ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

ATHLETICS HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

2016–17

Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

INTRODUCTION

The mission of the St. Stephen’s Athletic Department is to provide a program that is safe, sound and productive. As part of our school mission, we will develop the whole person in mind, body and spirit. This handbook has been developed to provide a guide to the policies and procedures of the Athletic Department. This handbook provides a framework from which coaches, athletes, and their parents can best work together for the benefit of our overall athletic program. Although it is intended to be comprehensive in nature, there will inevitably be situations that occur that are not outlined in this handbook. Coaches, students, and parents should always use good common sense and communicate as effectively and promptly with each other in handling any situation. Please refer to this handbook throughout the year for all sports at both the Middle School (MS) and Upper School (US) levels.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT NUMBERS AND EMAIL

Main School Number: 512-327-1213

Jon McCain, Athletic Director ext 228 [email protected] Chris Breckwoldt, Assistant Athletic Director ext 229 [email protected] Greg Morgan, MS Athletic Coordinator ext. 290 [email protected] La-Mont King, Athletic Staff ext. 233 [email protected] John Keller, Athletic Staff ext. 232 [email protected] Alyssa Murray, Athletic Staff ext. 244 [email protected] Jay Patterson, Athletic Staff ext. 244 [email protected] Chelsea Richards, Athletic Staff ext. 240 [email protected] Kathy Rainey, Head Athletic Trainer ext 238 [email protected] Elizabeth Bird, Assistant Athletic Trainer ext 238 [email protected]

WEB SITE

Stay informed about all activities of the St. Stephen’s Athletic Department on our website at www.sstx.org. The St. Stephen’s website will be the primary communication tool of the athletic department and coaches. Parents must choose to follow their student in order to receive all relevant information. Changes made to the athletic schedule will be kept in real time and directions to away contests can be found by clicking the map tag under the game in question.

PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION

Parenting and coaching are each difficult vocations. Understanding each other’s roles and following the proper channels of communication will enable parents and coaches to effectively work together to provide a meaningful experience for student-athletes while they are participating in St. Stephen’s sports.

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Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

Coaches should communicate the following to parents:  Philosophy of the coach, both generally and specifically to their sport  How to access game and practice times on website  Expectations of the players and the team  Team rules  Role of parents in terms of volunteer help, team meals, game day help, etc.

Parents should:  Notify the coaches of any health issues concerning their children.  Notify coaches well in advance of any schedule conflicts.

At the core of any good working relationship is trust. It is important to understand there may be times when things do not go the way athletes, parents, and coaches anticipate. There may be times when it is difficult for parents to understand how playing time is allotted and why athletes are playing certain positions. It is imperative that parents and athletes trust that our coaches are trying to do the right thing for the team and for all individuals involved. It is important to understand that the coaches are the ones who are with the team on a daily basis in practice and competition and, as with a classroom teacher or any other activity supervisor at St. Stephen’s, make decisions based on what they feel is in the best interest of the team and for our athletic standards. Playing time, players’ positions, and strategy should be left to the discretion of the coach. However, if you have a concern you would like to share with a coach, there is a process to follow. As a school, we want our students to have to the opportunity to speak to adults in proactive and respectful ways and to learn from this process. Therefore, we encourage our students to speak with the coach or an administrator about any issue they may be facing. If, as a parent, you wish to address some concern, please reach out to the individual coach first about matters that pertain to your student or their team. If you have questions about a particular program (6th-12th), please reach out directly to the varsity Head Coach for that sport. If the nature of the question has to do more with the Athletic Department’s policies or procedures, please reach out directly to the Athletic Director.

We do ask that individuals refrain from meeting with a coach immediately before or after a game or practice about complex or potentially difficult matters. These are not the best times to resolve conflict or address complex issues. Simply email or call the coach to discuss concerns, raise questions or schedule a meeting.

PRE-SEASON PARENT MEETINGS

Coaches are required to conduct a pre-season parent meeting. All communication items noted above should be addressed. Program philosophy as well as expectations should be shared. All parents are encouraged to attend any scheduled meeting or contact the coach directly with any concern.

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Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

SPORTSMANSHIP

Although we will compete hard, first and foremost, we will compete fairly and respectfully with our opponents. Coaches, athletes, students, and spectators must recognize that their conduct plays an important role in establishing the reputation of our school. Our positive actions can contribute directly to the success of our teams. During home contests, we serve as hosts to the visiting team, its students, and spectators. They are our guests, and they should be treated accordingly. As visitors, we are expected to act as invited guests. We will treat the home school’s facilities with care and respect.

Qualified officials are assigned to all contests. They are the proper authorities to make decisions regarding the rules and their interpretations. These decisions should be accepted. Officials should be treated with respect at all times on and off the court or playing field. Sportsmanship includes being appreciative of all good plays by both our team and opponent. Cheer for our team, not against the opponent, is our rule of thumb.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the case of inclement or threatening weather, coaches will attempt to make a decision by 2:00 PM as to the status of practices or games for that day so the parents and students can be notified. Coaches should inform the Athletic Office of their decision. The Athletic Office will then post cancellations on the St. Stephen’s Athletic Schedule web site as soon as possible.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The Athletic Department requires that a student must be in school a minimum of half a day in order to participate in a practice of game that same day. A full day’s excused absence may still entitle a student to participate; the Division Head and the Athletic Director will make this decision. Athletes are expected to be at practice every day. Any absences may result in diminished playing time, not out of punishment, but rather in fairness to those who have regularly attended. Repeated, unexcused absences could result in dismissal from the team.

NO-CUT POLICY

St. Stephen’s adheres to a “no-cut” policy for sports. Athletics provide opportunities for students to cultivate interest in a sport, engage in healthy physical activity, and compete and develop at a level where their ability and commitment may take them. Not all students will become varsity athletes, but all will have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of playing on a team, representing their school, and competing to the best of their ability. As in the classroom, we expect all student-athletes to devote time, effort and energy to their athletic activities

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Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

PLAYING TIME

Because of our “no-cut” policy, teams will consist of members whose abilities vary considerably. While efforts may be made to provide playing time for all team members at the Varsity level, we allocate playing time based on what the coach believes is best for the competitiveness of the team. We will make every effort to allow playing time to all at the sub- varsity levels. It is possible to have playing time reduced due to disciplinary issues, lack of practice participation, or injury. The coach should communicate clearly to the player, the player’s parents, and the Athletic Director prior to the next scheduled contest disciplinary issues that result in loss of playing time.

CLUB SPORTS

It is possible to compete in both St. Stephen’s and club sports with teams outside of St. Stephen’s. Coaches should make every effort to work with the schedules of athletes who compete in club sports. However, in situations of conflict, St. Stephen’s sports should take precedence. Major club events can be worked out with enough advance notice. Please give the St. Stephen’s coach two to three weeks advance notice when club sport conflicts arise.

MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES

All athletes in good academic standing are encouraged to participate in multiple sports at St. Stephen’s. Participating in multiple sports is not for everyone, particularly those with a true gift or passion for a single sport. But generally speaking, a good athlete will be good and/or competitive in whatever sport he or she chooses to play, and many sports complement one another in that they develop the skills, habits and teamwork that may be of great value in other sports. In addition, having our athletes participate in several sports will not only enrich the student’s overall athletic experience at St. Stephen’s, but it will also make our overall Athletic Program even stronger.

LETTERING

To earn a Varsity letter, a student must compete on a St. Stephen’s Varsity team for a significant duration of the season. Varsity letters are given in each sport and cheerleading. All letters are awarded at the discretion of the coaches and Athletic Director.

LOST OR DAMAGED UNIFORMS

It is imperative that athletes turn in all equipment and uniforms they have been issued within one week of the end of the season. In many cases, our coaches work consecutive seasons, therefore we must be able to complete inventory before the next season begins. Items lost or damaged will be billed to the parents. Since we order our uniforms in bulk, a single uniform or garment will be considerably higher in unit price. Not only may a single uniform be higher in price, the manufacturer may discontinue certain items making it impossible to match a single uniform with a team set. Please help us in making sure all uniforms are returned and equipment is in the same condition as it was when issued.

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Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

DRESS CODE

Athletes and coaches should be dressed properly when representing a St. Stephen’s athletic team. Head Coaches will determine what a player may or may not wear. This includes practices, game day, and road trip attire. All team members must adhere to uniform requirements in both practices and games. Coaches should be dressed in athletic gear and athletic shoes for all practices.

TRANSPORTATION

St. Stephen’s provides its student-athletes with transportation to all away athletic contests in the US. In the MS, transportation will be provided to any team that plays before 5:00 PM during a normal academic day. All team members, managers, and cheerleaders must travel on transportation approved by the athletic office. The only exception is athletics without on-campus practice facilities, such as golf or crew. Athletes are permitted to ride home from an away practice or contest with his/her parents after communicating with the coach who is responsible for their child. The coach should be informed if a parent is driving their child home. Parents are permitted to drive students other than their own to their homes only if permission has been granted by the Athletic Office or the coach in charge. Any variance from this policy requires permission from the Athletic Director.

ST. STEPHEN’S SPORTS OFFERINGS

Fall: Cross Country – US, MS (Boys & Girls) Football – US, MS (Boys) Field Hockey – US, MS (Girls) Volleyball – US, MS (Boys – US only, Girls) DCWP – US (Boys & Girls) Dance – US (Boys & Girls)

Winter: Basketball – US, MS (Boys & Girls) Swimming – US (Boys & Girls) Soccer – US, MS (Boys & Girls) Dance – US (Boys & Girls)

Spring: Crew – US (Boys & Girls) Lacrosse US, MS (Boys & Girls) Baseball – US (Boys) Track & Field – US, MS (Boys & Girls) Tennis – US, MS (Boys & Girls) Golf – US, MS (Boys & Girls) Soccer – MS (Coed) Rock Climbing – US (Boys & Girls) Dance – US (Boys & Girls)

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Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

ATHLETICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

All students have requirements to fulfill in Athletics, PE and Health. These requirements must be met in order to be promoted to the next grade. Here is an overview of the requirements according to grade level:

MIDDLE SCHOOL

ATHLETICS – All athletics are extra-curricular, optional, and students are encouraged to participate throughout the year. PE – All students participate in PE or Athletics throughout the year during 8th period. There are no exemptions from MS PE.

9th GRADE

ATHLETICS – All students are required to participate in one sport during the year. PE – All students participate in our Health Curriculum for their PE credit.

10th GRADE

ATHLETICS – All students are required to participate in one sport during the year. PE – Students who are not participating in one of the school approved athletic options will be required to take PE.

11th GRADE

ATHLETICS – New 11th graders are required to participate in one sport during the school year. Returning 11th graders do not have a sport requirement. PE – Students who are not participating in one of the school approved athletic options will be required to take PE.

12th GRADE

ATHLETICS – Not required. PE – Students who are not participating in one of the school approved athletic options will be required to take PE.

GRADING -- PE

All grades in PE will be based on attendance and participation. Students will be expected to dress out in appropriated attire for physical activity. They will need all-purpose tennis shoes which would be appropriate for both indoor courts and field activities. If they do not dress out, their participation grade will be negatively affected.

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Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

EXEMPTIONS (US Only)

All requests for PE exemptions in the US must be in writing and turned into the Athletic Office in order to be approved. Questions about PE exemptions should be directed to Xan Funk, PE Coordinator.

SPORTS MEDICINE ATHLETIC TRAINING

The Athletic Trainers provide for the prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation of all athletically related injuries and illnesses including but not limited to concussions, dehydration, diabetes, and acute/chronic orthopedic injuries. The athletic training room hours vary but the facility is typically open from noon until the end of daily games and practices. Athletes may visit the athletic training room during normal hours of operation or schedule an appointment via email or text for an evaluation or treatment. In non- emergency situations athletes must inform their coaches if they are missing practice prior to visiting the athletic training room. Athletes and/or parents should notify the athletic trainer when they are injured or think they may be injured. If an athlete is evaluated by a physician, we request that the athlete provide the athletic trainers with a note detailing diagnosis, treatment plan, and playing status.

The athletic trainers work closely with the Health Center and Counseling Department to keep all parties aware of injuries or conditions which could affect an athlete’s ability to participate in sports or academics. The athletic training room is a coeducational sports medicine facility located in the wellness building next to the weight room.

ATHLETIC MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY

All athletes in grades 6th-12th must have their ENTIRE file complete in the Magnus Health Portal before they will be allowed to begin participation. Physicals are required for all new middle and upper school students and all new and returning 9th grade students. 11th grade students must have a physical prior to participation in athletics. All physicals must be submitted via the Magnus Health Portal. Parents should review and update the Medical History portion of the Magnus Health Portal record yearly or when a new injury or illness occurs. The athletic trainers review all athletes’ medical histories prior to participation and document all injuries and care provided in Magnus Health. This electronic medical records system allows the various health care providers on campus to share relevant information privately.

AFFILIATIONS

St. Stephen’s Middle School is a member of the Austin Interparochial Athletic Association (AIPL). All AIPL schools are in the Austin area.

St. Stephen’s St. Austin’s St. Mary’s St. Paul’s St. Andrew’s Hyde Park Redeemer Paragon Prep St. Louis St. Gabriel’s Trinity St. Francis St. Ignatius St. Theresa’s TSD Waldorf

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Athletics Department Handbook for Parents 2016-17

St. Stephen’s Upper School is a member of the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC). All SPC schools are members of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Boys and Girls lacrosse teams are also members of the THSLL.

DALLAS FT. WORTH HOUSTON Episcopal of Dallas All Saint’s Episcopal School Episcopal HS Greenhill School Ft. Worth Country Day Kinkaid School Hockaday School Trinity Valley School St. John’s School St. Mark’s School John Cooper School Houston Christian

IRVING OKLAHOMA CITY Cistercian Prep School Casady School

SAN ANTONIO ARLINGTON AUSTIN St. Mary’s Hall Oakridge School St. Andrew’s St. Stephen’s

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