Duluth Wildcat Swim and Dive Team Policies

Attendance Requirements: Swimmers, divers, and managers are not allowed to miss practices or meets unless they have an excused absence that is verbally approved by the coach or managers. An excused absence is defined by sate law in the Duluth High School Student/Parent Handbook and includes: A) personal illness B) death or serious illness in the immediate family C) recognized religious holiday D) student under order for government agency E) service as a page in the Georgia General Assembly F) conditions rendering school attendance impossible or hazardous to student’s health of safety G) registering to vote or voting

Practices: If a team member misses a practice, he or she must bring either an excused admit slip from school, a note from a parent or guardian, or have verbal confirmation from either the coach or managers to practice the following day. Staying after school to make up work is considered an excused absence if the team member brings a note from the supervised teacher to the coach. School-related activities (clubs, other sports, etc.) and jobs are NOT excused absences. Each team member will be allowed 3 unexcused absences from practice during the season for whatever reason (extra-curricular activities, club meetings, job responsibilities, etc.), no questions asked. If a member accrues more than 3 unexcused absences, he or she will be subject to dismissal from the team.

Meets: ALL team members are expected to attend ALL meets. In order to be eligible to swim or dive in a meet, the team member must be present at ALL practices or have an excused absence for a missed practice during the week prior to that particular meet. IF A TEAM MEMBER MISSES MORE THAN ONE PRACTICE-FOR ANY REASON-THE WEEKS BEFORE A MEET, HE OR SHE IS INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT PARTICULAR MEET. However, if he or she wants to earn a varsity letter, then attendance at the meet is mandatory. The above excused absences defined by state law also apply to meet attendance. The only other excused absences from meets are college visits and SAT or ACT testing dates if test times conflict with meet times. Vacations and non-school-related activities are NOT considered excused.

Criteria for Earning a Varsity Letter

Swimmers and Divers: To earn a letter, the swimmer/diver must…

A) be an eligible and active team member at the end of the season… B) meet the 85% practice attendance requirement……

C) qualify by virtue of at least one of the following: 1. earn 20 points in individual events in dual/tri meets 2. qualify for the state meet (relay events included: times and diving score may be from dual/tri meets or invitational 3. Scoring in invitational meets, such as Intracounty, Pope Relays, and County Championships.

Managers: To earn a letter, the manager must… A) meet all attendance requirements for meets and practices… B) remain at practices and meets until they are concluded… AND… C) demonstrate a willingness to assist the coach and parents

Transportation Policies Swimmers are required to provide their own transportation to and from practice sessions to West Park Pool in Duluth. For most meets, a bus will be provided to transport out team to and from the site of the meet. ALL TEAM MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO RIDE THE BUS TO AND FROM THE MEET, with and exception to seniors and year round swimmers that are coming from USS practices, who will be required have a parent note of permission. If a parent wishes to take their swimmers home from a meet they must talk with the coach first and receive permission. If a team member has a special circumstance that requires him/her to ride with some else (parent, relatives, etc.) a written note from a parent must be submitted to the coach or managers at least 2 days before the meets. DO NOT APPROACH THE COACH DURING THE COURSE OF A MEET AND ASK TO LEAVE EARLY. The only exception would be in the case of sickness or injury.

USS Swimmers As per Gwinnett County policy, USS swimmers may attend their USS practices in lieu of high school practices. USS swimmers may be excused for a high school meet ONLY if they are attending an USS meet scheduled on the same day at the same time and is approved by the coach.

Behavior/Expectations All student-athletes are to be familiar with the rules and regulations of Duluth High School. I expect our swimmers and divers to represent themselves, their parents, this program, and this high school with class and dignity in and out of school. Absolutely no use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs will be permitted during the High School swim/dive season. Consequences for breaking this rule will be as follows. 1st offense- two meet suspension 2nd offense- removal from the team All student-athletes are subjected to school rules and policies outside the swim and dive team policies. Do what is right, remember there is more than just you on this team and your teammates have the right to expect to be there.

Hazing There is absolutely no hazing allowed at Duluth High School or in this program. This includes any threatening, teasing, or any other behavior which student-athletes are put in uncomfortable positions because of their grade, age, sex, or how long they have been of the team. Familiarize yourself with the rules in your handbook. It will NOT be accepted and you will be removed from the team and face possible discipline action from the school.

I UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE FOLLOWING 2016-2017 TEAM POLICIES

______Student Signature Parent Signature