavior, and any behavior not deemed appropriate for a player on a GMS team by the coaching staff. Depending on the severity of the player’s action, the consequences could start with consequence #1 or consequence #4. CONSEQUENCES:

1. Suspension from remainder of game. Suspension from next game. 2. Suspension from next two games. 3. Suspension from the team.

RULE #2: TOBACCO PRODUCTS & ALCOHOL: The possession or use of tobacco products and alcohol is illegal for Middle school aged students and will not be tolerated by the coaching staff at school or away from school. CONSEQUENCES:

1. Reported directly to School Administration 2. Suspension from practices and games until matter is resolved 3. Suspension from the team.

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RULE #3: ILLEGAL DRUGS: The use or dealing of drugs is illegal for anyone and will not be tolerated by the coaching staff. CONSEQUENCES:

1. Reported directly to School Administration 2. Suspension from the team.

RULE #4: ATTENDANCE AT PRACTICES AND GAMES: A player is expected to attend every practice and game, and be on time. Circumstances beyond a player’s control should be cleared with a coach ahead of time. The coach will then determine if the absence is excused or unexcused. CONSEQUENCES: UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

1. During tryouts-hurt chances of making the team. 2. During the season:

A. Suspension from starting the next game. B. Suspension from playing the next game. C. Suspension from the team.

RULE #5: APPEARANCE: For safety reasons, a player will not be allowed to wear earrings, watches, rings or glitter during practices or games (VHSL regulation). During school hours or traveling to another school on games days, players are expected to wear the attire chosen by the coaches or the team captains. CONSEQUENCES:

1. Suspension from starting the game. 2. Suspension from playing in the game. 3. Suspension from the team.

RULE #6: SCHOOLWORK: Each player is expected to keep up with all school assignments and to make up any work that is missed (in an appropriate time) from classes. When practicing late or for home games, a study hall might be held if time permits and could be mandatory for players having problems keeping up with assignments. CONSEQUENCES:

1. Suspension from next away game. 2. Suspension from next away or home game. 3. Suspension from the team.

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RULE #7: SCHOOL DISCIPLINE: Players are expected to behave themselves in school. The following is a list (though not all-inclusive) of actions that will lead to some type of consequence depending on the severity of the infraction: disrespectful to teacher or administrator, a referral, tardy to classes, a referral to TOP, after school detention, overnight suspension, out of school suspension. CONSEQUENCES:

1. Suspension from starting next game. 2. Suspension from practice or games during out of school suspension. 3. Suspension from the team.

RULE #8: EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Each player is expected to put his or her sport first. Participation in any other sport or another team (Youth leagues, club teams, AAU, Parks & Recreation League or personal leisure playing) during the season could result in injuries that could limit your participation or further hurt the team.

CONSEQUENCES: 1. Suspension from practice. 2. Suspension from starting next game. 3. Suspension from the next game. 4. Suspension from the team.

RULE #9: Social Media: Each player is expected to conduct him or herself in a manner that is respectful to themselves and others. Participation in Social Media outlets is a right, protected by the first amendment and Student Athletes may participate in those types of outlets. However, if their social media accounts are detrimental to the team, derogatory to any person, or downright disrespectful to others then participation in Goochland County Public School Activities will be affected. Strong advice is given to conduct themselves in a way that is respectful. If a coach or administrator is made aware of and discovers postings that are negative in manner then the following consequences will occur. CONSEQUENCES:

1. Reported directly to School Administration 2. Suspension from practice. 3. Suspension from starting next game. 4. Suspension from the next game. 5. Suspension from the team.

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TRANSPORTATION Transportation to away contests will be provided by the school system and athletes are required to ride to and from the contest on the school provided transportation. A student-athlete may ride home from the contest with his/her parents/guardians only if permission is obtained from the coach. A student-athlete will not be allow to ride home with another student’s parents without a note from the athlete’s parent/guardian stating that he has permission to ride home with that certain set of parents.

CLOSED PRACTICE POLICY Practices, which are considered as valuable instructional time, are closed to all parties with the exception of coaches, players, administrators and invited or previously approved guests. Guests must receive permission from the coach or administrator well in advance. Guests are expected to refrain from disrupting practice (instructional) sessions in any way, including conversing with the coach or players. SPECTATOR GUIDELINES Spectators are an essential part of GMS athletic programs, and good sportsmanship is a goal of GMS. Inappropriate behavior could result in them being asked to leave the game by a representative of the school (athletic director. school administration). The following are some guidelines for good sportsmanship: • Cheers at games should be of a positive, encouraging nature in support of one’s

team, • The use of vulgarities is inappropriate, • Spectator behavior which baits and derides their own team or the other team,

individual players, coaches or school is inappropriate, • Officials in games have difficult decisions to make and should be treated with

respect whether one agrees or disagrees with their decisions, • Spectators should be encouraged to use humor, creativity and good taste in support

of their own team, • Signs and/or banners should refer to one’s own school and be positive, non-

derogatory and non-inflammatory in nature.

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SCHOOL EQUIPMENT / UNIFORM Each participant shall be financially responsible for all pieces of uniforms and equipment issued and assigned to him by his coach. At the end of each sport’s season, each participant is expected to turn in to his/her coach, all of the equipment, practice gear, uniform, etc. that was issued to him or her during the season. In the event that a participant fails to turn in any of these items, he or she will be responsible for paying the replacement costs of that item. Thank you for reviewing the GMS Athletic Handbook. We hope it has provided information that will be helpful to you and your student-athlete.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE AKNOWLEDGEMNT AND CONSENT FORM TO THE COACH OF THE TEAM BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK OF PRACTICE.

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ACKNOWLEDGE AND CONSENT FORM

Please read all of the materials in this handbook carefully. Parent(s) and student(s) should discuss these policies and procedures thoroughly. If you have any questions, please contact the Activities Director or coach. Please note: The student is not allowed to participate in games until a copy of this page is completed and returned to the coach. The student-athlete and parent signatures below are acknowledgement that you have read and understand the contents of this handbook and consent to abide by these policies and procedures. Athlete’s Name: (print) _________________________________________________ Athlete’s Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ________________ Parent/Guardian Name: (printed)__________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________ Phone: (day) _____________ (evening) _____________ (cell) _______________ Emergency Contact: (name) _____________________ (phone) _______________ Insurance Carrier__________________________________ Insurance Number_________________________________

Return this to the Coach