Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Student Athlete Handbook

The purpose of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Athlete Handbook is to provide an understanding and appreciation of the athletic program, and to enhance communication among the coaches, athletes, and parents. This handbook contains most of the practices, policies and regulations that govern extracurricular athletics in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. This entire handbook will be reviewed annually by the Athletic Committee and the Administrative Staff.

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is committed to maintaining an excellent athletic program, and athletics are a major component of the participating students’ experience. The Athletic Department has a responsibility to the students to provide the opportunity to grow through the pursuit of athletics. It will offer as many sports as the school can reasonably support, in addition to sufficient competition within the conferences. The Athletic Department will provide proper facilities, equipment, and coaching to see that each student athlete has an opportunity to reach his or her athletic potential. Excellence in sports, rather than mere success, is the goal.

In order for a student to participate in any sport in Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, both the student and the parents or guardians must sign the Parental Consent section of the athletic physical form. Signing the form indicates an agreement that all the policies, procedures and regulations in this Student Athlete Handbook are understood and will be followed.

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District attempts to provide extracurricular sports opportunities for all students who wish to participate. Students in grades 7-12 are eligible to participate during each of the three sports seasons, fall, winter, and spring.

Fall Sports: Football, Golf, Cross Country, and Volleyball

Winter Sports: Basketball

Fall and Winter Sports: Cheer and Dance

Spring Sports: Baseball, Tennis, Softball, Soccer, Track, Bowling

ATHLETIC SCHEDULE

The Athletic Department distributes athletic schedules for each athletic season. These schedules are distributed to members of all teams during the first week of the season. Additional schedules may be obtained from the Athletic Department or the school office.

JACKSONVILLE NORTH PULASKI SCHOOL DISTRICT

District Director of Athletics Scott Waymire

ADMISSION PRICES

Activity Adults Students

Varsity Sports $5.00 $5.00

Junior Varsity Sports $5.00 $5.00

Middle School Sports $5.00 $5.00

CANCELLATION OF GAMES/PRACTICES

If inclement weather causes the cancellation of school in Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, the game and other activities affiliated with member schools will also be canceled. Cancellation of games and or practices due to inclement weather will normally be made after 1:00 p.m. (Contact your school’s office). Reschedule dates, if known, will be available in the office. Do not assume a cancellation based on the weather in the morning. Decisions about cancellation after 3:00 p.m. will be made at the game/practice site.

ATHLETIC DRESS CODE/SCHOOL DRESS

The students are representing Jacksonville North Pulaski School District at school, and at home and away athletic contests. They are required to dress in accordance to the school dress code for away games. The students must be in proper athletic attire before they board the bus going to and before returning from the game. ATHLETIC UNIFORMS

Athletic uniforms may not be worn to school without approval of the head coach and the building administrator. Uniforms must be returned in clean, satisfactory condition no later than one week after the final athletic contest for the season. If possible, coaches will collect all uniforms and equipment at the conclusion of the final game. Parents of athletes will be responsible for uniforms not returned after the one-week period. Any charges for uniforms lost or not returned will be added to the student’s account. Managers must also wear athletic uniforms. JEWELRY

No headgear or other ornamentation shall be worn except those approved by the coach or building administrator for special circumstances. The prohibited items include, but are not limited to: do-rags, caps, bandannas, visors, rubber bands, head coverings, sunglasses, soft or hard jewelry, body and facial piercing. ARKANSAS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Student athletes are subject to the eligibility requirements of the Arkansas Activities Association and Jacksonville North Pulaski School District (beginning second semester of 9th grade through 12th grade). To be eligible to compete on a team, an athlete must attend the member school and not have reached his or her 19th birthday on or before September 1st. To be academically eligible to participate in athletics, a student must meet the following requirements:

● At the end of each semester grading period, students must pass four academic courses and have a GPA of 2.0, based on the previous semester. Students failing to meet these requirements may be put in a supplemental instruction program (SIP) (see AAA rules). A student promoted from the sixth grade to seventh grade automatically meets the academic eligibility (scholarship) requirements. A student promoted from the seventh to the eighth grade automatically meets the academic eligibility requirements for the first semester. ● Beginning second semester of eighth grade through first semester ninth grade -- Students must pass four academic courses the previous semester, three of which shall be in the core curriculum areas (Math, Science, English, and Social Studies) to be eligible. (First semester ninth grade) Students must pass four academic core classes to be eligible second semester of the ninth grade.

HOME SCHOOL STUDENT PARTICIPATION

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District recognizes the State’s interest in ensuring that all students have equal access to interscholastic activities as a complement to the academic curriculum.

Home schooled students whose parents’ domicile, as defined in AAA Rules, is within the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District’s boundaries may participate in school extracurricular activities subject of the requirements set forth by Act 1469. While Act 1469 prescribes the criteria for initial and continuing eligibility, actual participation will be dependent upon the same try-out criteria, or other requirements may be applicable, as for any regularly enrolled student.

In realizing this goal, home school students will be allowed to participate in interscholastic activities with Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, under the following conditions:

1) The home schooled student or his or her legal guardian advises the Principal of the school in writing of the student’s request to participate in the interscholastic activity before the signup, tryout, or participation deadlines established for the students enrolled in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. 2) The home school students must report to the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District within the first eleven (11) days of the fall or spring semester. 3) The home school student shall demonstrate academic eligibility by obtaining: a minimum test score of the thirtieth percentile on the Stanford Achievement Test Series, Tenth Edition, in the previous twelve (12) months, or another nationally recognized norm (approved by the State Board of Education). 4) The home school student shall meet tryout criteria. 5) Continued eligibility requires the home school student to be enrolled in and regularly attend, at least one class period during their semester of participation. 6) The home school student must complete any required permission slips, waivers, physical exams, and drug testing that is required. 7) The home school student must pay any participation fee traditional students enrolled in the District pay for the same extracurricular activity. 8) The home school student must meet all other requirements for continued eligibility identified in the AAA Handbook. 9) The home school student must comply with the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District’s Handbooks and any supplementary requirements or conditions for participation in extracurricular activities and standards of behavior and codes of conduct.

Extracurricular activities are defined as: any school sponsored program where students from one or more schools meet, work, perform, practice under supervision outside of the regular class time, or are competing for the purpose of receiving an award, rating, recognition, or criticism, or qualification for additional competition. Examples include, but are not limited to, interscholastic athletics, band, choral music, forensics, drama, math and science, and club activities.

A student who withdraws from an Arkansas Activities Association member school to be home schooled shall not participate in an interscholastic activity in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District for a minimum of three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the time of the withdrawal. ATHLETIC PRACTICE DATES

Practices and tryouts for the fall athletic season may start around the early or middle part of August (according to AAA Rules). The exact dates, times and sites will be available to students and parents in May. Parents and students should note these dates on their summer schedule and be available for practice and/or tryouts in August. ATTENDANCE Every athlete is expected to be at all practices and contests. Any athlete leaving school during the day will be required to check out through the school office. An athlete who is at school but unable to participate will be required to attend that particular activity unless excused by a staff member, and required to be in the presence of the team. In order to practice or participate in an athletic contest, students must attend a minimum of ½ day. PLAYING FOR OTHER TEAMS/PARTICIPATING IN CONFLICTING ACTIVITIES

(2 school teams in the same season)

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District expects athletes to play only for the school team. Student athletes are required to discuss participating for another team or activity with the coach before tryouts in order to come to an understanding before the team is selected. The Athletic Director and Building Administrator will make the decision to allow athletes to remain on the team, based largely on the coach’s recommendation. Participation on more than one school team in the same season is allowed with prior approval from the Athletic Director, School Administrator and the coaches involved. If other school events, such as field trips, classes, clubs, chorus, band or drama activities conflict with games or practices, the School Administrator will resolve the conflict with consideration of recommendations from the Athletic Director, sponsoring faculty member, and the students and parents wishes.

If an athlete quits or is dismissed from a team during the season, he/she may not be able to participate in another sport until the current participating sport season is completed.

SELECTION OF TEAMS

Prior to the season, the coaches will hold tryouts in the order to select team members. Students must meet all academic and enrollment requirements prior to tryouts. While we would like to accommodate every student who would like to participate in a sport, limitation in facilities, coaches, and other resources as well as safety factors make tryouts and “cuts” necessary. Each coach is responsible for establishing guidelines for tryouts and “cuts” in his/her sport. All related decisions are at the discretion of the coach, and we strive for our procedures to be well communicated, consistent, and fair. Tryouts for a sport in season will not take place until that sport is complete. PRE-SEASON COACHES/PARENTS MEETING The coaches will conduct a pre-season meeting at the beginning of each athletic season. The dates and times of these meetings will be listed on the school calendar as well as students being notified by the coaches at least two weeks in advance. Parents/guardians are required to attend the pre-season meeting. If for some reason the parent/guardian cannot attend the scheduled meeting, a private meeting must be scheduled with the coach as soon as possible. Coaches will discuss expectations and goals, along with team rules and regulations. Lines of communication with the coach and parents will be established at this time. BOOSTER CLUB

Each school in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District allows the parents an opportunity to organize or join an athletic booster club. The sole purpose of this parent group is to promote and support the interscholastic athletic programs of the school. The booster club makes significant financial contributions to the athletic program. Students and their parents are urged to support and to participate in Booster Club activities. It will be the responsibility of the booster club to collect and distribute any money collected from membership drives, fundraisers, or activities. The school or coaches will not have any responsibility to collect membership money or fundraiser money. ATHLETIC SAFETY

The Athletic Department strives to provide students a safe and enjoyable environment in which to participate. It is vital to understand that participation in athletics involves inherent risks. Consequently, all coaches and administrative personnel have a responsibility to reduce and/or eliminate all potential safety hazards, and to act in a prudent manner in order to prevent foreseeable accidents and injuries. Response to unexpected circumstances will be in accordance to guidelines set forth in this handbook.

INSURANCE and ATHLETIC PHYSICALS

Adequate insurance coverage for an athlete is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Jacksonville North Pulaski School District provides an optional student accidental insurance plan for all students that covers after-school sports accidents and injuries. MEDICAL PROCEDURES

All participants in the athletic program must have completed a physical examination, and been cleared by a physical to participate.

A current physical form must be completed and returned to the team coach before the student can participate.

The Pre-Participation History section of the physical form is a required part of the examination, and must be completed as part of the physical examination.

Physicals may be provided by the district. Parents have the option to have their child examined by a private physician at the parent’s own expense. The JNPSD Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation must be used, and may be obtained from the school office.

An Emergency Medical Authorization form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the coach prior to participation. The form will be included with the additional medical emergency information carried by the coach to away games in the event of injury or illness.

An Accident Report form must be completed in all injury cases requiring medical attention. Injuries must be reported to the coach or school medical official. An Accident Report must be filed with the school nurse or building administrator within a 24-hour period (or next school day) if the athlete seeks or is administered medical treatment.

A Medical Reinstatement form must be completed before an athlete who has had a serious injury or illness and been restricted by a physician, be allowed to return to practice or contests. The reinstatement must indicate the date when participation may resume. Medical Reinstatements must be processed through the school nurse or building administrator.

PLAYING TIME

Playing time is a privilege and should be earned. Players are expected to attend all scheduled practices. The coach should be notified in advance, if possible, when a student will miss practice. Although coaches are encouraged to provide “quality playing time” for each athlete, a minimum or maximum amount of time each player will be allotted is not specified. Playing time is based on coaching decisions made during practice and the contest.

Coaches should follow these playing time guidelines:

IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COACH TO DETERMINE PLAYING TIME, POSITION AND PLAYER ROLE.

Football - 7th grade will only participate for the 7th grade team. 8th grade will only participate for the 8th grade team. 9th grade may participate for the 9th grade or the senior high team, but they may not participate in both. (See AAA rules)

Basketball, Volleyball, Track- After tryouts students may play up a grade level. Movement of players take place before the first ballgame. Once a student plays up they cannot play back down. 8th grade students cannot play 9th grade in any sport.

Participation may be affected by the following: (this is not a complete list)

1. Missing team practice 2. Attitude and effort at practice and games 3. Violation of team rules. It will be the responsibility of the coach to communicate the reason for a student’s lack of participation to the parent.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

The following discipline procedures have been established to expedite violations of established rules and regulations. These procedures are consistent with those documented in the JNPSD Student Handbook.

The procedures include:

1. Squad Discipline – Used in situations of minor disciplinary problems, and administered by the coach within the framework of the team. After three infractions the athlete will be suspended. Scholars can have no more than 3 squad disciplines before they will be issued a suspension.

2. Suspension from Team – Used in situations of serious disciplinary problems. The athlete is not allowed to attend or participate in practices or contests during this period. The coach will notify the parents / guardians of the suspension. After three suspensions the athlete will be dismissed from the team. Scholars can have no more than 3 suspensions before being dismissed from the team.

3. Dismissal from Team – Used in situation involving serious disciplinary matters in which removal of the athlete from the squad is in the best interest of the team and the school. Parents will be notified of the pending dismissal. Some examples might be, but are not limited to: continuation of previously identified behavior, use of drugs, hazing, etc. Jacksonville High School Cheerleading Demerit System (2017-2018)

Attendance: NOTE: Excused absences from practice OR a game include illness (must be absent ½ a day) or attending another school-sponsored event (field trips, participation in other athletic contests, etc.). The cheerleader must turn in a doctor’s note or note from another school activity sponsor the following school day (an email from the sponsor for “release” counts) for the absence to be counted as “excused.” Failure to do so will results in an “unexcused” absence.

1. Unexcused absence from practice or a game 5 2. Excused absence from a practice or game with a doctor’s note 2 3. Late to a home game or late for away departure time 1 (every 5 min +1) 4. Late to practice 1 (every 5 min +1) 5. Leaving early from a game without permission 3 6. Leaving early from practice 1 7. Not staying to clean up after practice/game 3 8. Late being picked up from a game/practice (per 10 min) 1 9. Late returning after half-time 2 10. Failure to notify sponsor of absence 1

Appearance: 9. Improper uniform/hair for game or in school (per piece) 1

10. Improper practice attire 1 11. Wearing nail polish or too long nails 2 12. Wearing jewelry at practice/games (per occurrence) 1 13. General Appearance inappropriate/out of uniform 2

Behavior: 14. Using cell phone at games or practice 3 15. Talking to players on the sidelines at games 2 16. Talking/goofing off on sidelines during games 1 17. Email from teacher/admin about poor behavior 2 18. Chewing gum or eating food at undesignated times 1 19. Using inappropriate conduct 3 INCLUDE, but not limited to: inappropriate language, cursing, gestures, or cheers, PDA (public displays of affection), poor sportsmanship 20. Showing disrespect to a coach or squad member 5 21. Violation of School Code of Conduct (Tardy-ISS/Detention) 1 22. Violation of School Code of Conduct resulting in ISS 10 (over tardy) 23. Violation of School Code of Conduct resulting in OSS 15 24. Illegal Substance Abuse/Underage Drinking 15 25. Blatant insubordination to coach (attitude, etc.) 5 26. Showing disrespect to a teacher or other staff member 5 27. Inappropriate posts on ANY form of social media 5 28. Lacking spirit or enthusiasm at games (each time) 1 29. Lacking knowledge of chants/cheers/dances during game 1 (each time) 30. Having anything less than a positive attitude 1 31. Another contract infraction not listed on this form (coaches’ discretion)

Consequences: • Accumulation of 5 demerits results in the cheerleader being benched for ONE game and additional conditioning. The cheerleader MUST still dress in uniform, sit with the coach for the duration of the game, while not using her cellphone (if an away game, scholar athlete WILL NOT travel or be allowed to attend as a spectator). • Accumulation of 10 demerits will result in the cheerleader being benched for TWO games and additional conditioning. • Accumulation of 15 demerits will result in automatic dismissal from the squad. • All demerits will be erased at the end of each season (New Team through Football/End of football through Basketball). • BULLYING WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISMISSAL! NO QUESTIONS ASKED! • There are cases where items are NOT listed on this contract, but still might result in demerits (case by case).

HAZING

Hazing is a very serious act and will not be permitted or tolerated by any member of an athletic team. Hazing is a complex social problem that is shaped by power dynamics operating in a group and / or organization. Hazing refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and / or physical harm, regardless of the victim’s willingness to participate.

The following are some examples of hazing:

Deception, silence periods with implied threats for violation, deprivation of privileges granted to other members, requiring new members to perform duties not assigned to other members, socially isolating new members, expecting certain items to always be in one’s possession, verbal abuse, threats, asking new members to wear embarrassing humiliating attire, expecting new members to perform personal services to others, sexual simulations, beating, expecting illegal activity, wedgies, etc.

Hazing perpetrators are subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or dismissal from the team. Hazing is covered by the JNPSD Policy against Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying. SPORTSMANSHIP

At Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, team and individual competition contributes significantly to the development of character and school spirit. Sportsmanship and fair play are important parts of this experience. We expect our coaches, athletes, faculty, and students to represent their school in a manner that is respectful of others on and off the fields of competition. It is our desire and goal that we develop and practice the highest standards of courtesy, discipline, good sportsmanship, and the ability to act as good hosts and guests. We encourage enthusiastic support at all games within the boundaries of acceptable sportsmanship. We expect adult spectators to uphold the same high standards and to set good examples that we demand of our student supporters and athletes.

The following guidelines have been established to help foster and promote good sportsmanship at Jacksonville North Pulaski School District.

THE ATHLETES SHALL: ● Be courteous to opposing teams and game officials. ● Never give up, cheat, use inappropriate verbal or body language, or “grandstand.” ● Retain composure at all times and never leave the bench or enter the field or court to engage in any confrontation. ● Be modest when successful and be gracious in defeat. ● Play for the enjoyment of the game. ● Understand and observe the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility. ● Maintain high standards of personal conduct. ● Respect the integrity and judgement of officials and accept their decisions without question. ● Respect the facilities of home and host schools. Student athletes who fail to display proper behavior/good sportsmanship before, during and after an athletic contest or practice may be barred from further participation. Penalties such as probation or suspension from one or more games, or dismissal from the team depending upon the severity of the

offense. Athletes who have been reprimanded or dismissed by the coach, Athletic Director and/or the school administrator may not be eligible for end of the season awards.

THE SPECTATORS SHALL: ● Realize that they represent the school just as the players do and, therefore, have an obligation to demonstrate through their behavior the practice of good sportsmanship. ● Recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than victory by approving and applauding good team play, individual skill, and outstanding examples of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited by either team. Displaying modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. ● Recognize that the primary purpose of interscholastic athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the athletes through the medium of a contest. Victory or defeat is of secondary importance. ● Treat visiting teams and officials as guests, extending courtesy. ● Respect the judgement and integrity of officials, and realize that decisions are based upon game conditions as observed by them. Spectators who display poor sportsmanship or improper behavior before, during, or after an athletic contest will be asked to leave the perimeter of the contest. Based on the circumstances, they may be barred from attending additional JNPSD contest for the remainder of the season/school year. TRANSPORTATION and OUT OF TOWN LODGING/MEALS Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Requires Members Of Athletic Teams To Use School Provided Transportation To and From ALL Games and Off Campus Practice and Game Sites.

Exceptions may be made in the following circumstances:

This exception must be approved in advance.

● Parent(s) may designate an adult to transport their athlete home after offsite practices or games with prior knowledge and consent of the team coach. ● Parent or guardian must notify the coach that the athlete has a ride home. Other team members may ride home with the adult with prior written permission from their parent or guardian. ● The responsible adult must sign the athlete out with the coach before the athlete can leave. The athlete must take care of uniform responsibilities before departing.

● On the recommendation of the team coach, the Athletic Director, the Principal or his/her designated representative, may allow an athlete to drive his/her private vehicle to a practice or home game. ● An athlete may drive other athletes from practice or game sites to home with the written permission of the parent of the athlete and parent of the riders and given to the team coach. ● When the practice or game is on a weekend or a day when school is not in session, the building administrator or the designee may approve a team coach’s recommendation to have team members arrange their own transportation to games and or practices.

When team members are required to stay in hotels overnight, the school is responsible for paying for the cost of the rooms and will pay for meals. Jacksonville North Pulaski School District will provide transportation to all AAA approved in-state tournaments and games, and may also pay for coaches and bus drivers accommodations.

JACKSONVILLE NORTH PULASKI SCHOOL DISTRICT PARENTS

I have reviewed and understand eligibility rules and I am aware that with the participation in sports comes the risk of injury to my child/ward. I understand that for the degree of danger and the seriousness of the risk varies significantly from one sport to another with contact sports carrying the highest rate. I have had an opportunity to understand the risk inherent in sports through meetings, written handouts, or some other means.

(Print Student Name)

______has (check what is applicable)

_____ student accident insurance available through the school

_____ athletic participation insurance coverage through school

_____ is insured by family policy with:

Name of Company ______

Policy Number ______Name of Policy Holder ______

I am aware that participating in sports will involve travel with the team. I acknowledge and accept the risks inherent in the sport and with the travel involved and with this knowledge in mind, grant permission for my child/ward to participate in the sport and travel with the team.

By this signature, I hereby consent to allow the physician(s) and other health care provider(s) selected by myself or the school to perform a pre-participation examination on my child and to provide treatment for any injury or condition resulting from participating in athletic activities for his/her school during the school year covered by this form. I further consent to all said physician(s) or health care provider(s) to share appropriate information concerning my child that is relevant to participation in athletics and activities with coaches and other school personnel as deemed necessary.

Additionally, I give my consent and approval for the above named student’s picture and name to be printed in JNPSD school publications, athletic program, sports publications or videos.

Student Athlete Handbook Acknowledgement

I/We hereby acknowledge that the policies outlined in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Student Athlete Handbook has been received, read, and understood. I/We agree to abide by such policies as part of the condition of being a member of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District athletic teams.

Student Name ______Grade ______

School ______

Student Signature ______Date ______

Parent/Guardian Name ______

Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______

A SEPARATE FORM IS REQUIRED FOR EACH ATHLETE

Athletic Parental Consent Form

PRINT

School Year______Grade______Sport(s) ______

Student’s Name: ______School:______

CONSENT

I/we hereby give consent to my son/daughter to participate in the above listed interscholastic sports during the above listed school year. I/we also give permission for EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT by the team physicians, school nurse, Athletic trainer, hospital, and allied medical personnel for conditions arising in athletics. I/we realize that such activity involves the potential for injury that is inherent in all sports. I/we acknowledge that even with the best coaching use of the most advanced protective equipment and strict observance of school rules, injuries are still a possibility. On rare occasions these injuries can be so severe as to result in total disability, paralysis or even death. I/we acknowledge that I/we have read and understand this warning. Further, I/we will not hold Jacksonville North Pulaski School District or its representatives responsible in any way for injuries that may occur to my son/daughter because of his/her participation in the sport(s) listed above.

Further, I/we also give permission for medical information regarding my son/daughter to be shared between the district’s physicians, nurse, athletic trainer, athletic director, and coach.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date______

MEDIA COVERAGE

I hereby grant permission for the release of videotapes, audio recordings, and photographs that could identify my child by name, to the school district and the media for the use in news stories as it pertains to my child and Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. I also grant permission for my child to be interviewed by the school district and the media as it pertains to Jacksonville North Pulaski School District sports.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date______