2009-10 Athletics Handbook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT/PARENT ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

2008-09

 

Table of Contents

                                                                                                     Page

 

Introduction & Philosophy...............................................................2

 

Objectives.......………………….........................................................5

 

The Athletic Family.......................................................................... 5

 

Athletic Code of Conduct................................................................. 6

 

Appeal Process..........................……………………………………  9

 

Participation Guidelines……………………………………………10

 

Academic Eligibility……………………………………………….10

 

Athletic Awards……………………………………………………10

 

Athletic Forms and Fees……………………………………………12

 

Facility Use…………………………………………………………12

 

Appendix……………………………………………………………….10   

           

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

This handbook has been prepared to make information and suggestions readily available to you and to help make your athletic career at Douglas High School a success.  It is strongly recommended that you read this handbook carefully with your parents.  A thorough knowledge of the rules and guidelines that govern athletics will help make your experience more positive.  Please remember that all coaches, teachers, administrators, office staff, and custodians are here to help you and you should show respect in all situations.

 

A great deal of time, energy and money is spent annually to purchase and maintain our facilities and equipment.  Do your part to help maintain Douglas High School athletics by taking pride in our equipment and facilities. Athlete conduct reflects on all of Douglas High School.  Athletes and coaches are highly visible in the community and should display mature, sportsmanlike behavior at all times.  Douglas High School has a great tradition of interscholastic athletics and it our responsibility to maintain this great institution. 

 

There is a lot of material to digest within this handbook.  It contains information that will impact your daily life.  If you have questions, the Douglas High School staff and administration stand ready to assist you at all times.  Again, please take the time to read this handbook as we feel it contains valuable information that will help promote your success within the Douglas High School athletic program.

 

ATHLETICS PHILOSOPHY

 

The Douglas High School Athletic program believes that athletics are a vital part of the total educational program. We encourage participation by as many students as possible. DHS coaches approach athletics with the idea that we are “Coaching for Significance.”  With that thought in mind we have adopted a coaching philosophy that mirrors the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program: “Champions of Character.”  The Champions of Character program identifies five core values that every coach and athlete must demonstrate.

 

Champions of Character at Douglas High School

                                               

A.     Respect

B.     Responsibility

C.     Integrity

D.     Servant Leadership

E.      Sportsmanship

 

Every Coach at Douglas High School will receive instruction on how to teach these core values in their respective sports.  We strive to demonstrate the five core values in the following ways:

 

 

 

Coaches demonstrate RESPECT:

 

  1. Honor the profession—a sacred trust
    1. Modeling ethical and moral conduct
    2. Honor character with your speaking
    3. Display humility in victory and graciousness in defeat

 

  1. How you deal with mistakes
    1. Communicate value
    2. Love the game and the players
    3. Create a climate where growth and change can occur

 

  1. Commitment
    1. Entrust your mental, physical, and spiritual energies to the profession
    2. Be devoted to the Champions of Character Five Core Values
    3. Demonstrate work ethic- time, energy, preparation and knowledge

 

 

Coaches Demonstrate RESPONSIBILITY:

 

  1. Leadership
    1. Establish a clear vision for your teams and plant it into your athletes
    2. Establish and hold athletes accountable for high expectations of effort and behavior
    3. Extend the Champions of Character into your community- youth coaches and participants, summer camps etc.
    4. Assume responsibility for own mistakes-looks at self first- makes no excuses

 

  1. Teach Character
    1. Sincerely care about the lives and character of your athletes
    2. Develop a coaching philosophy that includes the five core values
    3. Incorporate lessons of character in your practices and contests
    4. Reward character and sportsmanship as well as ability

 

  1. Competence
    1. Be a master teacher of the game
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of the game, preparation and team building
    3. Be acquainted with all of the rules governing your sport
    4. Be an accountable, motivated worker
    5. Make continuing education and personal growth a priority
    6. Provide out-of-season skill development opportunities for athletes

 

  1. Hold Athletes Responsible
    1. Confront behavior when it is not acceptable- set and follow through on behavioral expectations
    2. Maintain positive discipline- create positive behavior patterns and changes

 

Coaches demonstrate INTEGRITY

 

a.       Motives unquestioned

b.      Build character and lead with character

c.       Preserve the integrity of your individual sport and profession

d.      Determine what you will compromise and what you will never compromise

 

Coaches Demonstrate SERVANT LEADERSHIP

 

  1. Leadership style check
    1. Be a trust builder- mutual trust, develop firm reliance
    2. Be a confidence builder
    3. Be approachable
    4. Be a team player within the department, school, district, league etc
    5. Maintain a positive attitude
    6. Empower others

 

  1. Generosity
    1. Do more than what is required of your profession
    2. Be a welcoming host
    3. Display common courtesy, politeness and consideration
    4. Develop a feeling of camaraderie with all opponents and officials

 

Coaches Demonstrate Sportsmanship:

 

  1. Teach Sportsmanship
    1. Teach and rehearse sportsmanship situations and expectations
    2. Follow through with sportsmanship expectations (individual, team, school, conference, OSAA)
    3. Reinforce good sportsmanship decisions

 

  1. Model correct behavior
    1. Support the game officials
    2. Accept decisions of game officials
    3. Follow the rules of the sport during the progress of the contest
    4. Act correctly when others do not
    5. Have fun, enjoy the profession, the people and let it show.

 

 

 

           

A well-organized, well-conducted and community-based athletic program is a vital factor in the morale of a school's student body and an important factor in good community-school relations.

 

OBJECTIVES

 

Douglas High School will develop and maintain a first class athletic program that is sound in purpose and designed to further each student's education and maturity. It is the role of the athletic department to make rules that govern the spirit of competition at the school.  These rules require a broad base of community support, which is achieved through communication and cooperation.  Douglas High School seeks to emphasize the positive learning aspects of high school athletics for all coaches, parents, and especially athletes.

 

Those who are concerned with the educational development of students through athletics, feel that a properly controlled, well-organized sports program meets students' needs for self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth.  It is our goal to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and designed to further each student's education and maturity. Please make it a priority to know team policies and expectations and attend athletic department and team parent meetings.

 

THE ATHLETIC FAMILY

 

A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of sacrifice and self-discipline.  This is a serious commitment on behalf of the athlete and requires adherence to proper training habits and conduct.  Coaches and athletes must work together to build a successful program, recognizing individual gifts within the framework of the team.  Athletes who fail to comply with the rules of training will be disciplined with respect and integrity.

 

The Douglas High athletic program recognizes the joys, rewards, and, on occasion, frustrations of being the parent of a high school athlete.  It is truly a remarkable and transforming experience to watch your child participate in a sport.  We ask your help in making this experience positive for everyone.  If you or your child has a concern, please follow the conflict resolution policy when addressing these concerns:

 

Conflict Resolution Policy

 

            Step 1: The athletes should approach the coach and discuss the concern.

Step 2: If either party feels that the matter is unresolved, a meeting should be scheduled between the parent, athlete and coach.  Out of respect for the coach and players please do not approach a coach before, after or during a practice or event to discuss concerns or criticism.  A meeting should be scheduled and discussions should be held in a calm, courteous and businesslike manner.

            Step 3: If the situation remains unresolved, a meeting should be scheduled                                                          between the parent, coach and athletic director.  This process provides                                      clear and reasonable avenues for communication between yourself,                                                    your child and the athletic department.

 

 

 

Relationships Involved in Athletics

 

Player-Coach

            1)  This is a very important relationship.

            2)  Parents can affect the relationship negatively by criticizing the coach.

            3)  Please remember the athlete has to return to the team the next day.

 

Parent-Coach

            1)  Allow the coach to instruct and guide the team.

            2)  Avoid confronting the coach with a concern immediately after a contest.

            3)  Make an appointment to discuss concerns in a calm manner.

 

Fan-Official

            1)  Officials are an important and necessary part of the game.

            2)  They are bound by a code of ethics to be fair and impartial.

2.      Fans and parents should treat officials with integrity and respect.

 

 

COACHES CODE OF ETHICS

 

All personnel with responsibility in the Winston-Dillard School District interscholastic athletic program are expected to be familiar with the following Code of Ethics, which was established and adopted by the Oregon High School Coaches Association.

 

 A coach should:

1.  Integrate personal philosophy of athletes with the philosophy of education.

2.  By word and deed, serve as a worthy example of behavior and leadership for players.

3.  Strive to win but be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

4.   Demonstrate the mastery of the principles of coaching and strive for further education through study and attendance of coaching clinics.

 

 

Douglas High School

Athletics Code of Conduct

2009-10

 

The Douglas High School athletic department believes that interscholastic athletics are an integral part of the total education program. The athletic department encourages participation by as many students as possible. Athletic programs will be conducted with the best interest of the participants as the first priority.  Since participation in athletics is voluntary and all groups or organizations must exist within a framework of certain policies, rules, and regulations, the athletic department has developed the following athlete conduct and participation policies:

 

A.  All athletes must abide by all regular team policies, school policies, the District’s Athletic Department Code of Conduct, the athletic handbook, the Far West League by-laws, and the Oregon School Activities Association.  All athletes and coaches must adhere to these policies during the full duration of the school year including open gyms, all conditioning sessions and postseason competitions (tournaments).

B.   Appropriate care must be taken of all equipment, school facilities, and property.  Athletes shall be held financially responsible for any damage or loss through their negligence, at the replacement cost.  Athletes will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities until all charges are settled with the athletic office.

C.  Participation in the next sport season cannot start until the previous sport season is completed and all equipment has been returned or replaced.  

D.  All athletes shall report injuries or illness to their respective coaches immediately upon occurrence.

E.   Before athletes are permitted to engage in any practice, they must have on file with the athletic office the following forms:

1.   Physical Examination

2.   Code of Conduct

3.   Douglas High School Athletic Information Sheet

A Pink Slip (verification form) will be given to an athlete and/or coach when all forms are completed and turned in and the athlete is cleared from any previous sport.

      F.   The athlete shall be expected to attend all required practices, meetings, and contests.  The appropriate coach shall be notified of an absence.  No season is over until all contests, state-sponsored tournaments or meets have been completed by the team or individuals.  Refusal to participate through the end of the season shall result in the loss of any awards or recognition.

      G.  A maximum of one-week will be given for athletes to turn out for a sport or change sports within the same season.  Special circumstances (transfer students, illness, other) will be at the discretion of the athletic director and the coaching staff.  An athlete who quits without notifying the coaching staff or is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, may be ineligible to turn out for another sport during that same season.   Athletes must clear all responsibilities and obligations and have permission from both coaching staffs to change sports. At the end of a sports season an athlete may request time off before starting the next season. If an athlete wishes to take time off, they must communicate with the head coach of the next sport prior to the start of the season to determine the amount of time off and set a try out date, if needed.

H.  An athlete may participate in only one sport at a time unless agreed upon by the coaches of both sports and the athletic director.

I.    Athletes who are under any type of medication shall have on file with the coach (or athletic office) a note from the parent/guardian and/or doctor.

J.    Athletes who engage in any criminal activity or violations of civil law may be denied participation in an extracurricular program.  Student athletes are prohibited from attending any function where alcohol and/or drugs are present or being used by minors.  Recognizing the varying degrees of the severity of the violations (misdemeanors vs. felonies), consequences for such involvement may result in a minor reprimand or denial of participation depending upon the nature of the offense.

K.  An athlete must be in attendance the entire school day to be eligible for practice or competition.  Exceptions made for pre-arranged absences, school initiated absences or in accordance with Oregon State Law.  Truancy automatically excludes a student from athletic participation.

L.   For an athlete to be academically eligible they must have passed five subjects in the previous semester (OSAA standard), be currently enrolled in 5 classes, maintain a 2.0 GPA and be passing all classes during the current grading period (see academic eligibility in athletic handbook).

M.  Athletes will act as good citizens out of school as well as in school.  An athlete who is suspended from school (including in-school suspension) will be suspended from athletic participation.  Violations may result in an athlete being removed from a team or other penalties depending on the severity of the athlete misconduct. 

N.  Athletes shall abide by consistent rules and regulations across all sports as agreed upon by the coaching staff.  Examples include hair length, grooming and dress standards as agreed upon by the coaching staff. At a minimum athletes who represent Douglas High School are expected to be well groomed and wear neat, clean clothing on game days, particularly when they are traveling to away games.

O.  It is the policy of the Athletic Department to prohibit the use or possession by students of any tobacco product, alcoholic product, or drugs not prescribed by a physician.  For any violation, the following consequence will be assessed

 

1.   First Offense:  The athlete will be denied participation from competitions (with required practice) beginning with the first scheduled competition following the offense and concluding after twenty percent of that season’s competitions have taken place (suspension may carry over into the athlete’s next season).

2.   Second Offense:  The athlete will be denied participation from competitions (with required practice) beginning with the first scheduled competition following the offense and concluding after forty percent of that season’s competitions have taken place (suspension may carry over into the athlete’s next season).

3.   Third Offense:  The athlete will be denied participation in all athletic programs for a full calendar year.

P.   Athletes will ride to and from all contests held away from Douglas High School in school transportation unless otherwise arranged in advance.  An athlete may ride home with a parent/guardian provided there is written verification given to the coach.  For athletes wishing to ride home with adults, other than their parent/guardian, you will need a parent permission note and administrative approval before the team leaves for the contest.  Athletes will not be allowed to ride home with another student or minor.       

 

The Athletic Department also identifies the following stipulations:

1.   The use of alcoholic beverages shall also be enforced under the code on student suspensions, expulsions, and removals. (cite district policy on suspension, expulsion and removals)

2.   Since state law prohibits purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, law enforcement and legal ramifications may exist.

3.   It is either a misdemeanor or a felony in this state to use, buy, or sell illegal drugs.  Law enforcement personnel will be notified and legal ramifications may exist in the use or sale of, and purchase of, illegal drugs.

 

In the event of any infraction of these policies or rules, the following procedures will take place:

a. The coach/advisor must inform the athlete either verbally or in writing about any infraction and the subsequent consequences.  The coach/advisor will then conduct an informal hearing to allow the athlete to explain his/her actions.

b. The coach/advisor must contact the athlete’s parents, athletic director, and principal-either verbally or in writing- that the athlete is being denied participation.  The coach must also explain the appeal process.

c. In keeping with due-process procedures, if requested by the parent, a hearing involving the athlete, his/her parents, the involved coach, the athletic director, and the high school principal may be held.

 

Students and parent/guardians will be expected to sign a document agreeing to the policies mentioned in the code of conduct.

 

 

 

APPEAL PROCESS FOR VIOLATIONS

 

Athlete and/or parent may write a letter of appeal to the athletic director, within 48 hours of the disciplinary action, stating reason for re-admission.  The athlete may participate while the offense is under appeal.  An appeal board comprised of the principal, athletic director, head coach and a faculty member will review the appeal and render a decision within 5 school days. The athlete and parents are reserved all the rights of due process under the law.

 

Any athlete who violates the school/district substance abuse policies and the athletic code of conduct substance abuse policy the athlete is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the DHS Student Handbook and the DHS Athletics Code of Conduct.  Athletes charged with violations other than those mentioned in the athletic handbook will be disciplined following the same due process procedures as outlined in the Douglas High Student Handbook.

 

Team Rules:

The head coach will issue rules that pertain specifically to each sport.  Such rules will be used in conjunction with the code of conduct.  A copy of these rules will be given to the principal, athletic director, coaching staff, and athletes at the start of the season. 

 

Scheduling and Transportation:

The athletic director will schedule all contests and transportation.  The head coaches of each sport will work with the athletic director on schedule and transportation issues and student release times.  All changes to existing schedules must be addressed through the athletic director or building principal. 

 

OSAA Physical Contact Rule and/or fines:

Physical contact between a coach/player and an official shall be considered a gross act of unsportsmanlike conduct.  The offending coach/player shall be immediately ejected from the contest, shall be suspended for minimum of one contest... In addition, the school shall be fined up to $1,000.  The individual coach will pay coaching fines.   

 

OSAA Ejection Policy:

 

Ejected coaches must leave the contest immediately and shall not be allowed further contact with the team members for the duration of that contest.  Players and coaches will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled contest.  The individual responsible for the ejection will pay fines.  Player fines over $50 will be paid out of the athletic program budget or club account.   

 

Emergency Response

All teams will have a designated coach who will respond to an emergency situation. When at all possible, this should be a coach who is under contract with the district. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

1.      Attending to the athlete on the field/court.

2.      Making the decision to call for emergency care.

3.      Notifying parent/guardians.

4.      Filing an injury report with the athletic office.

 

Athletic Awards

Individual coaches in consultation with the athletic director will establish criteria for earning a varsity letter.  The criteria will be on file in the Douglas High athletic office and will be communicated to players at the start of the season.  Certification will be issued indicating that an athlete has earned a varsity letter. Trophies or plaques may be used for additional awards in each sport as deemed appropriate by the coaching staff. 

 

PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

 

Participation policies established by Douglas High School and the OSAA govern athletic participation from August 18th, 2008 through June 6th, 2009.  These policies are designed to (1) encourage students to participate in multiple sports (2) place reasonable restrictions on student participation in practice sessions and in contests during the OSAA year and (3) provide athletes, on a limited basis, an opportunity to receive instruction from coaches during out of season periods.

 

Academic Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in athletic activities at Douglas High School a student must:

1.  Have passed five subjects in the previous semester. (OSAA requirement; if a student does not pass five subjects in the previous semester they are ineligible until the next semester.)

2.  Be enrolled in 5 classes during the current semester.

3.  Maintain a 2.0 GPA.  Grades will be checked every nine-weeks.  Students who do not maintain a 2.0 GPA will be ineligible until the next nine-week grading period.

4.  Pass all classes during the current grading period.  Grades will be checked every 4 weeks.  If a student has a failing (F) grade in any class he/she will be required to attend athletic study  sessions in the morning (before school), at lunch, or after school. Study sessions will be supervised by the athletic director and/or player’s coach.  Regular attendance for the study sessions is mandatory until the player has returned his/her grades to a passing level.  Non-attendance of the study session can result in practice and/or game suspensions.

 

 

Personal Conduct

Coach and athlete conduct are a direct reflection of the entire Douglas High School community.  First and foremost, coaches and athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike and responsible manner at all times.

 

Athlete Conduct: Conduct of all athletes is governed by the following:

            1.  The Douglas High School Student Handbook

            2.  The OSAA Policies and Rules

            3.  The Far West League Constitution and By-Laws

            4.  The Douglas High School Athletic handbook

            5.  Individual team rules and guidelines

Athletic Department Goals:

            1.   Respectful Conduct and Appearance

2.      Disciplined and Responsible Behavior

3.      Competitive Team Attitude

            4.   Sportsmanship in all situations

 

OSAA Practice Limitation Rule

Teams may conduct practices and/or compete only during the sports season. Outside the sports season coaches may work with two members of the same program together per day.

 

Douglas High School Practice Limitations

1.  No coach will permit an athlete to practice unless that student has turned in all paper work or received a PINK SLIP from the athletic office.

2.  Coaches and managers should be the first to arrive and the last to leave at all practices and games.  At no time are athletes to be unsupervised.  This rule applies to all Douglas High School programs and facilities including the weight room.

All regular practice times will be conducted between 4:00 pm and 8:30 pm weekly. 

4.  A student absent from school may not practice or compete on that day unless (1) the absence was pre-arranged or excused (2) the absences were for a school related activity.

5.  Weekend/Holiday Practices:  When possible, all practices should to be held on school days.      All Sunday/Holiday practices will be permitted only with permission from the Athletic Director or building principal and under the following guidelines:

            A.  for varsity level teams only.

            B.  when a varsity contest is scheduled the following day.

            C.  when a play-off game falls on the following week.

6.  Vacation Practices:  Practices held on vacation days shall be scheduled with consideration to family commitment. It is recommended that vacation practices be conducted for varsity level competition only.

 

ATHLETIC FORMS & FEES

 

Code of conduct - See pages 6-9

 

 

Athletic Information Sheet (Proof of Insurance)

The OSAA requires that all students be covered by accident insurance in order to compete in interscholastic activities.  An athlete may either purchase insurance or be covered by the their own private policy.  If you plan to use a private policy, be sure that it does not exclude interscholastic activities.  Insurance information must be on file with the athletic office.

 

Physical Examination

All athletes are required to have a physical examination on file with the athletic office in order to participate in athletics.  Parents are encouraged to have their children undergo an annual physical.  It is required that athletes receive an updated physical exam every two years.  Students who have a history of poor health may be required to have an annual exam.  A coach or school administrator may require an athlete to take a physical if there is any concern for their health or safety.   A written release from a doctor is required for athletes who have sustained injuries during the season.

 

Sports Fee

The Winston-Dillard School District requires that all students participating in co-curricular activities pay a participation fee. This fee provides the athlete with the privilege of participation not the right to play.  The fee for an individual sport is $100 with a cap of $200 per individual and $300 per family.  Students may apply for a hardship through the athletic office.  User fees and/or application for user fee hardship must be paid/completed before the first contest.

 

Athletes will not be allowed to compete without completing the above-mentioned items.

 

FACILITY USE

 

It is a goal of Douglas High School to run a first class athletic program.  In recent years, a number of improvements have been made to our facilities and we hope to continue this trend.  With a positive attitude and hard work we can see a lot more improvements happen over the next few years.  All coaches need to maintain their facilities, show support and respect to the other programs and work to help improve our athletic facilities. This is truly a team effort.  All facility use should be cleared through the athletic director or principal.  Any facility use without permission is prohibited.  It is the responsibility of students and staff to protect and preserve our facilities.

   

Courts and Fields

A well-maintained athletic facility instills pride within coaches, athletes and the community. It is the responsibility of the coaching staff and their teams to help prepare and maintain playing surfaces. 

 

Locker Rooms

Coaches are responsible to supervise the locker room use and help with maintenance.  Athletes are to use designated areas only.  To help prevent theft, athletes should keep valuables locked up and the locker room should be locked when not occupied.  The coaches’ room, storage rooms and first aid/ice rooms are off limits to athletes.  Athletic equipment should be stored in appropriate storage rooms (the coaches’ room will not be used for storage). 

 

Open Facility

All open gyms must be cleared through the athletic director.  The purpose of open facility use is designated to (1) facilitate recreational opportunities for all students and (2) on a limited basis, provide athletes an opportunity to receive instruction from members of the school coaching staff (be aware of the OSAA “Rule of Two”).  Open facility use is not designed to offer team practice opportunities outside of OSAA designated sports seasons.  OSAA and school open facility limitation will be strictly enforced.