The

Ohio Capitol Conference

And The Warriors

BELIEVE

SPORTSMANSHIP

is an EXPECTATION

Please Let the Players Play,

Let the Coaches Coach,

Let the Officials Officiate,

Let the Spectators Be Positive

Playing Time

The most frequent issues players and parents express about coaches are playing (starting) time and cuts. Here are some guidelines in order to understand how and why these are determined.

Please keep in mind that:

• Coaches are solely responsible for determining playing time and cuts.
• The administration will not intervene.
• The Ohio High School Athletic Association will not intervene.
• A coach can determine these issues utilizing a combination of objective and subjective procedures.

Starting and/or Playing Time

Starting and/or playing time depend on three things. They are:

• RESPECT The student must show respect to all factions of the sport or activity. That includes teammates, coaches/advisors, officials, administration, fans, the other team and the other team’s coaches/advisors.

AND

• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS The student must do what he is told when he is told. Instructions will come from coaches/advisors, administration, teachers, or captains.

AND

• SKILL The student must have better skill levels than the next student sitting on the bench.

Starting and/or playing time are NOT determined by:

• Previously earned varsity letter
• Previous playing time
• Seniority

Cuts (Making a team)

The coach determines criteria and procedures for making the team. They include the same areas of determining playing time while being equitable (not necessarily fair). The following are guidelines for coaches.

• All students are informed of specifics using the same methods and time frames.
• All students are given the same material and information.
• All students are given the same opportunity.

Parent and Coach Communication

Communication From The Coach

• Coaching Philosophy
• Player Expectations
• Practice Times and Locations
• Team Requirements
• Fees
• Special Equipment
• Off-Season Conditioning
• Injury Procedure
• Discipline with Denied Participation

Communication From Parents

• Concerns directly expressed to the coach
• Schedule Conflicts

Concerns Appropriate To Discuss With Coaches

• Mental and Physical Treatment of your Child
• Ways to help your child to improve
• Concerns about YOUR child’s behavior

Concerns NOT Appropriate To Discuss With Coaches

• Playing Time
• Team Strategy
• Play Calling
• Other Student Athletes

It is imperative and important to FIRST contact coaches prior to contacting administration about concerns. However, do NOT attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These times are emotional for all involved and do not promote resolution.

I would like to extend to each and everyone a warm welcome to Watkins Memorial. I have found our student body, staff and community caring, good individuals. We have seen a tremendous rally of support for our students from the staff and community at large in order to sponsor a full compliment of sports at Watkins.

In addition, we are proud to continuously work on improving sportsmanship when we host schools. At Watkins Memorial we strive to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the events without worrying about offensive language, gestures or negative comments. Please help us create this environment. Thank you for your continued support of our students.

WATKINS MEMORIAL ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SOUTHWEST LICKING LOCAL SCHOOL ATHLETIC MISSION STATEMENT 3

Athletic Objectives

THE ATHLETIC BOOSTER ASSOCIATION

NON DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI HARASSMENT

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SOUTHWEST LICKING STUDENT ATHLETE

SPORTSMANSHIP

Responsibilities of Coaches, Participants, and Parents (Spectators)

Inappropriate Behavior 4

Possible Consequences

Ejection of Coaches or Participants form Athletic Contests

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

TRAINING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Definitions

Intervention

Denied Participation

Athletic Suspension

Policy Intent 5

Violation

Self-Referral

Reinstatement

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

Scholastic Eligibility Requirements

Ohio High School Athletic Association Standards

Watkins Memorial High School Standards

Proficiency Intervention

Grade Checks

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Other Requirements

Age Limitation

Residence Requirements 6

Transfers/Open Enrollment

Attendance

Curfew

Grooming and Dress Policy

Camps/Open Gyms

Team Captains

Individual Sport Rule

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES

Admissions

Ticket Prices 7

Season Sports Passes

Golden Buckeye Card

Cancellations

Dropping or Transferring Sports

Financial Obligations and Equipment

Uniforms

Equipment

Lockers 8

Missing Practices

Vacations Policy

Transportation

College Recruitment Policy

Conflicts in Extra-Curricular Activities

Parental Permission and Physical Examination 9

Risk of Participation

Parental Acknowledgment of Athletic Policies

Insurance

AWARDS

Athletic Letter

Wearing of Awards

Awards System

Season Awards

Most Improved 10

Most Valuable

Other Team Awards

Championship Award

State Awards

OCC Scholar Athlete Award

CHEERLEADERS

CONSEQUENCES Appendix A

ABBREVIATIONS THROUGHOUT HANDBOOK

AD = Athletic Director

OCC = Ohio Capitol Conference

OHSAA = Ohio High School Athletic Association

SWL = Southwest Licking Local Schools

WM = Watkins Memorial

SOUTHWEST LICKING LOCAL SCHOOLS ATHLETIC MISSION STATEMENT

The athletic program should provide a variety of experiences to aid in the development of favorable habits and attitudes in students that will prepare them for adult life in a democratic society.

The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with existing Board of Education policies, rules and regulations. At all times the athletic program must be conducted in such a way so as to justify it as an educational activity.

Athletic Objectives

The student shall learn teamwork, self-discipline, respect for authority and the spirit of hard work and sacrifice. Students must place the team and its objectives higher than personal desires.

THE ATHLETIC BOOSTER ASSOCATION

The athletic booster association consists of parents and community members who fundraise for and promote Watkins Memorial High and Middle School Sports programs. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the high school library starting at 7:00 p.m.. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT

SWL District does not discriminate, in violation of law, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, or disability in admission to access to treatment in, or employment in any service, program or activity sponsored by SWL. A copy of the board policy can be obtained through the superintendent’s office.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SOUTHWEST LICKING STUDENT ATHLETE

Being a member of a Watkins Memorial athletic team carries a certain set of responsibilities.

· Tradition/ Reputation Student athletes have inherited a tradition to win with honor and are challenged to uphold it. Student athletes represent their school as well as themselves when wearing Black and Gold and should compete to the best of their ability.

· Character Broaden themselves and develop strength of character. Gain the greatest possible good from school experiences in preparing for adult life.

· Leadership Student athletes are under a spotlight. Communities judge our school by our conduct and attitudes, on and off the field. This is a way to contribute to school spirit and community pride.

· Home / Community Student athletes represent their families. They should not do anything that would make their parents ashamed. They should set good examples for younger athletes.

SPORTSMANSHIP

The OHSAA, OCC, and athletic department believe in basic sportsmanship principles. Students should:

· Believe participation is more important than winning.

· Participate to their best ability with honor.

· Display respect for athletic opponents and their schools.

· Display respect for officials.

· Respect the rules and conform to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.

· Strive to maintain self-control.

· Accept the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and community.

Responsibilities of Parents (Spectators)

· Demonstrate the fundamentals of sportsmanship.

· Exercise self-control. Never argue or make gestures.

· Accept both victory and defeat with pride and compassion.

· Practice positive cheers and encourage our own team without demeaning the opponent.

· Never attempt to distract opposing players or interfere with performance.

Examples of Inappropriate Behavior (not limited to)

· Use of profanity.

· Berating officials, players, coaches, or spectators including signs, chants or cheers.

· Inciting other spectators or players to inappropriate behavior.

· Theft / Damage / Destruction of school property.

· Interruption of contest including throwing objects on the playing area, entering the playing area, or other disruptive behavior.

Possible Consequences

· Conference/hearing with school official.

· Possible suspension/termination as participant or coach.

· Removal from contest/premises.

· Denied attendance at contests

· School Suspensions/Expulsions for students violating school rules

· Restitution.

Ejection of Coaches or Participants from Athletic Contests

Ejected coach or participant (OHSAA bylaw 12 and 8.3.1) shall NOT participate for the remainder of that day nor the next two contests (one in football). Suspensions may carry over into the next sport. Further violations can result in permanent suspension or termination.

ATHLETIC/ACTIVITIES CODE OF CONDUCT

Students are expected to display proper behavior as all times. There are consequences for students who display inappropriate behavior. Consequences will be progressive as poor behavior continues. The policies governing the Athletic/Activities Code of Conduct are in effect during the entire calendar year (including summers). This begins with student’s enrollment or the first day of participation whichever comes first. This ends with the student’s last day of school or upon the completion of the student’s spring activities whichever comes last (senior year). These consequences are separate and in addition to school rule violations. See Appendix A.

TRAINING RULES AND REGULATIONS

The SWL community is concerned with the health habits of student athletes. It is convinced that athletics and the use of tobacco, alcohol or any illegal drug are not compatible. Students are prohibited from the use or possession of these products at all times during the entire year.

Definitions

Intervention Assessments, treatments, rehabilitation, or counseling may be required for participation after a self referral or violation. Intervention programs must be approved or designed by administration. If a student athlete refuses to enter an intervention program, the student will be denied participation. Students and their parents will assume all costs for intervention.

Denied Participation This is different from an athletic suspension in that students cannot:

· practice

· attend any team activities

· receive any athletic awards which may have been earned during that season

· under behavior consequences awards may be issued as determined by the administration

Athletic Suspension During an athletic suspension students must attend all practices and team meetings. Students will not participate in game night activities. They cannot wear team apparel nor participate. They should, however, be in attendance. All athletic suspensions carry over from one activity/sport to the next. The student will serve a suspension for end-of-a-season infractions in the next activity in which the student participates.

Policy Intent The policy will govern extra and co-curricular off school grounds and non-school functions. The intent is to provide assistance and opportunities for any student who has an admitted or potential problem with tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Assistance will be through educational meetings, counseling, team/activity and coach/teacher involvement. Opportunity to regain the privileges of participation in school activities will be determined by the administration.

Violation A violation is the act of using or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

Self-Referral A student may refer himself for help. Any student who does not refer himself prior to being confronted by administration will be considered in violation. This is available one time from 9th-12th grades.

Reinstatement Students may request reinstatement after a one year denied participation. The principal, athletic director and team coach will determine reinstatement after proof of rehabilitation from a state certified agency.

Please refer to appendix A for consequences.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

Eligibility to participate begins when all the following items have been completed:

· Code of Conduct Signature Page, signed by parents and athlete.

· Physical examination completed and cards on file in athletic office.

· Uniform and any other fees paid.

· Emergency Medical Form.

· All academic eligibility requirements have been satisfied.

· Attend a rules meeting with coach accompanied by parents prior to the start of the season.

· Written acknowledgment of insurance responsibilities.

Scholastic Eligibility Requirements

All students are required to meet eligibility standards in order to participate in interscholastic athletics.

Ohio High School Athletic Association Standards

A student must receive passing grades in 5 credits during the preceding grading period excluding Physical Education.

When Dropping and/or adding a class, it is the responsibility of the student and parent to review all requirements for extracurricular eligibility, class rank, and fulfilling the requirement for graduation. The parents and student are encouraged to check with a counselor, coach, or athletic director prior to submitting a Drop/Add Request.

Watkins Memorial High School Standards

A student must receive a minimum 9 week GPA of 1.5 during the preceding grading period.

Proficiency Intervention

Students that have not passed portions of the proficiency tests must attend proficiency intervention in order to be eligible to participate. Guidance and administration can answer questions.

Grade Checks

In addition to the WMHS Standards, individual sport coaches may require grade checks during the 9-week grading period. This would be an individual sport rule as addressed in this handbook.

Other Requirements

Age Limitation

Students age 19 prior to August 1 shall be ineligible to participate in athletics. Students age 15 prior to August 1 shall be eligible to participate in high school athletics. School records shall be final in determining age.

Residence Requirements

Generally, an athlete’s parents or legal guardian must live in the school district. Questions on residence requirements should be referred to the AD or principal.

Transfers

Transfers from other schools (public or private) without change in residence may make the student ineligible for one year. Questions on residence requirements should be referred to the AD or principal.

Attendance

An athlete must attend school at least ½ day (before/after 11:04 a.m.) to be eligible to participate in a contest or practice that day. An athlete missing more than ½ day on Friday is NOT eligible to compete or participate in team activities over the weekend. The principal or AD may make exceptions prior to the athlete missing school.

A student athlete on out-of-school suspension cannot play or practice during the suspension. In-school suspension and Saturday school students may participate except during the Saturday school hours.

Curfew

Coaches may set curfew times for their individual sports. Students are expected to abide by the curfew hours set. Consequences may vary depending on the sport.

Grooming and Dress Policy

The following grooming and dress policies will be adhered to by team members:

· Hairstyles are to be neat and clean and present a positive image.

· Facial hair will be neatly trimmed.

· Athletes shall dress appropriately at all times.

· Shirts and shoes are required at all time outside locker rooms.

· Only uniforms issued by the athletic department will be worn at contests.

· Uniform shirttails will be tucked in at all times.

Camps / Open Gyms

Information will be available through each sport head coach.

Team Captains

Coaches may have expectations for captains beyond other athlete expectations. Failure to comply with these may result in revoked captainship.

Individual Sport Rule

Coaches may establish additional rules and regulations for their respective sports. Penalties will be decided by the coaches. Participants and parents will be informed in writing before the season.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES

Admissions

Admission tickets are sold to attend events in order to purchase needs for the athletes in the programs. Student athletes must pay admissions when attending other sports. Middle school athletes are to pay admissions unless there is a middle school recognition night.

Ticket Prices

Adult Student

Varsity $5.00 $3.00

Junior Varsity (only) $3.00 $2.00

Freshman (only) $3.00 $2.00

Middle School $3.00 $2.00

Season Sports Passes

Forms for family sports passes can be picked up in the athletic office. Cost is $150.00.

Golden Buckeye Card

Senior Citizens who are residents of the SWL may pick up a Golden Warrior Card in the athletic office. This entitles person to free admission to all home SWL athletic events. MUST present card at time of admission.

Cancellations

The High School Principal and Athletic Director will determine cancellations due to inclement weather. The OCC prohibits any spring contest played in 40 degree or cooler temperature. Cancellations will occur at approximately 2:00. Please call the hotline 740-964-5551 or refer to web www.swl.k12.oh.us .

Dropping or Transferring Sports

If there is good reason to quit a sport, then students should:

· Talk to the immediate school coach and then the head coach.

· Report your situation to the athletic director.

· Check in all equipment issued.

Athletes wishing to change sports during a season must:

· Receive approval of both coaches (Cannot recruit from other teams)

· Receive approval of the athletic director

Financial Obligations and Equipment

Uniforms

In several sports, the athlete will be required to purchase a portion of the game uniform. Any item purchased will become the student’s property.

Equipment

All athletes are responsible for the proper care and security of equipment issued to them. All equipment not returned in good condition at the end of the season will be subject to financial penalty.

· All equipment issued to players will be worn only at practice or scheduled events involving that specific sport. The coach must approve exceptions.

· Before any item is attached, added to, removed from or worn with a uniform, the athlete must secure permission from the coach.

· Athletes are responsible for all issued equipment. It must be kept clean and in good condition. SWL and WM are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Student should use locks on lockers.

· All athletic equipment is the property of the Board of Education and the athletic department. School equipment may not be taken from the school building for personal use or other organizations. The athletic director must approve exceptions.

· All equipment issued to athletes must be returned at the end of the season. Missing or damaged equipment must be reimbursed at replacement cost within one week of the last contest. An athlete will be denied the right to participate in athletics until equipment is accounted for.

· Under certain circumstances, equipment can be sold to athletes at the end of a season. The head coach and athletic director will control the sale. Price will be set by the athletic director and will be the replacement cost of the item. Money will be collected prior to disbursement of equipment.

Lockers

· Coaches assign lockers for the specific sport season only.

· Coach will give verbal notice to athletes to remove all articles from their locker at the end of the sport season.

· After 1 week, coach will give written notice to athletes that locks will be removed in 1 week.

· After 2 weeks, the coach, under supervision