I. Statement of Philosophy

U.S.D. 434 Junior High Schools believe activities are an important part of the development of the student. The ultimate goals of the athletic program will be: 1) To realize the value of participation without overemphasizing the importance of winning 2) to develop and improve positive citizenship.

The athletic program is an opportunity to provide experiences to develop habits and attitudes that will prepare students to succeed.

Athletics enable young people to learn lessons in leadership, teamwork, self-discipline, competition and the ability to win and lose with honor and dignity. Athletic competition instills school pride.

The athletic programs will align and conform to the educational objectives. At no time will the program place total educational curriculum as a secondary

emphasis. Athletic programs will strive for the development of a well- rounded individual with the ability to function and thrive in our society.

Athletic participation is a privilege that has many responsibilities to the school, activity, student body, community and the student themselves. A student should take seriously the decision to participate in school-sponsored activities by dedicating time and energy to be successful.

The athletic programs shall be conducted in accordance with Board of Education policies and regulations. While great pride will be taken in winning, "winning at all cost will not be condoned". Any and all pressures which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship and good mental health will be discouraged. At all times programs must be conducted in such a way so as to justify it as an educational activity.

Every effort will be made to support athletics with the best facilities, equipment, and with the most qualified staff available.

II. Objectives of Participation

To provide a positive image of school athletics. To strive for playing excellence that will produce winning teams within the bounds of good sportsmanship and mental well being of the student athlete.

To provide opportunities that will serve as a laboratory where students may cope with challenges and handle situations similar to those encountered in life. The laboratory provides adequate and natural opportunities for:

1. Physical, mental, and emotional growth and development.

1. 2. Acquisition and development of special skills in sports of each student's choice.

   3. Team play with the development of loyalty, cooperation, and fair play.

   4. Directed leadership and supervision that stresses self-discipline, self-motivation, excellence, and the ideals of good sportsmanship that make for winning and losing graciously.

   5. A focus of interest on activity programs for student body, faculty, and community that will generate a feeling of unity.

   6. Achievement of goals as set by the school and the student.

   7. Worthwhile use of leisure time in later life, either as a participant or spectator.

   8. Participation by the most skilled will enable these individuals to expand possibilities for future vocational pursuit.

   9. Provide opportunity for a student to experience success.

   10. Create a desire to succeed and excel.

   11. Develop high ideals of fairness in all human relationships.

   12. Practice self-discipline and emotional maturity in learning to make decisions under pressure.

   13. Be socially-competent and operate within a set of rules, thus gaining a respect for the rights of others.

   14. The value of athletics in a balanced educational process.

   15. Hazing in any form will not be tolerated.

   1. "Hazing" means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in connection with others, against a student and related to pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization or activities group which are affiliated with USD 434.   Activities that promote humiliating, intimidating or demeaning of a student or endangering the mental or physical health of the student shall be considered hazing and subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the discipline code. As well as subject to dismissal from any activity program.

III. General Policy Statements

The operation and administration of the Junior High School Interscholastic Athletic Programs will comply with the rules, regulations, and policies of the Kansas State High School Activities Association and the Board of Education.

The rules and regulations adopted in this Athletic Policies Handbook will be enforced by all administrative staff (Principal, Associate Principal, and the Athletic Director).

The Superintendent and Principal can affect changes in the rules, policies, and regulations for athletics with the approval of the Board of Education when necessary. Building administrators must be well acquainted with these policies so that programs are administered reasonably within consistent guidelines.

In athletics, as well as other areas, personnel problems must be met in similar ways as all other personnel problems. The principal and the administrative staff must provide supervision, counseling and guidance and finally, evaluation of personnel as ways to deal with personnel problems in athletics.

All coaches must meet KSHSAA requirements and volunteers cannot be used as in accordance with KSHSAA rules.

Coaches assigned to interscholastic athletics are expected to be on duty when needed for the maximum benefit to the program. Athletes should be supervised

at all times at practice. The coach is responsible for proper supervision of locker and dressing rooms and for leaving the rooms in good condition at the end of practice.

IV. Undue Influences for Participation

A. It shall be the philosophy of the Junior High school athletic department that athletes shall enjoy as many sports seasons as the student athlete and their parents wish them to participate in without influence from any coach to specialize in one sport. All coaches encourage participation in other sports.

B. Once the season has started no one shall change sports without the consent of each coach involved.

C. No athlete who is dropped from one squad for disciplinary reasons shall be eligible to compete in another sport for that particular season.

D. No athlete may start another sport until the previous one has been completed. This includes all uniforms, equipment and obligations to previous season checked in and completed. Failure to complete obligations prior to the start of the next season may result in detention, financial penalty, restriction from practice and participation.

E. Students may participate in two sports during one season, with approval from the coaches of both sports.

V. Release From Class

A. All interscholastic athletic contests will be scheduled so those students miss a minimum number of classes for travel to away games.

B. Head coaches will make arrangements with the athletic director to have students excused from class because of travel requirements only when absolutely necessary.

C. All work shall be made up according to school policy.

D. All coaches shall submit to the athletic director and staff a list of all squad members, managers, etc., to be excused.

E. Dismissal time for participation in activities:

1. The team should be dismissed from class fifteen minutes prior to departure.
2. At home events, a maximum of one hour shall be allowed for preparation and warm-up before starting time of the event. If additional time is needed, the athletic director must approve it.

F. The school will continue to develop and, if possible, improve on developing athletic schedules, which will involve the minimum of travel time and yet maintain a level of competition commensurate with the size of the school.

VI. Organization

The Athletic Program of the district consists of the following sports:

Boys: Football, Basketball, Track, and Wrestling.

Girls: Volleyball, Basketball, Track.

Coaching Positions

The following list of coaching positions is provided for use in staffing decisions. The number of coaches listed for each sport is the maximum number of positions allowable for each team.

In the event the participation on a team grows to a level where the coach and athletic director feel that the supervision is insufficient, they may make a request to the principal for additional coaches.

Basketball: Boys & Girls 1. One Head Coach 2. 2 Assistant Coaches

Football: Boys 1. One Head Coach 2. Two Assistant Coaches

Track Boys & Girls 1. Two Head Coaches 2. Two Assistant Coaches

Volleyball: Girls 1. One Head Coach 2. Two Assistant Coaches

Wrestling: Boys 1. One Head Coach 2. One Assistant Coach

VII. Expectations for Coaches

The objectives and standards established by U.S.D. 434 Junior High Schools for athletic programs require equally high expectations by the coaches who will guide and assist the students in achieving them. The following areas are intended as an outline of the general expectations of coaches.

A. Rapport

A coach must be able to develop a good rapport with: team personnel, the student body, the professional staff (faculty, administration, maintenance etc.), the community, spectators, officials, fellow coaches, and parents of his/her players. Good rapport and an image of competency are invaluable for the coach.

B. Cooperation

The Junior High Schools expects a maximum of give and take among all individuals associated with the program. Coaches must work hand in hand with their athletic director, principal, and other members of the staff.

C. Leadership

Diligence, enthusiasm, honesty, and dedication to the game are all part of a professional pride that should be exhibited by all coaches. Professional actions should be exemplary. Following practice schedules and building positive attitudes are of the utmost importance.

D. Discipline

The coach becomes a model of all that the program represents-observation of school codes, training rules, rules of the game, ideals of good sportsmanship, behavior of participants throughout the season at home and away, and the conduct of the crowd. Desire to do well, to win well, to lose well, will be emphasized. Staff, players, and spectators should be motivated toward established goals.

E. Improvement

A coach must constantly take advantage of opportunities presented for self-improvement. Attendance at district meetings, rules clinics, special workshops, clinics and membership in professional organizations should be encouraged.

F. Coaching Evaluation Instrument

Each head coach shall be evaluated at least every other year utilizing the Coaching Evaluation Instrument. At the beginning of each athletic season, the building athletic director will have a preseason conference with each head coach to identify specific strengths, concerns, and/or areas in need of improvement. The evaluation will be completed by the building athletic director and reviewed with the head coach no later than one month after the end of the respective season. The head coach will be given opportunity to complete a self-evaluation using the same form. A copy of the completed form will be given to the coach, the principal, and the superintendent in addition to the copy retained by the building athletic director. Head coaches will evaluate each of their assistant coaches at least every other year using the appropriate form and share it with the building athletic director.

VIII. Resignations

A. If a coach wishes to be released from a coaching assignment the following procedures should be followed:

1. A written request of release from the specific coaching assignment to the athletic director and principal. This request must include the date of submission and date requested for release.
2. No further action is to be taken nor announcement made until approval of the release is made by the Board of Education.

B. If a coach wishes to resign from his/her teaching and coaching assignment, the proper procedure is to submit a letter of resignation to the superintendent of schools and/or the personnel director with copies sent to all other supervisors concerned.

IX. Practice Sessions

A. Coaches Responsibilities

1. Coaches will formulate and provide philosophies and policies to the administration, athletes and parents prior to the start of the season.

2. Participant requirements prior to first practice.

a. Satisfy all eligibility requirements as set by KSHSAA and BOE

b. Completed physical examination

c. Completed emergency medical consent form

d. Completed activities trip permission form

e. Completed District Policy form

f. All equipment returned from previous sport

3. Participation policies

a. The morning following the first official practice, each coach shall submit a "squad roster" to the athletic director of all students trying out.

b. In sports necessary to schedule back to back practices due to lack of facilities, the last practice session must conclude by 8:30 p.m.

c. District transportation will be provided for students to and from practice when practice is at another location away from the school. Students are required to ride the bus.

d. Coaches should be the first to arrive and the last to leave the practice session. At no time are athletes to practice by themselves.

e. A student absent from school may not participate on that day. In order to participate in an activity a student must be present for one class period during the school day. Exceptions may be made for certain situations such as: funerals, family emergencies, and illness, etc. In cases such as this the Athletic Director or principal may allow students to participate.

4. Suspensions and dismissals

a. When athletes are suspended from games or activities it is the responsibility of the coaching staff to notify the parents of the suspension with an explanation for the suspension.

b. When students are dismissed from a team the coach will notify the parent as to why the student has been dismissed.

5. Preseason Parental Meeting

a. Coaches are expected to hold an informational preseason meeting with parents. The meeting will encompass: coaches philosophy, policies, and expectations of athletes.

B. Restricted Practice Days

1. Weekend and Holiday Practices

All practices are to be held on school days if at all possible. Saturday and Sunday practices will be permitted with permission from principal or A.D. Attendance at Saturday or Sunday practices will not be required. Holiday practices will be permitted in accordance with KSHSAA regulations. Holiday practices are not to be mandatory.

2. Early Dismissal of School and Emergency Closing

a. In-service: all events and practices will start at 3:30 p.m.

Emergency weather conditions:

a. Heat Schedule-All indoor and outdoor sports may begin immediately after school. The athletic director and principal shall be charged with determining the feasibility of practice and practices may be altered if necessary.

b. Other Emergency Weather conditions: All events and practices will be considered on a case by case basis.

c. Early release for snow: Decisions on practices will be made by the athletic director or the principal.

d. School Cancellation, on the first day of cancellation: there will be no practices scheduled. On subsequent days of cancellation the ability to hold practice will be determined by the AD or principal. All practices held on days in which school has been cancelled are optional. Coaches will inform players and parents of this at the pre season meetings.

e. The athletic director or principal will approve any variations in other events and practice times.

X. Squad Selection

A. Philosophy

In accordance with the district philosophy of athletics and a desire to see as many students as possible participate in the athletic programs, while at U.S.D 434 Junior High Schools, no cuts will be made unless dictated by the financial circumstances of the district. Obviously, time, space, facilities, equipment, and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport.

B. Spirit Squad Selection

Members of the Spirit Squad will be selected in each school through a process of student application, teacher references, and performance tryouts before a panel of evaluators who have no connection to the school. Procedures and dates for the process shall be at the discretion of the Spirit Squad Sponsor(s) with the approval of the building principal. No cuts will be made regarding selection of spirit squads at the junior high level.

XI. Eligibility

Academic achievement and responsibility will be emphasized over other activities. Students must meet eligibility requirements to participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities. The following specific guidelines apply:

1. Eligibility is determined on a weekly basis. Any student who has less than a 60 percent average, cumulative for the quarter, in a subject will be ineligible for the next week, which will run from 6 a.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. the following Sunday. Teachers will notify the office of names of ineligible students by 3 p.m. on Thursdays, with letters of ineligibility sent to parents no later than Fridays.

2. As per KSHSAA rules, students must pass five or more credits of unit weight during a semester in order to be eligible the following semester.

3. Students are responsible for notifying their parents prior to receiving the written notice.

4. Ineligible students may attend athletic practice, but may not participate in games or any other extra-curricular activity during the week for which they are ineligible. They are discouraged from attending any school activities during the time they are ineligible from participating.

5. Discipline problems and un-served detentions or suspensions may result in a student being ineligible.

6. Failure to turn in late assignments may result in a student being placed in a supervised study arrangement.

7. Home-schooled students may participate in KSHSAA interscholastic

activities, provided they meet the KSHSAA criteria. The criteria are: (1) students must be enrolled at the school for five or more credits of unit weight during the current semester, and (2) students must have passed five or more credits of unit weight during the most recent semester of attendance.

8. There shall be a two-week grace period at the beginning of each quarter in which students will not be held out of activities due to failing grades. Notices of deficiency will be sent, but students will be allowed to participate. Failing grades during or after the third week will result in students being deemed ineligible for the next week's participation.

XI a. Transfer Eligibility

Students transferring into Santa Fe Trail District or from Santa Fe Trail District must meet eligibility standards for competition. Eligibility is established by the new school of attendance. KSHSAA standards and attending school standards if they exceed KSHSAA guidelines must be met for competition eligibility. Student transfer requirements are established by the KSHSAA.

XII. Facilities

A. Locker Room Responsibilities

1. Security

a. Each coach is responsible for the action of his/her squad from the time they report to the locker room for practice until they leave the building after practice.

b. It is the coach's responsibility to be present at the time that the athletes are to report for practice, games, meets whether home or away. Following away games coaches are required to stay until all students have gone.

c. The coach shall see that lights and showers are turned off, the doors are locked, equipment is locked and the room left as neat as possible.

d. Since many coaches will be using the locker room office area, each coach must make an effort to keep this area as neat and clean as reasonably possible.

2. Control of Keys

a. Coaches are not to give athletes their keys at any time.

b. If keys to the athletic area are lost, the coach should report this to a building administrator immediately.

B. Locker Room Procedures

1. Athlete Rules

a. Roughhousing and throwing towels or other objects is not allowed in the locker room. Hazing of other players is not allowed.

b. No one except coaches and assigned players are allowed in the locker room, without permission from the coaching staff.

c. All spiked or cleated shoes must be put on and taken off outside of the locker room in extreme or muddy weather conditions. No metal or hard plastic spikes or cleats are allowed in the school building.

d. Equipment must be removed from all lockers by the end of the first school day following the conclusion of each sport season.

e. Athletes may use the phone in the locker room offices to call home upon permission of a coach. Normally, all athletes should make prior arrangements for transportation home at the end of their scheduled practice time. A courtesy phone is provided in the foyer of the school.

C. Guidelines for Whirlpool Use

Coaches shall instruct athletes in proper use of the whirlpool before using. Athletes should not be permitted in the whirlpool without supervision. Special caution should be exercised when athletes are using the whirlpool or any heat and electrical appliances.

XIII. Insurance And Injuries

Limited insurance coverage is provided for students participating in KSHSAA approved activities. It is a catastrophic coverage policy with a $10,000 deductible. It does not apply to physical education or other school activities.

A. Medical Aspects and Safety

1. Responsibilities

a. A medical consent form for each athlete shall be in the possession of the coach for every practice session and competition.

b. The coach in charge of an activity is to assume the responsibility of administering to all injured athletes. He/she must be prepared to recognize and properly administer first aid or refer injuries to the appropriate medical personnel utilizing universal procedures as outlined in the KSHSAA Blood borne Pathogens brochure.

c. No member of the coaching staff should overstep his/her bounds and attempt to diagnose or treat an injury. Since athletes are bound to have injuries, the coach must understand first aid and be ready to administer it. In addition to knowing what to do, he/she should know what not to do.

d. It is the responsibility of the coach in charge of a team to have a complete first aid kit, in sanitary condition, at every practice and contest.

e. Parents will be notified of all noticeable injuries, illnesses, infections etc.

B. Accident/Injury Procedures

1. Reporting procedures

a. The coach will complete the Injury Report form following all athletic injuries or accidents that involve any student under their control during a practice, contest, or while traveling to or from a contest.

b. The report shall be turned into the nurse's office and high school office via e-mail the following morning with the coach retaining a copy.

c. Students injured to the extent that a physician's opinion is needed: the coach shall request the student to see a doctor or trainer, contact the parents of the student regarding the injury, and not allow the student to continue to participate until a release has been obtained from the doctor or trainer.

2. Return to participation

Athletes that have been out of action because of illness or injury and were under the treatment of a physician must have a written statement allowing return to competition.

XIV. Budget and Financial Procedures

A budget is to serve as a guide to "planned" spending. The line items serve as help in having monies available for each such item. Although line items are only guides and may be omitted or exceeded, if necessary. Purchasing procedures are as follows:

A. Request from coaches will be submitted to the principal on a requisition form.

B. The requisition order will be approved and taken care of through the office.

C. No purchases will be made without an approved requisition. The athletic department will not be responsible for purchases made without an approved requisition.

D. Fund raising may take place only during the activities season.

E. All fund raising money must be turned into the office.

F. Funds earned under the umbrella of "school activity" will not be deposited into outside accounts. This is a legal requirement by the State of Kansas. Sales tax must be paid and written documentation is required.

XV. Uniforms and Equipment

Students are responsible for care and the return of all uniforms and equipment issued during the season. Students will not be allowed to participate in additional sports until uniforms and all equipment, which was issued from another sport, has been returned. A rotation schedule for the purchase of new uniforms has been established for each school. Uniform purchases are subject to the financial status of the district.

XVI. Transportation Rules and Procedures

A. All rules and regulations as defined in the student handbook will apply to students attending athletic events.

B. Players are required to go to sporting events on authorized transportation provided by the school. A building administrator must approve exceptions to this. Students are expected to ride back on district transportation after competition. Parents wishing to provide transportation for their student athlete may sign them out with the coaching staff or sponsor after the competition. All other exceptions to district transportation must be in writing on district transportation release form and filed with building administration 24 hours in advance of the event. District transportation will be provided for students to and from practices. Students are required to ride the bus to and from practices.

C. The athletic department does not permit the use of student's personal cars for travel to out-of-town events.

D. Coaches or sponsors are required to be on each vehicle carrying athletes to competitions.

E. Permission is required for riding home after an athletic event other than district provided transportation.

1. The student's parent or guardian must give written consent for athletes to ride home with them or another adult after an event. Coaches will provide a sign out sheet for parents to sign.

F. Each team is to use the most economical method of travel. The principal and athletic director shall determine the arrangements best suited for the particular event.

G. When school teams travel to the same site, travel will be arranged through the coordinated efforts of the coaches and the office.

H. Transportation for cheerleaders, drill team and/or dance team

1. Transportation will be in conformity with the policies spelled out in the athletic handbook.
2. The school sponsor and administration will determine the need and availability of transportation at all times.
3. The school will guarantee transportation when each group is expected to attend out-of-town events.

XVII. Admissions & Passes

A. Admission: The prices for admission to sports events will be in accordance with League & KSHSAA guidelines.

B. Pass Plans: May be purchased annually at all attendance centers.

District passes: admission to all four attendance centers for all family members residing in the household under the age of 18; High School passes, good only for high school events; Jr. High passes, for admission to elementary and Jr. high events; Student Passes, good only for that student's admission. All passes are effective for every event, i.e. athletic, musical, etc., except post-season play.

The cost of passes will be determined on a yearly basis.

C. Senior Citizen Passes will be issued free of charge upon request to persons over the age of 65.

D. League passes are issued to the principals of the league schools. The league determines the number of such passes issued.

1. League passes shall be given to building administrators, student sponsors, and supervisors and other school personnel as determined by the building administrator.
2. The Junior high schools will provide the superintendent with league passes to be issued to the Board of Education members, district office administrators, and their respective spouses.
3. Volunteers will be given passes as appreciation for their time and effort in supporting events and activities during the year. This is left to the discretion of the building administrator and athletic director.

XVIII. Procedures for Severe Weather

A copy of the suggested procedures and a format to follow for events that are suspended or postponed due to severe weather is included in the forms section of this handbook.

XIX. Parental Relations

It is the responsibility of the coaching staff to keep parents informed of:

1. Practice times, locations and dates, including holiday practices.
2. Game times, locations and dates, including tournaments.
3. All policies, procedures, and team rules.

Discussion concerning playing time will be based upon the coach's philosophy, policies, and evaluation process.

When a question concerning an athlete or policy arises, questions should first be addressed to the coach, then the Athletic Director or Principal, the Superintendent, and finally the BOE.

Santa Fe Trail District students, participants, coaches and parents are expected to teach and model good sportsmanship. In conjunction with KSHSAA Rule 52, Santa Fe Trail School district expects the following:

1. Be courteous to all: participants, coaches, staff and fans.
2. Know the rules, abide by and respect the official's decisions.
3. Win with character and lose with dignity.
4. Display appreciation for good performance regardless of the team.
5. Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, the team and the school.
6. Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or it activities.

XX. Camps

Coaches are required to schedule all camps through the school office.

Coaches are also required to have insurance for all camps. The school assumes no liability for students during camps.

XXI. Forms

The forms included on the following pages have been developed to assist the coaches and athletic director in fulfilling certain district procedural requirements. Copies of these forms may be obtained from each building central office. Any questions relating to the forms should be directed to the building athletic director.

A.District Guideline Form

B. Emergency Medical Consent Form

C. Procedures for Severe Weather

D. 2007/2008 KSHSAA Insurance, Summary of Coverage

E. District Transportation release form

©2008 USD 434 Santa Fe Trail, 1663 East US HWY 56, Carbondale Kansas 66414