Student Activities Handbook Loudoun County Public Schools 2019–2020 Sumser Photography www.sumserphotography.com [email protected] All Photos by: Social Media: @SumserPhotos Chas Sumser Ph: 703-969-0281 Dr. Eric Williams Derek Farrey Division Superintendent Supervisor of Athletics Jerry Carter Kate Cassidy Briar Woods High School Loudoun County High School Athletic Director Athletic Director Ryan Young Kris Kelican Broad Run High School Loudoun Valley High School Athletic Director Athletic Director Dwayne Peters Jason Testerman Dominion High School Park View High School Athletic Director Athletic Director Brad Bauder Mike Sipe Freedom High School Potomac Falls High School Athletic Director Athletic Director James Totaro Matt Oblas Heritage High School Riverside High School Athletic Director Athletic Director Ryan Rogers Pat McNanley Independence High School Rock Ridge High School Athletic Director Athletic Director Joseph Breinig, Jr. Joan Windows John Champe High School Stone Bridge High School Athletic Director Athletic Director TBD Tony Tallent Lightridge High School Tuscarora High School Athletic Director Athletic Director Rusty Lowery Woodgrove High School Athletic Director LCPS Student Activities Handbook 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................6 A. To the Parent ....................................................................................................................................6 1. Philosophy of Freshman and Junior Varsity Athletics ................................................................ 7 2. Philosophy of Varsity Athletics ....................................................................................................7 3. LCPS Athletic Mission Statement and Objectives .......................................................................7 4. Special Permission & HS Athletic Eligibility .................................................................................8 5. VHSL Transfer Rule ......................................................................................................................8 6. Guidelines for Parents ................................................................................................................9 7. Parent-Coach Relationship ........................................................................................................10 B. To the Athlete .................................................................................................................................10 C. Additional Athletic Goals ................................................................................................................12 II. GOVERNANCES ...............................................................................................................................12 A. The Virginia High School League .....................................................................................................12 B. The National Federation of State High School Associations ...........................................................12 C. The Athletic District/Conference ....................................................................................................13 III. REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION ....................................................................................13 A. Physical Examination ......................................................................................................................13 B. Emergency Medical Authorization..................................................................................................13 C. Parental Acknowledgement of Athletic and Training Rules ............................................................13 D. Insurance ........................................................................................................................................14 E. LCPS Concussion Guidelines for Parents and Athletes ....................................................................14 F. Risk of Participation ........................................................................................................................14 G. Financial Obligations and Equipment .............................................................................................14 H. Eligibility of Athletes .......................................................................................................................15 I. Official Start Dates for Tryouts ........................................................................................................17 IV. ATHLETIC CODES OF CONDUCT ...............................................................................................17 A. Conduct of Athletes ........................................................................................................................17 B. Hazing .............................................................................................................................................17 C. Individual Coaches’ Rules ...............................................................................................................18 D. Disciplinary Report during the Sport Season ..................................................................................18 V. BASIC ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES ...........................................................................20 A. Participation ...................................................................................................................................20 B. Equipment ......................................................................................................................................20 C. Attendance/Missing Practice and/or Game ....................................................................................20 D. Conflicts with Extracurricular Activities ..........................................................................................20 E. Vacation Policy ................................................................................................................................21 F. Designated Non-Practice and/or Non-Play Dates ...........................................................................21 G. Travel for Athletic Events ................................................................................................................21 4 LCPS Student Activities Handbook H. College Recruitment Policy .............................................................................................................22 I. Release from Class ..........................................................................................................................22 J. Grooming and Dress Policy .............................................................................................................22 K. Squad Selection and Cutting Policies ..............................................................................................22 L. Promotion to Varsity Squad ............................................................................................................24 M. Reporting an Injury .........................................................................................................................24 N. Skin Infections ................................................................................................................................24 O. Energy Drinks/Supplements ...........................................................................................................25 P. Emergency Medications .................................................................................................................26 Q. Oxygen Use in Emergency Situations .............................................................................................26 R. Use of Electrical Modalities ............................................................................................................26 S. Lightning Guidelines .......................................................................................................................27 T. Concussion Guidelines ....................................................................................................................27 U. Weather Guidelines for Extreme Heat or Cold ...............................................................................27 V. Locker Room Regulations ...............................................................................................................27 W. Weight Room Regulations ..............................................................................................................28 VI. ATHLETIC AWARDS POLICY .......................................................................................................28 A. Varsity Letter Requirements ...........................................................................................................28 B. Lettering Criteria That Pertain to All Sports ....................................................................................29 C. Specific Criteria in Meeting the Requirements for a Letter ............................................................29 D. Team/Individual Sports ...................................................................................................................29 E. Special Situations ............................................................................................................................31