Sturgis High School Student/Parent Athletic Handbook Department of Athletics 216 Vinewood Sturgis, MI 49091 Phone (269) 659-1535 Fax(269) 659-1556 www.sturgisps.org INDEX Section One: General Information . Page 3 1 Philosophy 2 Statement of Non-Discrimination 3 Governances 4 Offerings of Athletic Activities 5 Parent Commitment 6 Student-Athlete Commitment 7 Behavior and Sportsmanship Expectations of All Persons Section Two: Communication / Resolution of Conflict . Page 4 Section Three: Insurance . Page 5 Section Four: Requirements for Participation . Page 5 1 Physical Examination 2 Emergency Medical Authorization 3 Parental Acknowledgement of Athletic Policies 4 Participation Fee 5 MHSAA Eligibility 6 Local Scholastic Eligibility 7 Risk of Participation 8 Sports Medicine/Athletic Training Section Five: Athletic Department Procedures and Rules . Page 7 1 Dual Participation 2 Dropping or Transferring Sports 3 Equipment 4 Internet Policy 5 Season Defined 6 Travel 7 College Recruitment Policy 8 Conflicts with Other Than Athletic Co-Curricular Activities 9 School Attendance 10 Grooming and Dress 11 Vacations 12 Team Selection 13 Reporting an Injury 14 Locker Room Regulations 15 Weight Room Regulations 16 Athletic Awards 17 Athletic Code of Conduct 1 Sturgis Public Schools Mission Statement The mission of the Sturgis Public Schools, in partnership with parents and community, is to ensure each student has the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for a successful transition to the next educational stage and that will ultimately lead to a productive and satisfying life. Sturgis High School Mission Statement Believing that all students can learn and be successful, the staff of Sturgis High School accepts the responsibility of continuing to create and teach an effective, broad based curriculum, in order that students may become responsible and productive citizens. The staff will foster a desire for learning and, with community and parental support, will provide the opportunity and environment to challenge students to reach their potential. Sturgis High School Vision Statement As the faculty and staff of Sturgis High School, we believe all students deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and to know they will be provided with every opportunity to reach their full potential. They deserve to be treated fairly in a safe, clean, and nurturing learning environment by competent, caring and compassionate adults who are concerned with meeting the emotional and academic needs of all students. Students deserve to know that we have high expectations for each of them, as students and as humans, and they will be provided with a well-rounded offering of curricular and extra- curricular opportunities that celebrate student success and help them in achieving their goals. All will be provided with access to technology that advances their learning experience and exposes them to relevant, real-world experiences. As a caring community, we believe it is our job to provide all students with a quality educational experience that promotes a passion for learning, self-confidence in students’ abilities, and equal and consistent treatment. They should be exposed to a rigorous and relevant curriculum, knowing and mastering the content expectations at every level. It is our responsibility to challenge all students to remain life-long learners who will become responsible adults, strong leaders and productive citizens. Sturgis High School Student Vision Statement As the students of Sturgis High School, we believe all students, regardless of our areas of interest, deserve a learning environment that embraces our unique qualities and pushes us to reach our full potential. We desire a safe and exciting atmosphere-one where we are encouraged, respected, and equipped to think independently. Students deserve the resources and technology available to pursue our areas of study with exposure to relevant, real-world experiences that will prepare us for life after high school. It is also of great importance for the staff and students to have an open line of communication. Students should feel comfortable in knowing that the staff cares about our success and well-being. Ultimately, we believe that school should not only be a place of intellectual growth, but also a place where we can cultivate social skills and develop stronger character. 2 Section One: General Information 1.Philosophy of Programs . VARSITY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY Varsity competition is the culmination of each athletic program. These teams are composed of the most skilled, dedicated members of the program, regardless of grade level. Seniors are not guaranteed a position on a varsity team. Participation on a varsity program one year does not guarantee a spot the following year. Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effecting and meaningful practice and to play the contest. It is vital that each team member has a role and is informed of its importance. The number of roster positions is relative to the students’ acceptance of their individual roles in pursuit of the team’s goals. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a six-day-a-week commitment. This commitment is extended into vacation periods for all sports seasons. The varsity coach is the leader of that sport’s program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program. The communication among the freshman, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the head varsity coach. Preparing to win, striving for victory in each contest with the realm of good sportsmanship and fair play, while working together to reach the group’s and each individual’s maximum potential are worthy goals of a varsity level team. JUNIOR VARSITY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY The junior varsity level is intended for those who display the potential for continued development into productive varsity level performers. In certain situations, juniors who are expected to make future contributions at the varsity level will be considered for junior varsity participation. Also, freshmen may be included on a junior varsity roster. The junior varsity team can be comprised of freshmen, sophomores and juniors for teams that make cuts. On teams that don’t cut and have unlimited participation in events, for instance, cross-country, tennis and track, seniors can compete on JV teams. Athletes are expected to have committed themselves to the program. To this end, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and strategies of team play in addition to socio-emotional development. Junior varsity programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for victory. The outcome of the contest becomes a consideration at this level. The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team player. A specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the six-day-a-week commitment this is expected at the varsity level. Practice sessions are sometimes scheduled during school vacation periods. Since the goal of becoming a varsity athlete is clearly in sight, a high level of dedication and commitment is expected at the junior varsity level. FRESHMAN PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY Freshman programs help students make the transition from modified to high school athletics. We will try to maintain larger squads to encourage participation. At this level athletes are expected to make a five-day-a-week commitment. Although it is not common, games and practices can occur on a weekend or holiday. The emphasis is on skill development while becoming a competitive team. It is the goal of each freshman coach to give all players an opportunity to gain game-type experience. However, practice, attendance, attitude, and participation at practice can affect this goal. 2. Statement of Non-Discrimination . 3. Governances . The Board of Education is the ruling agency for athletic activities at Sturgis High School. Sturgis Public Schools is a voluntary member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). The MHSAA provides rules and regulations that ensure equity in competition for student athletes in a balance with other educational programs. Sturgis High School is also a voluntary member of the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference (SMAC). The value of membership in the SMAC is the arranging of schedules, equalizing of competition, conducting of league meets, declaring division or league champions and generally promoting quality programs of and for member schools through the establishment of conference standards and goals. 3 4. Offerings of Athletic Activities . Sturgis High School provides interscholastic athletic opportunities for both men and women in the following sports: WOMEN MEN Basketball Soccer Baseball Swimming Bowling Softball Basketball Tennis Competitive Cheer Swimming Bowling Track & Field Cross Country Tennis Cross Country Wrestling Golf Track & Field Football Gymnastics Volleyball Golf Sideline Cheer Soccer 5. Parent Commitment . Information contained in this document is presented to you as your son and/or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics. Your interest in this phase of school life is encouraged. It can be very difficult to be a parent of a student athlete. There may be times of frustration for both your child and you as a parent. Frustrations could be caused by a variety of reasons ranging from injury, coaching decisions or unmet expectations. If you wish to speak with a coach about a concern, please use established lines of communication outlined in Section Two of this document. By doing so, the likelihood of a resolution of concerns in a positive manner is enhanced. A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice that requires self-discipline.