S T A L L I O N A T H L E T I C H A N D B O O K Rules & Regulations 2018 - 2019

2701 HODGES BOULEVARD JACKSONVILLE, FL 32224

904 223 5270 WWW. P R O V. O R G

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY The athletic program serves to reinforce Providence School’s philosophy that sound moral and spiritual values define the individual in a more significant way than academic achievement alone, and thus the athletic programs provide an integral part of the school’s overall educational experience. Its purpose is to contribute to the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of every student in a manner consistent with the school’s overall philosophy and objectives.

The athletic program strives to enhance each student’s overall educational experience by providing spirited competitions at multiple levels, by developing sportsmanship, physical fitness, and abilities, self-discipline and self-confidence, by encouraging initiative, leadership, and teamwork, and by giving each student the opportunity to learn to handle the pressure of competition and deal positively with both success and failure.

The athletic department strives to provide each participant with opportunities to perform at the highest level possible for that participant. At the same time, it is the athletic department’s mission to provide all students the opportunity to participate actively in team and individual sports at a variety of levels in ways that encourage and foster accountability, self-confidence, self-reliance, compassion, sportsmanship, leadership skills, camaraderie, and the ability to perform under pressure.

In the final analysis, the win / loss record of the various teams does not matter most; rather, the development and character of each student athlete form the foundation for a vigorous and vital athletic program.

WELCOME Dear Parents and Students:

I encourage you to review the contents of this handbook. In doing so, I hope you will realize that the opportunity to participate on a Providence School athletic team is a privilege, as well as a responsibility, and not an entitlement.

Our athletic program, I am proud to say, provides a healthy counterpoint to professional and even collegiate athletic programs today. While too many students are misled to think that material gain and excesses are the ultimate rewards of excellence in athletics, I hope our students at Providence School will come to realize a higher good – the intrinsic value of sports: camaraderie, self-discipline, team work, and selflessness, to name only a few of the values we hope our programs impart to athletes. Our athletic programs have enjoyed unparalleled success in the Jacksonville area and state, but we take greater pride in how our athletes support themselves and each other, how honorably they win or lose, and how respectful they are of their opponents’ efforts no matter what the outcome of a contest. Our coaches are most effective when they enjoy the support and confidence of athletes and their parents. We make this simple request of our student and parents, that you respect and appreciate your coaches. We are appreciative too of the support Providence School families have provided our athletic programs and our school’s aim to advance what is most important about a Providence School education – the moral development and Christian integrity of our students.

Sincerely,

Ron Pompeo Athletic Director

ATHLETIC OFFERINGS

BOYS GIRLS

Varsity Football Varsity MS Football JV Volleyball Varsity Cross Country MS Volleyball JV Cross Country Varsity Cross Country

fall Varsity Varsity Swimming Varsity Varsity Golf Varsity JV Cheerleading

MS Cheerleading

Varsity Varsity Basketball JV Basketball JV Basketball MS Basketball MS Basketball Varsity Soccer Varsity Soccer winter MS Soccer MS Soccer Cheerleading JV Cheerleading MS Cheerleading

Varsity Varsity JV Baseball MS Softball MS Baseball Varsity Varsity Tennis Varsity Track & Field spring Varsity Track & Field MS Track & Field MS Track & Field Weightlifting Varsity Lacrosse JV Lacrosse MS Lacrosse

RULES & REGULATIONS 1. Athletic Physicals In order to participate in athletics, students MUST turn in completed FHSAA Sports Forms which include a Notification of Risk / Medical Verification and Pre-Participation Medical Release form.

• The forms (EL2 Pre-participation Sports Physical and EL3 Consent and Liability Release) are available on our web-site at: www.prov.org • No student may begin any phase of the athletic program (try-outs, practices, or other activities) without these forms. • A new physical must be completed and new forms submitted for each school year. These forms will be kept on file in the athletic office.

• FHSAA AND THE NFHS Sports require each athlete to take a Course in Concussion in Sports, Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heat Illness Prevention

• Providence will show all 3 courses in Physical Education, and with their teams. We encourage parents to view the courses at home. The course is free through the NFHS

• These courses must be viewed before the student athlete begins their sports season.

• Go to www.nfhslearn.com.

Sign In to your account using email address and password you provided at time of registering for an nfhslearn.com account. If you do not have an account you must register for an account.

• Click Course at top of page

• Scroll down to the list of courses.

• Click View Course

• Click order Course

• Select Myself if the course will be completed by you.

• Click Continue and follow the on-screen prompts to finish the checkout process. Note the Course is Free

• Beginning a Course

• Go to www.nfhslearn.com.

• Sign In to your account using the email address and password you provided at the time of registration for an nfhslearn account.

• From your /dashboard click My Courses

• Click Begin Course on the course you wish to take

• You will find many courses on each sport and NCAA Recruiting policy’s

•

2. Pre-season Orientation Meeting At the beginning of each season, a meeting will be held at Providence School for coaches and athletic administrators to convey essential information to parents and students about participating in sports.

3. Selection and Participation Try-outs will be conducted at the beginning of each season with the understanding that coaches may have to limit the number of players on a team. During the course of the year, however, we have sports available that do not limit the size of their rosters, so that all interested students may participate in a sport. The following guidelines help to differentiate among the levels of interscholastic competition.

Varsity • At the Varsity level, the commitment is to field the best possible teams. • Varsity selection is based on skill and maturity of individual players. Younger athletes will be chosen if it is determined that they will experience significant playing time and contribute to the success of the team. • Playing time at the Varsity level is determined by coaching decisions made during practice and while contests are in progress.

Junior Varsity • Junior Varsity teams should be considered the transitional level between and varsity teams. • Junior Varsity teams are comprised of students in grades six through eleven. Younger players will be selected for junior varsity teams if it is deemed that their ability and maturity warrant participation at this level. • While coaches will make every effort to give all JV team members playing time, it is not guaranteed.

Middle School • Middle School teams are comprised of grades six through eight. • Middle School teams are considered introductory, and efforts will be made to include all who wish to participate with reasonable limits of practicality. • Athletes exhibiting the appropriate attendance, attitude, and work habits can expect to participate in contests, within reasonable limits of practicality. •Middle School teams are members of the IMSC (Independent Middle School Conference) with tournaments at the end of each season. 4. Safety and Athletic Training The Athletic Department strives to provide students a safe and enjoyable environment in which to participate. Consequently, coaches and administrative personnel strive to reduce potential safety hazards. It is vital to understand that participation in athletics involves inherent risk. Coaches and administrative personnel will endeavor to act in a prudent manner in order to prevent foreseeable accidents and injuries.

Providence School athletics is in a partnership with PT Solutions along with Southeast Orthopedic Specialist as our premier sports medicine provider. Through this partnership, athletes will have access to Athletic Trainer each day and at all home events.

5. Sportsmanship Providence School has a tradition of excellence in its interscholastic athletic program, but the concepts of sportsmanship and fair play far outweigh the excitement of success and the joy of victory. Good sportsmanship is expected daily in the gym, the locker room, and in the stands whether in a practice session or in the middle of a heated contest. Opposing teams, their fans, and officials will be treated as honored guests when they visit Providence School. When Providence School teams and their fans travel to other schools, they will behave in a manner demonstrating the respect a guest should show to a host. Coaches, players, students, faculty, parents, and other fans should keep in mind at all times that they represent Providence School and the standards of courtesy and sportsmanship that the school upholds. We encourage enthusiastic support of all athletic endeavors, but the degradation of the performance of opponents or officials does not reflect good sportsmanship and will not be tolerated. Both adults and students bear the responsibility of upholding high standards and representing their school with pride and courtesy as they demonstrate their spirit.

6. Social Media In our Modern, technologically-connected world, students can sometimes forget that their interactions online are both public and permanent. All expectations and rules governing student athletes’ behavior extend to the digital world, as well. Providence students must be mindful of their role as an ambassador of their team and their school in their on line behavior. With the rapidly changing technologies available to athletes, coaches, and teams, it would be impossible to have a rigid set of “rules” governing every interaction. Instead follow the principal that every interaction involving our students-athletes needs to protect the safety, privacy and dignity of everyone involved. Please also remember that emails, texts, ext. cannot convey tone, and lead to misunderstanding. Where possible, the best interaction are face-to-face.

7. FHSAA Kindness Statement Imagine a world where bullying and hazing isn’t considered a normal part of high school athletics. A world where you are not afraid to go to practice; to get on social media; to walk through your school’s hallways. Did you know that one out of every four students will be bullied this year? Chances are this is happening to someone you know and care about. Now is the time to speak out, speak up and love one another. Let’s be kind to each other and treat one another with respect. We are all Providence Stallions. We must respect all of our competitors. We are all Floridians. We are all fans. We are all human!

8. Locker Room: Providence physical education class, along with our Athletic teams share our locker rooms. Use of these locker rooms is a privilege, not a right. No one should go through another person locker and Sports Bag. Each year we have items missing from bags and lockers. Please respect your fellow athletes. Students who take advantage of this situation will be removed from the team.

9. Multi-Sport Athletes: Over the years we have had students participate on more than one Sport. AS A DEPARTMENT, WE ENCOURAGE ATHLETES TO PARTICIPATE ON MORE THAN ONE TEAM. Although our seasons overlap, there will always be an opportunity for athletes to try out for winter and spring sport at the conclusion of their fall or winter team’s season, with no penalty. Coaches of multi-season athletes will coordinate with each other to ensure that neither team’s requirements preclude full participation in the other. Student -athletes may not begin practice for a new season’s sport until after the final competition in the current season. In some rare cases, a student-athlete may be able to compete for two Providence teams in the same season. Those cases require cooperation of both teams’ coaches and a very high levels of communication between teams the athlete and family.

10 Use of Athletic Facilities/Supervision: Providence is blessed to have outstanding athletic facilities. These facilities were built for our students, and all students are encourage to take advantage of them. However, students MAY NOT under any circumstances use any of our athletic facilities without adult supervision, As a general rule, that means that students may use the gym, fitness center, etc. when accompanied by an adult with a Providence ID that allows access to those spaces. No athlete can bring an outside trainer or coach to use Providence facility without getting permission from administration.

11. Early Dismissals: Due to the number of teams we field and the number of contests in which we participate, there are numerous early dismissals for athletes throughout the school year. Providence will do our outmost to play games at night or later in the afternoon to avoid early dismissals. Athletes should be proactive in communicating with teachers regarding missed classes or any make-up work. Being irresponsible regarding early dismissals undermines the integrity of athlete, the team, and the athletic department.

The following guidelines have been established to foster and promote good sportsmanship at Providence School:

The Athlete • Treats opponents with respect. • Plays hard but plays within the rules. • Exercises self-control at all times. • Respects officials and accepts their decisions without gesture or argument. • Wins without boasting, loses without excuses, and never quits. • Sets high standards of personal conduct. • Respects the facilities of host school. • Always remembers that it is a privilege to represent the school and community.

The Coach • Treats players and opponents with respect. • Inspires in athletes a love for the game and a desire to compete fairly. • Sets a positive example for the athlete to follow. • Disciplines athletes displaying unsportsmanlike behavior. Respects the judgment and interpretation of the rules by the officials. • Understands role as a teacher with the athletic arena as the classroom.

The Spectators • Understand that they represent the school just as the players do and must therefore practice good sportsmanship. • Appreciate good performance no matter who achieves the win. • Show compassion for injured players, applaud positive performances, do not distract players, and avoid profanity and obnoxious language and behavior. • Treat opponents and officials with respect. • Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach and do not criticize coaches for loss of a game. • Respect the property of others and the authority of those who oversee the competition. • Are modest in victory and gracious in defeat.

Students should understand that by joining a team, they are accepting the benefits of participating as well as the responsibility and commitment to the team. Expectations may vary from coach to coach or from sport to sport, but Providence School has general expectations for all athletes at all levels.

The student/athlete is not required to take part in athletics as a requirement for graduation. Therefore, athletics are an honor and a privilege. Students are encouraged to participate in more than one sport but are NOT allowed to be in two sports in the same season.

6. Transportation • Athletes should ride with the team whenever traveling. • Exceptions include: Parent permission in person OR with written request AND phone contact. At the end of contest, athletes may leave with a parent if they have informed their coach. • Athletes and coaches are expected to treat buses and bus drivers with respect, and each team is responsible for cleaning up after each trip.

7. Attendance • Athletes are expected to attend all classes without being tardy. • Athletes are to call coaches if they will miss practice or a game. • Athletes are expected to attend all practices---a missed practice will result in a missed game. If sick, or injured, athletes are expected to attend practice and at least watch practice; it will count. Athletes may NOT attend if they have been suspended. • Athletes who are absent from school may not practice or play in a game that day. An absence from four or more classes is considered to be one day absent. • Athletes are expected to attend all post season banquets and/or events for each sport. Failure to attend post season activities is the same as quitting the sport while in season. • Early release athletes are responsible for work missed. It is their responsibility to get information from teachers. • Student athletes are not granted permission to be late to school due to late night activities.

8. Respect • Players can expect to be treated with respect by their coaches. • Players will exhibit respect at all times to the coaches, teachers, school personnel, to each other, and to officials. • Public displays of affection between students within the school setting or at athletic events is against school policy. • Unsportsmanlike behavior will result in some form of disciplinary action. 9. Dress and Appearance • Each student will adhere to the school’s dress code. • All athletes will wear their prescribed uniform in the correct manner. • All athletes will show pride by looking sharp all the time (no facial hair, jewelry, sideburns, beards, or mustaches). Hair should be clean, neat, and styled within the guidelines of dress code. • Travel shirts will be part of the dress code. No blue jeans are allowed.

10. Care of Equipment/Facilities • Athletes may not alter any equipment that is issued to them. • Athletes must care for all equipment assigned. • All athletic lockers must be locked and secured. • All areas in the locker room must be cleaned. • All equipment and uniforms will be turned in to the coach within five days of the last contest.

11. Open Door Policy • If athletes have problems, they may visit the coaching staff. •The athletic phone is for school business only.

12. Quitting • If any athlete quits his/her team, he will not be allowed to start any sport until the existing sport season is over. This includes post season play. • The coaches reserve the right to deny students the opportunity of trying out for the team next year. • Expulsion from the team is tantamount to quitting. All honors or awards will be denied the quitter.

13. Practices • Unexcused absences from practice will affect playing time at the coach’s discretion. • Missed practices may be made up at the coach’s discretion. • Rehabilitation of sports medicine injuries will count as practice.

14. Cancellation of Games or Practices • Cancellation of games or practices will typically be announced to the student body before the end of the school day. • Information about cancellations can be obtained by calling the athletic line at 223-5270 ext.5. • Student athletes always should come to school prepared to play or practice that afternoon or night, regardless of the weather. • Cancellation of games is determined by the home team.

15. Lines of Communication Coaches are encouraged to establish lines of communication at the beginning of the season. When problems arise, players and parents should talk to the coach first. Most concerns can be addressed at this level. If resolution does not occur, parents or students should contact the Athletic Director if more communication is necessary.

16. Non-School Participation • Athletes are discouraged from participating in dangerous, non-school sports or activities. • Missed practices due to an injury in a non-school athletic activity will not count as an excused absence. • School-sponsored athletic activities, practices, and games will take precedence over non- school athletic activities. 17. Game Participation • Athletes may be excused from a game due to sickness with a doctor’s note or with prior written approval from the coach. • Failure to show up for a game could result in dismissal from the team.

18. Academic Eligibility Providence School will follow the eligibility standard set by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Grades will be checked at the end of each semester. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be maintained to remain eligible for athletics. Being an athlete requires a student to balance his or her work load among academics, arts, and athletics. Coaches are very understanding of the school’s commitment to academic excellence, and they will take steps to ensure that students maintain their proper priorities.

19. Awards • Middle School Certificate of Participation • Junior Varsity Certificate of Participation • Varsity Awards, Lettermen Certificates and Team Awards • Varsity Award Plaque (senior year)

These awards are based on the athlete adhering to all athletic policies, participating as a team member at the varsity level for a complete season, or displaying of outstanding performance, which in the judgment of the coach, contributes markedly to the team’s success throughout the season.

20. Lettering • Participation in 60% of ALL quarters/innings during the regular season • Value to the team • Placing first, second, and third in events entered 50% of the time • Juniors and seniors may order a letter jacket if they have received two or more varsity

Eligibility Standards for Participating in FHSAA-Sponsored Athletics Good Cause Statement

Students are eligible to participate in FHSAA-sponsored athletic activities at our School as long as the student meets the standard FHSAA compliance guidelines, including completion of the physical evaluation form, execution of the liability waiver, concussion form, insurance requirements, etc. and meets the following guidelines:

1. Conduct: The student complies with the School’s code of conduct/behavioral rules. Serious violations of the conduct guidelines, such as violation of the drug and alcohol policy, bullying, hazing, harassment, theft, etc. (as determined by the School) will result in suspension or expulsion. The School will notify the student and parent if the conduct violations makes the student ineligible for continued participation in athletics. A student may also become ineligible for participation if FHSAA determines that the student violated FHSAA rules regarding sportsmanship, recruiting, receipt of impermissible benefits, etc.

2. Academic Eligibility: The student meets the minimum grade point requirement established by FHSAA. A middle/junior high student must have 2.0 GPA, or the equivalent of a 2.0 GPA based on a 4.0 scale, at the conclusion of each semester. A high school student must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, at the conclusion of each semester to be academically eligible during the next semester. Final grades previously earned by the student from another school shall not be converted using the scale. The grades from all courses required for graduation that a student takes, including those taken by the student before he/she begins high school, are included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA at the conclusion of each semester. A student who is academically eligible at the beginning of a semester will continue to be academically eligible for that entire semester. Likewise, a student who is academically ineligible at the beginning of a semester will continue to be academically ineligible for that entire semester. The student’s academic eligibility for each successive semester will depend upon his/her cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the previous semester.

3. Attendance: Students must be in attendance for a minimum of 4 academic classes a day in order to be eligible for any athletic practice or game that day regardless of the reason for the absence. Elective classes and independent period do not satisfy the 4- class requirement. Students that are sent home by the nurse’s office are prohibited from participating in after school athletics regardless of the number of classes attended that day. Athletes are not permitted sit and watch on the sidelines if the above criteria are not met. Students must also meet the attendance requirements for the sport in question as established by the coach.

4. Age Limits of Eligibility: A student is limited to four consecutive school years of eligibility beginning with the school year he/she begins ninth grade for the first time. This does not imply that the student has four years of participation. After four consecutive school years, the student is permanently ineligible. A 6th, 7th or 8th grade student may participate only one year in each grade level. A 6th, 7th or 8th grade student who repeats a grade will not be eligible during the grade being repeated. A student may participate at the high school level until the day he/she reaches the age of 19 years 9 months if the student has not exceeded his/her four-year limit of eligibility. The student becomes permanently ineligible at the high school level on the day he/she reaches the age of 19 years 9 months. Beginning with students entering grade 9 in 2014-15, and thereafter, a student who reaches the age of 19 on or after September 1st, and who has not exceeded his/her four-year limit of eligibility, may participate in interscholastic athletics during that school year. There are a few circumstances in which the student may ask that the School seek a waiver of an ineligibility status. For example, a student who had to repeat a high school grade after entering 9th grade due to an injury that rendered the student incapable of attending school may be able to seek a waiver due to the hardship caused by a medical condition. In addition, a student who has reached the age limitation may be able to seek a waiver, depending on the reasons why the student started high school late or had to repeat a grade. However, there are very specific rules that apply in order for the student or school to be successful in such waiver requests that will need to be discussed with the Athletic Director as early as possible and well before the start of the sport in which the student desires to participate.

5. Transfer Students: A student who was ineligible to participate at his/her prior school during the same school year will not be eligible to participate at our School during the same period that the student was ineligible at the prior school. If a student at his/her previous school participated on a non-school team (AAU, American Legion, club, etc.), which is affiliated with/coached by a coach from our School, we will need to determine the student’s eligibility under FHSAA Rules. A student who transfers to our School after the beginning of the school year may not participate in a sport if the student participated in the same sport at another school in the same school year unless the student meets one of the following good cause exceptions:

A. If the student moves to a new residence due to a move by the student and the parent/legal guardian with whom the student was previously living that makes it necessary for the student to attend a different school. This exception includes such situations as where the student’s parent with whom the student lives is active military and is required to move to a new location B. If a student moves to a new residence due to a court-ordered change in custody that requires the student to change schools.

C. If a student moves to a new residence due to a change in foster care placement.

D. If the student transfers to our School within the first twenty days of the school year, the student meets the academic eligibility guidelines, provides a current transcript, and eligibility is not otherwise inconsistent with FHSAA guidelines.

E. If the student transfers for reasons that may constitute an undue hardship under FHSAA guidelines

1. Our Mission: In pursuit of academic distinction for all students, Providence School, in partnership with home and church, is committed to disciple students to boldly model Christ-likeness, pursue excellence, and become servant leaders who courageously transform the culture for the glory of God and country.

2. Providence is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school with a vision to offer an exemplary, education in a Christian environment. A byproduct of the excellence of our students, parents and teachers is a strong Christian community that glorifies Christ.

3. At Providence, high test scores are just one of the ways we define academic excellence. As a college-preparatory school, high value is placed on providing each student with a strong foundation for college. Historically, one hundred percent of our students are accepted to college with our senior class being offered millions of dollars in college scholarships.

4. Our goal is to prepare students with the skills needed to become productive and responsible citizens in the twenty-first century. We want students to realize that God’s ultimate purpose for man is to develop each individual to his/her fullest capacity physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

5. We hope to instill an awareness and appreciation of intellectual, aesthetic and moral excellence. The environment will include well developed programs in the areas of college preparatory academics, fine arts, and athletics. Students will have opportunities to seek and to discover God’s will. (Romans 12:11; II Timothy 2:15; Deuteronomy 26:17)

Good Cause Transfer with Athletic Eligibility Policy

Students who transfer to Providence School during the school year must go through an athletic eligibility review. A committee comprised of the Head Master, Principal, Men or Women’s Dean, Admissions Director and Athletic Director will determine the student’s athletic eligibility based upon good cause authority. A recommendation will be made by the committee regarding the student’s athletic eligibility. The final decision will be made by the Head Master and is not subject to review. ATHLETIC STUDENT TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY 9.3.1 Transfer occurs when a student makes any change in schools after he/she establishes residency at a school each year. 9.3.2 Transfer Eligibility. A student who transfers from one school to another during the school year may seek to immediately join an existing team if the roster for the specific interscholastic or intrascholastic extracurricular activity has not reached that activity’s identified maximum size, provided the coach for the activity determines that the student has the requisite skills and ability to participate. The student may not be declared ineligible because the student did not have the opportunity to comply with qualifying requirements or provided the students qualifies under one of the following: 9.3.2.1 Transfer after Starting a Sport. A student may not participate in a sport if the student participated in that same sport at another school during that school year, unless the student meets one of the following criteria. a. Dependent children of active duty military personnel whose move resulted from military orders. b. Children who have been relocated due to foster care placement in different school zone. c. Children who move due to court-ordered change in custody due to separation or divorce, or the serious illness or death of custodial parent. d. Authorized for good cause in district, private or charter school board policy

ATHLETIC CONTRACT

I understand that in order to be eligible to participate in any athletic sport at Providence School, I must abide by all of the policies and procedures that have been outlined for me in the Providence School Athletic Handbook. The undersigned do hereby give Providence School, its assigns, licensees and legal representative the irrevocable right to use their name (or fictional name), picture, portrait, or photograph in all forms and media and in all manners, including composite or distorted representations, for advertising, trade or any other lawful purpose, and waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written copy, that may be created in connection therewith.

I, ______(parent/guardian) have read each of the attached policies and procedures for the Providence Athletic Program. My son/daughter ______has read and understands these policies and procedures. He/she does understand the consequences of non- compliance and will adhere to all Providence School athletic and school rules.

Athlete Name (printed): ______Sport:______

Athlete Signature: x______Date: ______

Parent/Guardian Signature: x______Date: ______

* Please make a copy to retain for your own records *