Table of Contents:

WOODLAND PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK

I.                   INTRODUCTION

This handbook has been prepared for the benefit of the athletic/activities student, the parents, and the coaches in an effort to make interscholastic contests a more contributing and worthwhile part of our total Middle School program. We believe that our athletic/activities programs are an integral part of our total school program, and participation in co-curricular programs is a privilege. It is our desire that athletics/activities serve as an enriching and healthful experience in which physical, mental, and social growth can be stimulated through interscholastic competition. A genuine understanding of the athletic/activities requirements, realized through a student-parent conference in which the rules of this handbook are read and discussed, will help to bring about a greater understanding of the aims and objectives of the school athletic/activities programs. We ask for your support in relation to the guidelines and policies outlined in this handbook.   Enforcement of this handbook is the responsibility of the school, parents and student. Participants must be willing to accept training rules, regulations and responsibilities that are unique to our athletic/activities programs and make sacrifices not required of other students.

II.                PHILOSOPHY

In order to compete within the league and to better prepare our participants for high school, the middle school has adopted a competitive stance within our interscholastic programs. As a result, coaches will strive to design and field the best team possible. In competition, participants will not be guaranteed equal playing time. However, coaches will continue to work on developing the skills of all participants throughout the entire season. Through this focus, Woodland Park Middle School hopes to build a strong and competitive program.

III.             ELIGIBILITY

Student eligibility in interscholastic athletics/activities will be determined by the rules and regulations established by the Tri-County League and the Board of Education of Woodland Park School District.

           A.    GENERAL ELIGIBILITY RULES

                    To be eligible to represent your school in any interscholastic activity (athletics and/or

non-athletics), you must:

1.     Be considered a representative of your school's standards of conduct and sportsmanship by your principal.

2.     Meet the following criteria:

                          ATHLETICS

a.      Maintain amateur status.

b.     Complete the following paperwork and obtain a participation card from the Athletic Department:

                                                                                           i.     Evidence of a completed physical exam every year.

                                                                                         ii.     Signed parent permission form for each season (fall, winter, spring).

                                                                                       iii.     Emergency card.

                                                                                       iv.     Risk form (football only).

                                                                                         v.     Handbook form.

                                                                                       vi.     Website form.

c.      Have accident insurance with a minimum coverage comparable to that presently offered by the school benefit plan or else be enrolled under the school plan.

d.     Pay applicable participation fees.

e.      Attend a preseason informational meeting for parents and athletes specific to the sport.

                             ACTIVITIES

a.      Complete the following paperwork:

                                                                                           i.     Signed parent permission form for each activity.

                                                                                         ii.     Emergency card.

                                                                                       iii.     Handbook form.

                                                                                       iv.     Website form.

b.     Have accident insurance with a minimum coverage comparable to that presently offered by the school benefit plan or else be enrolled under the school plan.

c.      Pay applicable participation fees.

           B.    WEEKLY ELIGIBILITY

A weekly eligibility standard will be enforced at Woodland Park Middle School. If at any time during the competitive season a student's "cumulative" grade falls to a “F” in one or more classes OR falls to a “D” in two or more classes, the participant will be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activity from that Wednesday through the following Tuesday and until such time that his/her grades are brought up to a passing level. Ineligible students will be required to attend after school academic assistance offered on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 2:55 – 3:40 p.m. until grades are brought to a passing level. Students will be excused from practice during this time on these days. During the period of ineligibility, students are expected to be with the team at home competitions. However, they will NOT be allowed to travel with the team to away competitions if ineligible. 

IV.       CODE OF CONDUCT

All participants shall conduct themselves in such a way as to reflect positively on themselves, their family, and Woodland Park Middle School both on and off the performance areas. Participants are expected to adhere to the core values within the Champions of Character program adopted by the Tri-County League. Information regarding this program will be distributed to participants and parents during preseason meetings.  

V.        MULTIPLE SPORTS IN A SEASON

A.         In the Middle School, students may not compete in two school-sponsored sports during the same season.

B.          Students participating in athletics and activities that take place during the same season should make proper arrangements with the coaches and sponsors.   

VI.       SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND ATHLETIC/ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION POLICY

           A.    The following policy will be adhered to relating to attendance:

1.  If ill or absent from school for the entire day, the student will not be allowed to participate in practice or competition that day. 

2.  If a student is absent the last day of the school week, and the competition is on a non-school day (Saturday), the student must bring to the coach a signed statement from the parent/guardian that permission is given to participate. It is recommended that the coach call the parent/guardian regarding the "excused" absence.

3.  A student will be able to participate on the day of competition/practice under the condition that he/she has attended school for (4) hours of the school day and the absence is excused. Students with appointments that prohibit the minimum attendance time will be considered by administration on an individual basis.

4.  Suspended from school or classes:

a.      Out-of-School: A student cannot participate in any school activity (i.e., practice, competition, banquet, etc.) until the student has been declared "in good standing" with the school. This is established on the next school day following a suspension term.

b.     In-School: A student cannot participate in practice or competition on any day he/she is serving the suspension term. The student gains the "in good standing" status on the calendar day following the term and then may participate.

           NOTE: In the event that the contest or activity is on a succeeding non-school day, (Saturday),               participation will not be allowed under the following conditions:

           (4-a).         The Out-of-School suspension is concluded on a Friday. Reason - the student regains

                             "in good standing" status on the next school day.

           (4-b).                    The In-School suspension is assigned as a Friday - Monday term. Reason - the

                             student regains "in good standing" status on the next calendar day following the term.

           B.    DOCTOR RELEASE FOR INJURED ATHLETE

The Board also approved a proposal that states that, "If at any time during participation, a doctor removes an athlete from participation because of an illness or injury, the athlete must have a written release from a doctor before participating again. Note: The release may be satisfied if upon removal the doctor specifies the duration of the student's restriction from participation."   

C.          MAKE-UP WORK DUE TO PARTICIPATION

Participants are required to obtain work prior to release for games or events. Work missed due to participation in an extracurricular activity is due upon return to class the next period. In addition, all work due on the day of release is to be turned in prior to leaving.                            

VII.     LOCKER ROOMS AND CARE OF EQUIPMENT

A.         The locker rooms are for players and coaches only.

B.          There shall be no horseplay in locker rooms at any time. Harassing (Hazing) of other students is strictly prohibited and will result in discipline action.

C.          Locker rooms are to be kept clean.

D.         Each student is responsible for the proper care and safekeeping of the equipment issued.  Uniforms and equipment are property of the school. Lockers must be secured before, during, and after practices or competition. 

E.          Lost items must be paid for through the middle school office and receive a receipt.

F.           Stolen items – a report must be filed immediately with Middle School Administration on any occurrence of stolen items. (Theft report form.)

G.         Lockers must be cleaned out at the end of the season.

H.         No student will be allowed to practice with another activity/athletic program until all equipment and/or uniform obligations are cleared up with his/her previous coach.

VIII.   TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS

           A.    Participants must travel to and from contests with school transportation when provided by Woodland Park School District Re-2. The only exceptions are:

1.  Injury or illness to a participant that would require alternate transportation.

2.  Arrangement between the participants’ parent/guardian and the head coach for the student to ride with the parent/guardian and ONLY these authorized persons. Request must be in writing. Students may only be released to a parent/guardian, except in the case of an emergency.

B.    Coaches may exercise their prerogative in the following areas:

1.  The degree of talking and singing on the way to or from a contest or practice.

2.  Consumption of food and drink.

3.  Team dress.

3.     Violation of transportation regulations.

C.          The bus or mode of transportation used should be as clean at the end of a trip as it was in the beginning.

IX.      ATTENDANCE POLICY

A.    Participants are expected to be at all practices and competitions. If there is a conflict or a student is unable to attend a practice or competition, participants should notify the coach as soon as possible.  Any student with two unexcused absences from practice will be dismissed from the team.

B.    Vacations during an athletic/activity season are extremely discouraged. Parents/Students wishing to do so may wish to reassess their commitment to co-curricular activities. However, in the event an absence due to a vacation is unavoidable, a student must:

1.     Contact the head coach for eligibility requirements/policies pertinent to that sport.

2.     Be willing to assume the consequences related to their status on that squad (i.e., first chair, starter, second string, etc.).             

           C.    Missed practices may result in lose of playing time and/or starting position.

X.               FORMAL SUSPENSIONS

A.   The head coach, coach in charge, activities director, assistant principal, or building principal have the responsibility individually and/or collectively to decide whether a formal suspension (in or out of season) shall be used. 

B.    Substance Abuse: Use, distribution, and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs (including Steroids), narcotics, or hallucinating agents or other controlled substances is prohibited. Any credible report of such behavior will result in disciplinary action up to removal from the team.

C.    Harassment/Hazing will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action up to removal from the team. Hazing means any intentional, knowing or reckless act directed against another student causing embarrassment to endangering lives. If a problem exists, participants should notify the coach, athletic director or principal immediately.

D.   Criminal/Civil Law infractions including but not limited to theft, burglary, vandalism and/or assault, will not be tolerated by any member of the team. Report of such action will result in removal from the team for the remainder of the season.

E.    If you are disqualified from a contest or tournament for committing an unsportsmanlike act, you shall be disqualified for the remainder of that contest or tournament. In addition, participants disqualified shall be ineligible for the next game or contest as well.

F.     Severe language or confrontational actions against officials will result in disqualification from that game/activity, as well as a referral to the school administrator for further consequences.

G.   Additional rules and regulations will be given, in writing, to the athlete’s parents and activities director before the season begins.

XI.     APPEALS

           A.    Suspensions may be appealed, in the following order: Coach, Principal, Activities Director, Superintendent of Schools, and Board of Education. During the appeal procedure, the suspension shall remain in effect until otherwise directed. All students will have the right of due process.

XII.   POLICY ON PARENT/PLAYER MEETINGS

A.         All participants and their parent/guardian will be required to attend a parent meeting prior to   the start of the season. If unable to attend, parents will need to schedule a meeting with the Athletic Director to cover necessary information. This meeting serves as an eligibility requirement for student participation. 

B.           If issues arise during the season, the following chain of command should be utilized:

1.     The player must first talk to the position coach or immediate supervising coach about the               concerns.

2.     The player can then talk to the head coach/supervisor with the position/immediate supervisor present.

3.     If the concern is not resolved, the player and their parents can meet with the coaches.

4.     The player, their parents, and the coaches will then meet with the Principal/Activities Director to resolve the issue. The following issues will not be discussed during this meeting:

·        Playing time

·        Techniques and/or strategies

·        Substitution strategies/policies

·        Officials judgment

·        Another player/coach without that player/coach being present.

XIII.   POLICY ON FIGHTING IN INTERSCHOLASTIC COMPETITION

A.   Fighting will not be tolerated within interscholastic competition. Fighting in any contest shall be construed to consist of:

·        An invitation to fight.

·        Closely following an opponent during a disturbance and making any taunting gestures or sounds.

·        Punching or slugging with fists whether or not a punch is landed.

·        Wrestling or tackling an opponent outside a legal play situation.

B.    Violation of this rule shall bring an automatic suspension for the remainder of that contest plus suspension from the next scheduled event. The same suspension applies to any member of the participating squad who leaves the designated team area during a fight.

C.    A second violation by the same participant during the same season brings automatic expulsion from that program for the remainder of the season plus suspension from any and all tournament contests of that same season. 

D.   All incidents involving fighting will also be referred to the administration for school action and consequences.

XIV.   ACTIVITIES INSURANCE

The school district is enrolled in a catastrophic insurance plan with a $25,000 deductible that takes effect only when other insurance does not cover expenses. All Woodland Park students participating in interscholastic activities, therefore, MUST be covered by a health, hospitalization and accident insurance plan that would cover the first $25,000 of medical expense. Parents have

the option of taking advantage of plans offered through the school district or by indicating that they have adequate coverage of their own. If a plan offered through the district is chosen, payment MUST accompany the enrollment materials PRIOR TO participation.

XV.    SQUAD CUTS

All reasonable attempts will be made to forego the cutting of squad members. However, in certain co-curricular programs, limitations related to facilities, equipment, and manageable numbers may make it necessary to limit the number of participants. In such case, coaches will conduct try-outs assessing student skills as outlined in rubric form. Students not making the squad will receive feedback as to their strengths and areas for growth. Confidential information will not be shared. Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow students new to the school district to try-out for teams if enrollment falls after the try-out dates.

XVI.   NUMBER OF PRACTICES

All fall sports and wrestling:

The “9 Day Practice Rule” is in effect. This means that all athletes must participate in a minimum of nine (9) practices before being allowed to participate in a game or match.

           All other sports:

The “5 Day Practice Rule” is in effect. This means that all athletes must participate in a minimum of five (5) practices before being allowed to participate in a game or match

All Sports:

·  Two-a-day practices count as only “one” practice.

·  Attending a game or match with the team does not constitute a practice.

·  There cannot be a practice on the same day as a game.

                                                                                                                                   Revised August 2008

 Guidelines for Parent Behaviors

We are acutely aware that the success of your son and/or daughter comes from the parental support you give your son and/or daughter. Following are some suggestions that might assist you with your role as a supportive parent.

1.     Make sure your son and/or daughter knows that, win or lose, you love them, appreciate their efforts, and are not disappointed in them. Be the person in their life that they can look to for constant positive reinforcement.

2.     Try your best to be completely honest about your child’s capability, his or her competitive attitude, and his or her actual skill level.

3.     Be helpful, but don’t coach him or her to the court, field, track, classroom or on the way back, or at breakfast, and so on. It’s tough not to, but it’s a lot tougher for your child to be inundated with advice, pep talks, and often critical instruction.

4.     Teach them to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be “out there trying”, to be working to improve their skills and attitudes. Help them to develop the feel for competing, for trying hard, for having fun.

5.     Model respect for the rules, the participants, the coaches, and the officials. 

6.     Try not to re-live your athletic/activity life through your child in a way that creates pressure.

7.     Don’t compete with the coach – It is tough enough to be a parent.

8.     Attend parent-coaches gatherings so that you can become acquainted with the coach so you can help understand his/her philosophies and expectations.

9.     Don’tcompare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with other members of the team.

10. Make arrangements to drop-off and pick-up your student on time.

11. Always remember that children tend to exaggerate both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reactions and investigate before overreacting.

12. Make a point of understanding courage, and the fact that it is relative. Some of us can climb mountains, and are afraid to fight. Some of us will fight, but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened in certain areas. Explain that courage is not the absence of fear, but a means of doing something in spite of fear or discomfort. The job of the parent of an involved child is a tough one and it takes a lot of effort to do it well. It is worth all the effort when you hear your youngster say, “My parents really helped, I was lucky.”