Quarry Lane Student-Athlete Philosophy

Quarry Lane School Athletic Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Athletic Department General Information………………………………………………………...1

Program Philosophy……………………………………………………………………………….2

Program Objectives………………………………………………………………………………..2

CIF Pursuing Victory with Honor Program………………………………………………….……3

Administration, Coach, Parent and Student-Athlete Responsibilities……………………….……5

Behavioral Expectations…………………………………………………………………………..8

Communication Guidelines…………………………………………………………………….…9

Athletic Eligibility……………………………………………………………………………….10

Athletic Seasons…………………………………………………………………………………13

Team Selection Process………………………………………………………………………….14

Awards and Letters……………………………………………………………………………....15

Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………15

Student Code of Conduct Form……………………………………………………………….…17

Parent Code of Conduct Form………………………………………………………………...…18

Required Athletic Forms…………………………………………………………………………19

Athletic Department General Information

Head of School: Dr Sabri Arac

Athletic Director: Sandor Ceballos Office: 925-829-8000 ext: 118 Email: [email protected]

Athletic Assistant: Joleen Saldana Office: 925-829-8000 ext: 140 Email: [email protected]

League Affiliation: CIF- North Coast Section

Mascot: Cougar

School Colors: Navy Blue and Gold

Quarry Lane Student-Athlete Philosophy The Quarry Lane School recognizes the importance of athletics as an integral component of a student’s complete educational development. As such, we believe that all students should have an opportunity to participate in some form of interscholastic athletics and that such participation should encourage positive scholastic and social growth and achievement. All participants and teams will represent the school and community in a positive manner and will reflect the dedication and hard work that will be required to compete and be successful. Success will not be measured by records that are achieved by teams or individuals, but rather by the knowledge that each participant gave his/her best effort and prepared for each contest to the best of his/her ability. Quarry Lane School realizes and understands that an effective interscholastic athletic program is the product of responsible cooperation between its four major components: the Student-Athlete, the parents, the coaching staff, and the administration. The Quarry Lane School Athletic Program, open to all interested students, has as its goal to develop and refine individual athletic skills, to teach and reinforce the concepts of teamwork and to strive to achieve a better understanding of the sport. It is vital that all team members exhibit good sportsmanship, cooperation and a true understanding of individual differences at all times. Although we strive to win, the true goal is learning and playing together.

QLS Athletic Program Objectives The Quarry Lane School Athletic Program has the following main objectives:  To develop and enhance, in every student, sportsmanship, collaborative skills to be utilized in a group setting, courtesy and self-control.  To help students develop agility, overall physical coordination, general physical fitness, as well as an appreciation for physical activity.  To foster school spirit, maintain positive community morale and further develop loyalty to the Quarry Lane School.  To develop concepts of goal attainment through hard work and rigorous self-discipline.  To provide the Quarry Lane community with the opportunity to view competition and to participate as spectators.  To provide as many sustainable athletic activities as possible.

CIF Principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor

In addition to the Quarry Lane School Athletic Program objectives, QLS, as a member of CIF, the California Interscholastic Federation, embraces the CIF principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor.  The essential elements of character building and ethics in CIF sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."  It's the duty of School Boards, superintendents, school administrators, parents and school sports leadership - including coaches, athletic administrators, program directors and game officials - to promote sportsmanship and foster good character by teaching, enforcing, advocating and modeling these "six pillars of character."  To promote sportsmanship and foster the development of good character, school sports programs must be conducted in a manner that enhances the academic, emotional, social, physical and ethical development of Student-Athlete and teaches them positive life skills that will help them become personally successful and socially responsible.  Participation in school sports programs is a privilege, not a right. To earn that privilege, Student-Athletes must abide by the rules and they must conduct themselves, on and off the field, as positive role models who exemplify good character.  School Boards, superintendents, school administrators, parents and school sports leadership shall establish standards for participation by adopting and enforcing codes of conduct for coaches, athletes, parents and spectators.  All participants in high school sports must consistently demonstrate and demand scrupulous integrity and observe and enforce the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.  The importance of character, ethics and sportsmanship should be emphasized in all communications directed to Student-Athletes and their parents.  School Boards, superintendents, school administrators, parents and school sports leadership must ensure that the first priority of their Student-Athlete is a serious commitment to getting an education and developing the academic skills and character to succeed.

 School Boards, superintendents, principals, school administrators and everyone involved at any level of governance in the CIF must maintain ultimate responsibility for the quality and integrity of CIF programs. Such individuals must assure that education and character development responsibilities are not compromised to achieve sports performance goals and that the academic, social, emotional, physical and ethical well-being of Student- Athlete is always placed above desires and pressured to win.  All employees of member schools must be directly involved and committed to the academic success of Student-Athletes and the character-building goals of the school.  Everyone involved in competition including parents, spectators, associated study body leaders, and all auxiliary groups have a duty to honor the traditions of the sport and to treat other participants with respect. Coaches have a special responsibility to model respectful behavior and the duty to demand that their Student-Athletes refrain from disrespectful conduct including verbal abuse of opponents and officials, profane or belligerent trash-talking, taunting and inappropriate celebrations.  School Boards, superintendents, and school administrators of CIF member schools must ensure that coaches, whether paid or voluntary, are competent to coach. Training or experience may determine minimal competence. These competencies include basic knowledge of: 1) the character building aspects of sports, including techniques and methods of teaching and reinforcing the core values comprising sportsmanship and good character. 2) The physical capabilities and limitations of the age group coached as well as the first aid. 3) Coaching principles and the rules and strategies of the sport.  Because of the powerful potential of sports as a vehicle for positive personal growth, a broad spectrum of school sports experiences should be made available to all of our diverse communities.  To safeguard the health of athletes and the integrity of the sport, school sports program must actively prohibit the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and performance enhancing substances, as well as demand compliance with all laws and regulations, including those related to gambling and the use of drugs.  Schools that offer athletic programs must safeguard the integrity of their programs. Commercial relationships should be continually monitored to ensure against inappropriate exploitation of the school's name or reputation. There should be no undue

influence of commercial interests. In addition, sports programs must be prudent, avoiding undue dependency on particular companies or sponsors.  The profession of coaching is a profession of teaching. In addition to teaching the mental and physical dimensions of their sport, coaches, through words and example, must also strive to build the character of their athletes by teaching them to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and good citizens.

Athletic Department, Coaching Staff, Parent and Student-Athlete Responsibilities

All Quarry Lane School Athletic Programs are under the leadership of the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director works with all Quarry Lane faculty, but reports directly to the Head of School. The following are the responsibilities of the Athletic Director:  Assure proper supervision of students participating in sports programs.  Responsible for the recruitment of temporary athletic coaches.  Responsible for interviewing and hiring temporary athletic coaches.  Responsible for assuring all temporary athletic coaches complete proper employment procedures.  Responsible for onsite supervision of all coaches.  Responsible for processing of payment for temporary athletic coaches.  Responsible for end of season evaluations of temporary athletic coaches.  Responsible for the maintenance of inventory and the proper storage of all athletic equipment and uniforms.  Responsible for the purchasing of necessary equipment.  Responsible for the coordination of athletic placement tryouts for interscholastic teams.  Responsible for coordinating athletic schedules with other schools.  Responsible for providing all game schedules and team rosters.  Responsible for securing officials and scorekeepers for all athletic events.  Responsible for assuring eligibility of all athletes.  Responsible for reporting of scoring or sporting news.

 Responsible for updating sports registration forms on a yearly basis.

The following are the responsibilities of all coaching staff:  Supervise the athletes under his/her charge in their use of all facilities including the locker room before and after practice sessions and games.  Coaches are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will be of credit to themselves and the school. Improper language, show of temper, unsportsmanlike conduct– all are unacceptable behavior and may be grounds for termination.  Coaches must be at practice at least five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled practice time and ½ hour (30 minutes) before scheduled game time.  Coaches are not to leave any event, on or off-site until all the athletes have left with scheduled drivers.  As role models and teachers of Student-Athletes, coaches are expected to exemplify standards set by the school for Student-Athletes. Therefore, when coaches are in contact with athletes they will refrain from using any form of tobacco or alcohol.  Coaches will not be allowed to fraternize with the players.  Coaches are responsible for advising the Athletic Director in advance if they are unable to attend a practice or game.  Coaches are responsible for the care, issuance and collection of all equipment and uniforms used in his/her program.  Coaches will take all preventative measures to avoid injuries, but will be the first to respond and care for all injuries.  Coaches will notify parents of any injuries sustained during a practice or game.  Coaches will maintain first aid kits and all student medical release forms at all events.  The Athletic Director will evaluate all coaches at the completion of their season.

The following are the direct responsibility of the Student-Athlete  Athletes are expected to attend all practices/games. The following attendance requirements will be enforced:  One (1) unexcused absence: Athlete will not start in the next game.

 Two (2) unexcused absences: Athlete will not play in the next game but will be expected to attend the game, in uniform and sit on the bench.  Three (3) unexcused absences: Athlete will be removed from the team. ** An excused absence is a timely notification to the coach, before a practice or game of a medical/dental appointment, illness or other parent arranged obligation.

 All Student-Athletes must maintain a 2.5 G.P.A. during the course of the sports season. Should an athlete receive less than a “C” in any class during the course of the season, they may be disqualified from participating in practice and games until they can raise their grade to a “C” or better.  Student-Athletes are expected to demonstrate appropriate school behavior and adhere to all policies and protocols determined in the Quarry Lane School Student/Parent Handbook. Failure to do so may lead to ineligibility.  Maintain a satisfactory record of conduct, citizenship and attendance in order to remain eligible.  In order to participate in any athletic competition a student must attend at minimum 50% of the school day.  In order to participate in any athletic competition a student must attend at minimum 50% of the school day.  If a student has P.E. on their daily schedule they must attend P.E. and participate fully on the day of competition in order to be eligible for team practice or competition that day.  Athletes will be personally responsible for all school equipment and uniforms checked out to them. Students may be held responsible to cover the cost of lost or willfully damaged equipment or uniforms.  Athletes are expected to show the highest standards for sportsmanship during competition.  Athletes are to share in the responsibility for the conduct of their teammates and supporters of their team by refraining from displaying behavior that could incite fans and teammates.  An athlete must accept the decision of an official. Any questions regarding a call or calls are to be directed to the official by the coach.

 Athletes are expected to treat teammates and opponents with respect (no hazing).  Athletes must accept the responsibility and acknowledge the privilege of representing their school and community, therefore they must display positive public action at all times.  Improper language, displays of temper and unsportsmanlike conduct are unacceptable behavior and may be grounds for removal from the team.  Athletes must honor the commitment they have made to his/her team and attend practices regularly. Excused absences (timely notification to the coach, before a practice or game of medical appointments, illness or parent arranged obligation) will not be counted against the student. Unexcused absences will affect game time. Inconsistent practice attendance may impact game time.  Athlete must complete and sign the “Player’s Code of Conduct Form.” (see attachments at end of handbook.)

Dropping a Sport If a Student-Athlete wishes to drop a sport, he must do so in writing to the Athletic Director prior to the team’s first formal contest, this excludes scrimmages. If a sport is dropped after this date, the Student-Athlete may not switch to another sport during the same season or begin the next season of sport until the team from which he dropped has completed its season (including playoffs). Student-Athletes who join a team late due to participation on a team from the previous season will have 5 days from their first practice to drop the sport. Any Student-Athlete who drops a sport after the first contest date must notify his head coach of his decision. When deciding to quit a sport, students must meet with the coaching staff as well as the Athletic Director. If a student drops a sport mid-season more than once, they will have to petition the athletic department for approval to participate in any future athletic programs at Quarry Lane School.

Behavioral Expectation of Student-Athletes It is a privilege to wear the Blue Quarry Lane uniforms. We understand the sacrifices made to be part of this tradition. Therefore, incidents of hazing, initiation, harassment, disorderly conduct toward, intimidation of, bullying of, or discriminating against any other student, parent, or coach

8 from the Quarry Lane School, or any of our opponents will not be tolerated. Any deviation from this regulation may result in dismissal from the sporting team and may result in dismissal from The Quarry Lane School.

Behavioral Expectation of Parents, Guardians and Spectators After school sports at The Quarry Lane School serve as learning activities in an educational/recreational setting. Through athletic endeavors, The Quarry Lane School hopes to foster the character traits of: responsibility, self-discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, work ethic, integrity and to expose Student-Athletes to an understanding of the personal sacrifice and balance needed for both academics and athletics. Parents and spectators also have responsibilities and play a significant role within the Quarry Lane athletic program.

The following behaviors are expected of all parents and spectators:  There will be no establishment of parent groups, websites, athletic groups, etc., without the written consent of the Head of School.  Quarry Lane expects all parents, guardians, and spectators to show respect for all decisions made by contest officials.  Quarry Lane expects all parents, guardians, and spectators to show respect for the fans, coaches, facilities where contest are being held, and for all participants from opposing schools.  Quarry Lane expects all parents, guardians, and spectators to complete and sign the “Parent’s Code of Conduct Form.” (see attachments at end of handbook)

Communication/ Parental Support Guidelines

In order to establish and maintain clear lines of communication between the Athletic Department Staff and Quarry Lane School community, including parents, guardians and Student-Athletes, the following steps will be taken by the Athletic Department to ensure open and clear communication. It is the intent of the Athletic Department to provide an avenue for meaningful dialogue and positive communication between coaches and parents.

The following guidelines will help make the communication process productive and positive experience:  All meetings with coaches are to be scheduled. Spontaneous meetings between parents and coaches on the athletic fields, in the gym or locker rooms are considered drop in meetings and may not be accepted.  Coaches will only speak to a parent/guardian about his/her child.  Coaches are not required to discuss player position, playing time, offensive, defensive or game philosophy or decisions with parents.

The protocol when resolving an issue between Student-Athlete and coach is as follows:  Student-Athlete will make an appointment to meet with his/her coach.  If the problem cannot be rectified, the Student-Athlete and parent will make an appointment and meet with the coach.  If the problem cannot be resolved with the coach, the Student-Athlete and parent will make an appointment to meet with the coach and Athletic Director.  If resolution cannot be reached with the Athletic Director, the Student-Athlete and parent will make an appointment to meet with the Athletic Director and Head of the School.

Athletic Eligibility

Required Athletic Forms In order to participate in The Quarry Lane School Athletic Program, the following forms are required for each and every student, no exceptions will be made. All Student-Athletes are required to submit the following forms and athletic fees to Joleen Saldana in the Upper School office, building #3:  Student/Parent Contract for Athletic Participation  Fees paid in full to Quarry Lane School - checks only  Athletic Registration Waiver  Athletic Participation and Physical Examination Form with physician signature  Signed Student Code of Conduct Form  Signed Parent Code of Conduct Form

Physicals No student will be allowed participate or compete in any Quarry Lane School athletic event (tryouts, practices, competitions) until he/she has submitted the Physical Examination Form with a physician signature. All students must have physicals dated after June 15th of the current school year.

Transfers Any High School student transferring to the Quarry Lane School must ensure that all transfer forms and documents have been provided to the school prior to approving the student’s eligibility.

Academic Eligibility Athletes must have passing grades in all of their subjects as indicated by all grades at or above the level of ‘C”. Any athlete with a G.P.A below a 2.5 in any quarter or semester (college preparatory courses only) is ineligible to participate in any athletic practices or contests and will be placed on academic probation. Students on Academic or Disciplinary Probation who wish to participate on an athletic team must petition the Athletic Director and Head of School for an Academic Waiver Extension, not to exceed one quarter, before beginning or continuing (if already in progress) the activity or sport. This option will only be granted once during a student's athletic career at Quarry Lane. All incoming students (freshmen and transfers) are eligible to participate in athletics at Quarry Lane, even if they have been accepted on Academic Probation, provided their most recent grade report from the previous school complies with the Quarry Lane/C.I.F. guidelines for eligibility. If the student’s grades do not meet the guidelines, the incoming student may petition the Athletic Director and Head of the School for an eligibility extension.

Academic Waiver An Academic Waiver is an opportunity for a Student-Athlete to have limited participation in the Quarry Lane School Athletic Program even though the student does not currently carry the minimum 2.5 G.P.A. An Academic Waiver may be issued at the discretion of the Athletic Director or Head of School. If a Student-Athlete secures an Academic Waiver, they are allowed limited involvement in tryouts, team practices and competitions.

In order to secure an Academic Waiver, a Student-Athlete must meet the following requirements:  A signed Academic Waiver form must be on file signed by the Student-Athlete and the parent/ guardian.  Student-Athletes must have all other Athletic Department forms on file with Athletic Office before any participation is allowed.  Student-Athletes on an Academic Waiver may only practice with the team, they may not participate in or travel to any off campus athletic contest.  Student-Athletes on an Academic Waiver must submit to their coach and to the Athletic Director, a “Weekly Progress Report” that documents student performance. This is not limited to academic performance, but inclusive of general attitude, behavior and class participation.

Attendance Probation Students on Attendance Probation may not participate on any athletic team. Students may be placed on “Attendance Probation” for excessive unexcused absences exceeding 10, and/ or excessive tardies exceeding 10 per school year. For more information on Attendance Probation, please see the Quarry Lane School Handbook pg. 16.

School Attendance Many athletic events require students to miss class, or portions of class, due to early release for away competitions. It is imperative that all Student-Athletes establish consistent attendance patterns and communicate with their teachers about missed class time and missed assignments, so as not to fall behind academically. All Student-Athletes must attend a minimum of 50% of the school day, excluding lunch, in order to be eligible to participate in practice or competition on that day. Enforcement of this is subject to the discretion of the coach or Athletic Department.

QLS Athletic Seasons Quarry Lane offers athletic programs in the fall, winter, and spring. Please note the season, practice, and competition start dates below.

Game Start Dates Game End Dates Fall August 18 November 1 Winter November 10 February 21 Spring February 9 May 9

Prior to the start of any athletic season the only individual/group/team activities that are permitted are conditioning and weight training. The use of Quarry Lane sports equipment for a given sport will not be allowed prior to the starting date for that sport.

All out-of season activities sponsored by an agency not under the authority of the State C.I.F. or of the section in which a school employee - coach and his Student-Athletes participating shall be exempted from this rule. Under by-law provision (511b.2), "dead periods" have been established for each of the seasons of sport. During these "dead periods" no member of the coaching staff (paid or volunteer) may have any contact with his/her athletes or make use the sport equipment for that given sport. Weight training and conditioning are the only activities that will be allowed during this period. The use of outside agencies (e.g. AAU, Nike, Adidas, Reebok) will not be allowed to circumvent the "dead period."

Athletic Offerings by Season

Sports Level Cuts Registration HS Boys Soccer V none $200.00 HS Girls Volleyball JV none $200.00 Fall HS Girls Tennis JV none $200.00 MS Coed Soccer (Fall or Winter) 6,7,8 none $100.00 MS Girls Volleyball 8b none $100.00

HS Boys Basketball V yes $200.00 HS Boys Basketball JV yes $200.00 HS Girls Basketball JV none $200.00 Winter MS Boys Basketball 7b none $100.00 MS Girls Basketball 7b none $100.00 MS Coed Soccer (Fall or Winter) 6,7,8 none $100.00

HS Badminton V yes $200.00 HS Track V none $200.00 Spring HS Girls Soccer V none $200.00 MS Track 8a none $100.00 MS Badminton 8b none $100.00

Team Selection The Athletic Program at The Quarry Lane School has a defined process for team selection that is flexible to allow for registration highs and lows at each competitive level.

For the sixth, seventh and eighth grade participants in the sports of volleyball, soccer, basketball, track and badminton, there is typically one traveling team selected which may include fifth grade Student-Athletes. Depending on the level of the team and the division of competition engaged in, a team will be labeled “A” or “B”. The “A” teams are typically placed in a more advanced and competitive divisions.

During the team placement tryouts, all coaches and third party evaluators are present. Once a Student-Athlete has provided the Athletic Department with all the required paper work, the Student-Athlete will have their name placed on the tryout sheet which is issued to all evaluators and coaches. The Student-Athletes are put through drills and scrimmages. The coaches and

14 evaluators rate the participants on a consistent and designated scale. Upon completion of the placement tryouts, the coaches and evaluators combine their scores and collectively form the team roster. The team rosters will be posted at the end of a school day designating team assignments.

Awards and Letters The number of team awards is determined by squad size and level. Varsity letters will be awarded to Varsity team members who meet the specific qualifications determined for each sport. All athletic awards are given during the QLS Awards Ceremony at the end of the school year.

Athlete of Year Award The Athlete of the Year Award is presented to one male and one female athlete per year. The recipients are determined by a consensus of all coaches. The Student-Athlete is selected based on their performance throughout the school year is deemed most outstanding, generally in two or more sports.

Letterman Jackets Lettermen jackets are only available for purchase by members of Varsity teams. Team and individual sports have different requirements that need to be met in order to qualify for a Varsity letter. These requirements can be based on qualifying times, participation, season duration, attendance and competitive level.

Transportation It is the preference of the Quarry Lane School that all transportation of Student-Athletes to off campus competitions or offsite practice venues is by chartered bus; however, there may be occasions where parent drivers are asked to assist in transportation when the number of Student- Athletes is below 15.

Parental Drivers The Quarry Lane School strictly enforces our policy for the transportation of students in privately owned vehicles. Parents who volunteer to drive to sporting events or any school activity must submit a Transportation of Students in Privately Owned Vehicles Certificate and Authorization for Staff and Parents Form. In addition to this form, a current copy of the insured’s declaration page must be submitted (please note expiration dates will be enforced and new declaration pages will need to be submitted to the office upon expiration of coverage). The insurance requirements necessary to qualify as a parent driver are as follows:

Bodily Injury Liability Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Each Individual $100,000 Each Individual: $ 100,000 Total each accident $ 300,000 Total Each Accident: $ 300,000

Medical Payments Property Damage Liability Each Individual: $5,000 Total Each Accident: $25,000

OR $500,000 umbrella coverage

Parents must provide written authorization when alternate forms of transportation will be used for their children. This includes students as passengers with other adults, or their own parents. The Quarry Lane School cannot assume liability for drivers of vehicles not owned by The Quarry Lane School, except for vehicles leased or rented from approved companies by The Quarry Lane School. Additionally, parent permission, in writing, needs to be provided to the school office in order to release students to be transported by another adult. Prior to driving any students to an event at another school, a Quarry Lane form for “Use of Private Cars for Transporting Students” must be completed and given to the Athletic Assistant. All scheduled parental drivers are responsible for returning athletes to the Quarry Lane School upon completion of the event unless other arrangements have been made in writing with the Athletic Director. At no time can youth coaches transport Student-Athletes to alternative locations, they may only transport to sporting events and back to the campus.

QUARRY LANE SCHOOL STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT FORM

I ______agree to the following:

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

2. Make a commitment to the team, understanding the time commitment required and attendance policy.

3. Cooperate with the coach and fellow athletes in trying to promote sportsmanship.

4. Bring a positive and respectful attitude towards all players and coaches during all team related activities.

5. Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach even if it conflicts with your athletic opinions.

6. Treat opponents with the respect that is due them as guests and fellow competitors.

7. Exercise self-control at all times including while in the classroom.

8. Earn a minimum grade point average of 2.5 with no unsatisfactory citizenship grades

I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

______

Student Signature Date

QUARRY LANE SCHOOL PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT FORM

I ______agree to the following:

1. Attend as many games as possible and to support their child and the school in athletic events.

2. Transportation to and from practices and games if needed.

3. To volunteer to help the team whenever necessary.

4. Conduct at practices/games should be supportive and positive towards the athletes, coaches, referees and the opposing team.

5. Take time to speak with coaches in an appropriate manner; including proper time and place if there is a concern. Be sure to follow the process of bringing concerns to the Athletic Department as noted in the Athletic handbook.

6. Ensure payment of all athletic fees is complete prior to the sporting season.

8. To the best of my ability assure that my child will attend all scheduled practices, games, special athletic events.

9. Encourage my child to set and work towards achieving individual and team goals.

I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

______Parent’s Signature Date