Athletic Handbook for Coaches, Students, and Parents. Magrath Jr/Sr High School Administrators Mr. Brad Sabey, Principal Mr. Ryan Blackmore, Vice Principal, Girls Athletic Director Mr. Russ Sommerfeldt, Vice Principal, Boys Athletic Director School Phone: (403) 758-3366 Website: https://mhs.westwind.ab.ca ​ Twitter: @MagrathHigh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magrathhigh ​ School Team names: Boys: Zeniths Girls: Pandas School Colors: Blue and Gold The Magrath Jr/Sr High School Athletic Handbook for Parents, Students, and Coaches, contains policy of the athletic department, school, and school division, SAIAC, and ASAA. The purpose of this handbook is to educate and answer questions that parents, students, and coaches may have regarding athletics. Mission Statement The mission of Magrath Jr/Sr High School’s Athletic Program is to create an educational and competitive experience, within an atmosphere of sportsmanship. We strive to develop and realize individual and team potential by promoting high standards of competence, character, civility, and citizenship. Athletics play an important part in the life of Magrath Jr/Sr High. Young people learn a great deal from participation in interscholastic athletics. Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition, and how to win and lose gracefully are integral parts of our athletic program. Athletic competition also improves school spirit and helps students develop pride in their school. The Athletic Department believes the opportunity for participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the sport, to other students, to the community, and the athletes themselves. These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to achieve maximum benefit from his or her education. Magrath Jr/Sr High athletics are considered a supplement to the school's academic program, which strives to provide experiences that will help to develop students physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with ASAA regulations, SAIAC bylaws, existing Westwind Board of Education policies, Magrath Jr/Sr High School rules, and ​ Magrath Jr/Sr High Athletic Department procedures. The development of well-rounded athletes is a challenging and often serious commitment. Every practice or game competition is a teaching and learning opportunity. Athletics teach students to manage time, school, sports, and social events. Athletics show students the reality of life through disappointments and accomplishments. Athletics instill a sense of responsibility for the student's actions and a commitment of being counted on when needed. While the Athletic Department takes 1 great pride in winning, it does not condone "winning at any cost” and discourages any and all ​ ​ pressures, which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship, and or mental, and or physical health. CODE OF CONDUCT All schools in the Westwind School Division are members of the ASAA and therefore must/will abide by all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures established by that organization. No policy of Magrath Jr/Sr High or Westwind School District is meant to, or can, change or replace any ASAA policies. The Magrath Jr/Sr High Athletic Code of Conduct has been designed to ensure equity, due process, and consistency in disciplining our student-athletes. Although misconduct is usually limited to a small ​ ​ percentage of student-athletes on any one team, the aim of the coach is to promote self-discipline in each athlete. The student-athlete who practices self-discipline will be least affected by this policy. The Athletic Director is responsible for enforcing the discipline policy in a manner that is consistent, fair, and firm, treating each case on an individual basis and taking into consideration the overall school record of the student-athlete. MHS Admin may also be involved in some decisions Athletic Code As an athlete, I understand that it is my responsibility to: Place academic achievement as the Maintain a high level of safety awareness. highest priority. This includes attending Respect all equipment and use it safely and all classes and arriving to class on time. appropriately. Show respect for teammates, Refrain from the use of profanity, vulgarity and opponents, officials, and coaches. other offensive language (racist/religious) and gestures. Not be involved in any form of hazing. Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, vapes, illegal and non-prescriptive drugs, anabolic steroids, or any illegal substance for any reason. Respect the integrity and judgment of Know and follow all ASAA, SAIAC, and school game officials. Adhere to the athletic rules and regulations as they pertain to established rules and standards of the eligibility and sports participation. game to be played. 2 Exhibit fair play, sportsmanship and Win with character, lose with dignity. proper conduct on and off the playing field. RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ATHLETE 1. The athlete is a student first. School responsibilities override any team obligations. ​ ​ ​ 2. The team's goals, welfare, and success must come before any individual. 3. An athlete needs to attend practice sessions during the scheduled dates and times. 4. Players must be receptive to coaching. 5. Team members are responsible for all issued uniforms and equipment. 6. Must agree to and follow the team and school rules. 7. Remember that athletes represent themselves, the coaching staff, and school. ​ ​ RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COACH 1. Develop an atmosphere during practices and games that are inclusive, safe, caring, and supportive of all athletes. 2. The selection of the squad. 3. The determination of the style of play. 4. The teaching and instruction at practice sessions. 5. The determination of when and how long an athlete plays in a contest. 6. The decision of whom plays in what position. 7. The establishing of team rules. 8. The selection of team captain. 9. Understand that each junior high coach will only be able to coach the same group of kids for two years in a row. 10. Take and pass the Concussion Protocol assessment. 3 Sportsmanship Code Magrath Jr/Sr High will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct by ANY ​ of its’ participants, including spectators, parents, coaches, athletes, or students. If a spectator, parent or student is observed acting inappropriately, the administration expects it to be stopped. If it is not stopped, that spectator may be asked to leave by an official, school personnel, administrator, or police officer. If the person resists leaving, the police will be called and he/she will be charged accordingly. That spectator may forfeit his/her privilege of attending future contests – either home or away. If removed from a game, the spectator MAY have an opportunity to meet with school administration to try to resolve the issue. If the spectator shows up at future contests without resolving the issue, he/she may be charged with trespassing. At Magrath Jr./Sr. High School we expect all spectators adhere to Westwind School Division’s Spectator Code of Conduct (Shown Below) 4 Rally around good sportsmanship If an athlete acts inappropriately (see guidelines presented in the Athlete’s Code), the coach is expected to take disciplinary action. This may include suspension for the remainder of the game or longer. Consequences for such behavior should be outlined in team rules and expectations and discussed prior to the competitive season. If a coach acts inappropriately (see guidelines presented in the Coaches Code of Conduct), the coach will be dealt with by the Administrator. Consequences may range from verbal reprimand to written reprimand, suspension, or dismissal. Coaches are expected to set strong positive examples and ​ model expected behavior at all times!! The Fundamentals of Sportsmanship Expectations of Players, Coaches, Parents, and Spectators: ​ Game attendance is a privilege, not Become aware of the purpose of the a license to verbally assault others league and rules to keep winning in or to be obnoxious, rude or its proper place. demeaning to others. Respect decisions made by contest Respect fans, coaches, all officials, officials. and participants. Be a role model by positively Recognize outstanding supporting teams in every manner performances from both teams possible, including the content of and/or all individuals. cheers and signs. Suggested Positive Unacceptable Behaviour Behaviour of Players, of Players, Parents, and Parents, and Spectators: Spectators: ​ Applaud during the introduction of players, Yelling, taunting, trash talk, negative chanting or coaches, and officials. gestures toward opponents. Accept all decisions by officials. Booing or heckling a coach’s or an official’s decision. 5 Handshakes between participants and coaches Criticizing officials or coaches in any way; at the end of the contest, regardless of the displays of temper with an official’s or coaches outcome. call. Treat competition as a game, not a war. Refusing to shake hands or to give recognition for good performances. Search out opposing participants to recognize Blaming the loss of the game on officials, coaches them for outstanding performance or coaching. or participants. Applaud at the end of the contest for Laughing or name-calling to distract an opponent. performances of all participants. Demonstrate concern for an injured player, Using profanity or displays of anger that draws regardless of school. attention away from