ATHLETIC AND CO-CURRICULAR Policy Statement

ATHLETICS PROGRAM

PURPOSE
The primary purpose of the athletic program at HADLEY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL is to promote the physical, mental, social, emotional and moral well being of the participants. It is hoped that athletics will be a positive force in preparing youth for an enriching and active life.

The athletic program is an important and integral part of the total school environment and is open to all students. Through voluntary participation, the athlete gives time, energy and loyalty to the program. He/she also accepts the training rules, regulations and responsibilities that are unique to an athletic program. As the role of the athlete demands that he/she make sacrifices not required by others, in order to contribute to the welfare of the team, that athlete must willingly assume these obligations: success is a choice.

ATHLETIC POLICY
HADLEY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL athletic activities are the direct responsibility of the school and its administration. The administration of the program is delegated to the principal and, through him/her, to the staff.

The Supervisor of Athletics is responsible for initial implementation of the athletic program, and, in turn, the coaches are responsible for its daily implementation.

The philosophy of athletics at HADLEY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL is:

  1. to develop wholesome attitudes toward the school program, teams, participants and officials;
  2. to develop the qualities of loyalty, responsibility, cooperation, citizenship, leadership and sportsmanship;
  3. to compete successfully in a sportsmanlike manner;
  4. and to encourage the growth of the moral, healthy, self-disciplined individual.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
All student-athletes are required to remain in good academic standing in all classes. If student-athletes are not in good academic standing they may be suspended from any extra-curricular activity until they regain good standing.

BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDE
If a student is suspended or is in violation of school rules - they can be suspended immediately from all extra-curricular activities. The Hadley School Code of Conduct, included in this document, is a guide for all students. If a student continues to choose not to adhere to the rules of conduct in the school, the Principal will inform the student and his/her parent/guardian that the student will be removed from all extra-curricular activities for the rest of that school year.

SPORTS CODE OF ETHICS
All students should:

  • remain in good academic standing in every course
  • represent their school and team with the highest standards of proper behavior and conduct
  • respect the integrity and personality of teammates, opponents and coaches.
  • abide by the rules of the game with modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
  • respect the decisions and judgment of officials.
  • refrain from using obscenities and profanities.
  • strive for maximum achievement in scholastic and athletic competition.
  • practice good health habits.
  • demonstrate good sportsmanship in both winning and losing.
  • abstain from use of unhealthy and illegal substances.

ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

  1. Athletes will be provided with uniforms and individual and team equipment of the highest quality possible. Athletes are requested to observe all team regulations posted regarding the use and care of this equipment. We take pride in the facilities provided for all sports and request that the athletes help in maintaining these facilities so that they are kept in the best possible condition. Athletes are responsible for showing respect for all facilities and equipment at other schools as well.
  2. Care of equipment - all athletes are responsible for all equipment and uniforms that are issued to them. If an athlete does not return all equipment and uniforms, he/she must pay for them. If they are not paid for, that athlete will not be given a uniform for his/her next season, and may not be permitted to participate in other co-curricular activities.

DISQUALIFICATION
An athlete who displays un-sportsmanlike flagrant misconduct, physical or verbal, will be disqualified from upcoming regularly scheduled games/meets be it varsity or intramural sports.

Disqualification from a game or event is a judgment call by the official and the decision is final and may not be appealed.

A disqualified player may not be present at any contest in that sport during the period of disqualification (not to be present in the locker room, on the bus, on the sidelines or in the stands/bleachers before, during or after the game.)

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

  1. Student athletes involved in a disciplinary action from the main office (i.e. detention, internal suspension, or external suspension) will not be allowed to practice or participate in any event during the time period of the disciplinary action.
  2. Basic disciplinary action within the context of a team will be at the discretion of the team's coach. Infractions may include missed practices, poor attitude, etc. Consequences of these actions may be suspension of a player for a series of games and/or practices.
  3. Standard disciplinary procedures regarding repetitive problems at the team level or beyond the scope of the team, which may include academic standing or behavioural issues will result in the following:
    1. A formal letter of warning from the Athletic Supervisor.
    2. A second letter and a minimum one game suspension.
    3. A final letter informing the athlete of his/her suspension/expulsion from the team. Should an athlete who has been expelled from a team wish to participate in other varsity sports a reinstatement meeting will be required. Such a meeting must include the athlete, the athlete's parent or guardian, the Athletic Supervisor and the school's administration.
  4. Athletic awards (letters, certificates, etc.) will not be withheld as disciplinary action. If a student is kept on a squad for the season and completes award requirements, the award will be presented. Any exception to this must be jointly agreed upon by the head coach, Supervisor of Athletics, and Principal.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY - Athletics/Co-curricular Activities
Any student who participates in an interscholastic athletic program and/or a co-curricular activity must comply with the following substance abuse policy:

  1. Use of alcohol, or any illegal drug, will lead to immediate expulsion from the team or co curricular activity for that particular season. This expulsion may carry over to the following athletic season depending of the severity of the infraction.
  2. Use of tobacco (smoking or chewing) may lead to a two game/scrimmage/practice suspension for the first offense and possible expulsion for the second offense. This expulsion does not carry over to the following athletic season. Suspension for the next co-curricular event will occur on their first offense and immediate expulsion for the second offense.

UN-SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Un-sportsmanlike conduct shall include but not be limited to the following:

  1. Any person (athletic department, staff member, student athlete or a fan or spectator associated with a member school) who strikes or physically abuses an official, opposing coach, player, or spectator;
  2. Any person (athletic department, staff member, student athlete or a fan or spectator associated with a member school) who intentionally incites participants or spectators to violent or abusive action; and
  3. Any person (athletic department, staff member, student athlete or fan or spectator associated with a member school) who uses obscene language or action towards officials, opponents or spectators.

Un-sportsmanlike conduct shall subject the individual to disciplinary action to be decided by the school's administration.

SPORTSMANSHIP
Sportsmanship is the ability to accept winning and losing graciously. It is the ability to know that life is made up of both successes and failures and to know that we must be able to deal with both.

Sportsmanship is the attitude which projects the opponent as an equal, not an enemy. Your rival is worthy of your respect and admiration.

Sportsmanship is the ability to recognize the talents and abilities of others, even when it means accepting the fact that someone else is more proficient than we are.

Sportsmanship is the courage it takes to play the game within the rules. It is the ability to accept the decision of the officials and the coach without demonstrating inappropriate behavior.

Sportsmanship allows the individual to be able to offer his/her hand in defeat in order to congratulate the opponent. Thus, take your responsibility to be a good sport in a serious manner.

THE VALUE OF ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION
There have been many studies which demonstrate the value of athletic participation. These studies reflect the fact that the students who participate in high school athletic activities usually achieve higher marks than students who did not participate.

Studies also show that students who participated in activities attended school on a more regular basis than non-participating students. The attendance of student-athletes during their particular sports season was found to be better than the attendance of students not involved in an activity.

In addition, numerous studies have shown that students involved in high school athletics are staying in school at a much higher rate than non-participating students. The non-participating drop-out rate is much higher than the participant drop-out rate.

Taking into account the participating students' higher grades, improved attendance and greater commitment to staying in school, one can see the value of athletic participation during the high school years.

GET INVOLVED IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
STAY INVOLVED IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS