INTRODUCTION DRAFT 8/19/07
Interscholastic Athletics can be a fun, rewarding, and memorable part of the high school experience. While academics offer the primary source for formal education, athletics can contribute to the total value of the educational experience in many different ways. Building upon the concepts of teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship, and self-esteem, athletics can help provide for a well-rounded education. Athletic participation is a privilege and not a right. To those who strive to succeed in the classroom comes the privilege to complete outside of it.
Being an athlete or a parent of an athlete is often a very challenging ordeal. Sometimes this relationship can become complicated due to the nature and structure of athletics in general. It is the intent of this Athletic Handbook to provide some insights as to the role and responsibilities that athletes and parents face and share, separately and together, in the realm of high school athletic participation.
The interscholastic (high school) extra-curricular (sport) experience is much different than the recreational sport experience. Whereas recreational sport philosophy stresses equal participation by all, at the interscholastic level playing time is earned and not guaranteed. Student-athletes earn playing time through good work ethics in practice, skill development, sportsmanship, and overall team attitude.
Likewise, not all who tryout for a given team will endure through the final selection process, to make the team roster. Coaches are responsible for the selection of team rosters and for the determination of playing time for those on the team. This selection is based on performance, attitude, conduct, cooperation, and an earnest and sincere desire to represent the program, Blaine High School, and the community. Playing time for any participant is not guaranteed and is determined by the coach(es) of the program.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
At Blaine High School, we believe that the Interscholastic Athletic Program contributes significantly to preparing our students for becoming productive, contributing citizens of our community and society. We believe our Athletic Program is a natural extension of the high-school curriculum that provides activities for the growth and development of our students. A comprehensive program of athletic activities expresses our commitment to ensure the development of physical fitness and personal health, the acquisition of competent performances, and the achievement of excellence in the student’s chosen sport(s). In addition, our aim is to develop a student with an improved self-image, the ability to learn a new skill, and an intrinsic motivation for growth and development. We want to see a student who will demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for his/her actions, measure him/herself against standards of quality, express ideas and solutions to problems, and value fair play, honesty, and cooperation.
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to ensure that all students gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to achieve their highest potential as responsible citizens of our society through excellence in education, community cooperation and communication.
BLAINE HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide an environment where students will become competent and responsible citizens, able to contribute to the total well being of self, family and community, thereby enjoying productive and self-satisfying lives.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Our goals are:
- To develop and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship.
- To develop proper attitudes toward winning and losing, success and failure.
- To encourage and develop respect for fellow athletes whether they are teammates, members of other Blaine teams, or members of opposing teams.
- To assure that the amount of time required for athletic participation does not interfere with academic success.
- To develop proper attitudes toward individual health habits, appearance on and off the field, and citizenship in and out of school.
- To encourage competition not only for the tangible rewards but also for the development of positive attitudes that makes athletic competition valuable and worthwhile.
- To orient all athletic staff members to abide by the rules, regulations, and officials’ decisions that govern each sport.
- To maintain the highest standard of ethics, recognize each participant as an individual who will conduct him/herself in a manner befitting his/her responsibilities, and develop the kind of rapport with the broader school community that will improve the total education program.
BLAINE HIGH SCHOOL POLICIES AND TRAINING RULES
Blaine High School has developed a standard set of school policies and training rules that shall apply to all sports. Each team and athlete will be treated fairly and equally in efforts to promote good sportsmanship through athletics. Any exceptions to the policies and rules must be cleared by the Athletic Director and Principal. In addition to school policies, coaches are expected to develop their own team policies to include tryout procedures and criteria, team rules and regulations, travel, conduct, etc.
Extra-curricular participation includes (but is not limited to) athletics, cheerleading, team managers, team statisticians, video crew, athletic trainers, Math team, Knowledge Bowl, Teen Court, Chess Team, etc.
The following are the policies and rules that will be implemented and the disciplinary actions that will be taken. It is important to know that all violations are cumulative during a student’s four years of high school.
- A) Illegal use of alcohol or tobacco. If a participant is found using, consuming, or appears to be under the influence of/or in possession of alcohol or tobacco, he/she will be subject to the following disciplinary action:
- 1st Violation – Removal from 30% of the extra-curricular program contests. Unused removal % in current season will carry over into next season.
- 2nd Violation – Removal from extra-curricular program. Mandatory evaluation/treatment (at parent’s expense) will be required before continuance of any extra-curricular participation, and a 2-month time period has elapsed from beginning date of suspension.
- 3rd Violation – Permanently prohibited from participation in any Blaine High School extra-curricular program.
B) Any participant found in violation of Section 1A during the “off season” (this includes summer and between programs) will incur the following disciplinary actions:
- 1st Violation – Removal from 10% of the next season’s program contests.
- Other violations will follow disciplinary actions in Section 1A above.
C) Any participant found in violation of RCW 69.41.020 –
69.41.050, Illegal Drugs, including anabolic steroids, possession, sale, and/or use shall be subject to the following disciplinary actions:
- 1st Violation – Removal from extra-curricular program for remainder of season. Mandatory evaluation/treatment will be required before
- continuance of any participation (at parent’s expense) and a 2-month time period has elapsed from beginning of suspension.
- 2nd Violation – Removal from extra-curricular programs for one calendar year.
- 3rd Violation – Permanently prohibited from participation in any WIAA extra-curricular program.
- Any participant who commits any serious wrong doing not covered by those mentioned in Section 1 above and which is otherwise detrimental to the program and/or school, to include hazing and sexual harassment, will receive a suspension or be removed from the program, as determined by the Athletic Director and Principal, after meeting with parent, participant, and coach.
- 1st Violation – Minimum removal from 30% of the extra-curricular program contests. Unused removal % in current season will carry over into the next season.
- 2nd Violation – Minimum removal from the program.
- 3rd Violation – Permanently prohibited from participation in any Blaine High School extra-curricular program.
- If a participant violates any part of Sections 1 or 2 while attending school or school functions he/she may be immediately removed from participation in any extra-curricular programs for one calendar year. Mandatory evaluation/treatment (at the parent’s expense) will be required before continuance of participation.
- A participant must be present in all classes to be eligible for a contest or turnout out that day. Exceptions to this are if the participant has a prearranged excuse through the office for reasons other than illness (i.e. doctor’s or dentist’s appointment, etc.).
- If a participant is truant from any class/classes, he/she will receive at minimum a suspension from the next scheduled contest in which the student is a participant.
- Scholastic eligibility is based on the previous semester. Fall and Winter sports – June; Spring sports – January.
- A participant is eligible by meeting on of the following: 1.) Pass all classes with a minimum 1.7 GPA. 2.) Fail 1 class with a 2.0 GPA or higher
- Any participant who is not passing 5 of 6 classes will be ineligible for one season. *If a participant is ineligible for the fall season but wants to participate in the winter season, grades will be checked at the quarter to determine winter eligibility.
- A participant not meeting one of these standards may appeal to the Athletic Director or Vice Principal. A participant is granted two (2) appeals in their high school career with only one (1) appeal per school year.
- Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan will follow WIAA academic requirements (i.e. pass 4 classes in a 6 period day).
Students, for whom an Individualized Education (IEP) or a 504 plan is on file, at the time that they would be declared ineligible under the above standards, shall automatically be afforded a review of their case. The review shall be conducted by the principal, athletic director, the student’s guidance counselor and the student’s special education teacher. This review committee shall have the right to waive the eligibility requirement if, in their professional judgment, the student has made every effort possible to meet the standard.
- Any participant suspended from school will receive a minimum suspension from 10% of the program contests.
- Any student, parent or guardian who is aggrieved by the suspension or termination of extra-curricular privileges under these rules shall have the right to an informal conference with two administrators, a class counselor, and a faculty member for the purpose of resolving the grievance. Upon receipt of written notification from the school, a request for a conference must be made in writing within five school days.
Philosophy: It is the desire of the Blaine School District that each student reach his or her academic potential. The Blaine School District also recognized the importance of extra-curricular activities in that they can enrich a student with lifetime experiences. Therefore stronger academic standards are an expectation for those participating in extra-curricular activities, yet opportunity is provided for incentive to improve if one has fallen behind.
Minimum requirements:
In order to participate in an extra-curricular activity a student must meet one of the following:
- 1.7 GPA with no ‘F’ grades
- 2.0 GPA with one ‘F; grade
- All participants’ grades will be checked at the end of the fifth week of their season.
- Student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan will follow WIAA academic requirements (i.e. pass 4 classes in a 6 period day).
Appeals:
If a student does not meet the minimum requirements of Blaine High School, but meets the minimum requirements of WIAA (pass 4 of 6 classes) the student may appeal for the right to go on probation.
1. Verbal appeal to Athletic Director.
2. Parent, student, and Athletic Director sign eligibility contact which
states conditions and limitations of appeal.
3. A student is allowed only two appeals during his/her high school
career.
4. Only the previous semester grades will be recognized determine
eligibility stature.
• Spring semester for Fall and Winter activities
• Winter semester for Spring activities
5. If student meets WIAA standards, but has 2 ‘F' grades, he/she may
appeal and use one of the 2 appeals. However, they may not play in
any events during their 5-week probation.
5th week grade check:
Done on all athletes
1. Students who were not on probation who do not meet the Blaine
High School standards will be placed on probation for 2 weeks. They
may participate in practices and events.*
2. Students who were not on probation who do not meet minimum
WIAA standards will be placed on probation for 2 weeks. They may
practice but not participate in any events.**
3. Students on probation for not meeting the Blaine High School
standards will be placed on probation for 2 more weeks. The may
practice but not participate in any events.**
4. Students on probation for not meeting the WIAA standards who do
not meet the Blaine High School standards will be removed from the
activity.
* - At the end of the 2-week period, any participant not meeting the Blaine High School standards will receive a final 2-week probation. They will not participate in any events, but may practice.
** - At the end of the 2-week probation any participant not meeting the Blaine High School standards will be removed form the activity.
ATHLETIC CHAIN OF COMMAND
The “Chain of Command” for the Blaine High School Athletic Department is as follows:
Principal
Athletic Director
Head Coach
JV / “C” Coaches and other Assistants
Players
Note: The “Chain of Command” is a step-by-step process bringing together the primary individuals for discussion purposes. Each level is in place in order to assist in the process of conflict resolution. If there are any questions or concerns regarding any aspect of the Player – Coach Relationship, the following steps should be followed:
1. Athlete should contact the appropriate coach to discuss issue.
2. If there is no resolution at this level, he/she should move upward
to the next level in the “Chain of Command” until resolution is
achieved.
Parents are also asked to respect and use this “Chain of Command” model regarding problem resolution. It is also important for you to know that the Blaine Athletic Department works under the “24 Hour Rule.” This means that we ask that you wait for 24 hours after a contest to contact a coach.
RELATIONSHIPS
Player – Coach Relationship:
All too often during athletic events, situations arise where many adults become too involved in the game in progress, profess to know more than the coaches or even the officials in charge. While this expertise may heighten a person’s appreciation for a particular sport, it in no way changes the status of the individual as a parent-spectator. You should be there only to observe and enjoy the athletic performance.
The player-coach relationship is perhaps the most critical of all relationships in athletics. Parents can have a very profound effect upon this important and delicate balance. While you as a parent may not agree with all decisions that a coach may make, how and when you express your feelings can have a decided effect upon your child. If you express a negative opinion in front of your child, you need to remember that he or she may carry your convictions to the next practice or game. This in turn can lead to a player-coach confrontation. You as a parent have great influence upon this delicate relationship. Please allow the coaches to do their job for which they were hired.
Coaches are expected to be leaders to their players and role models for their players. They are expected to teach and guide the players who play for them. They are not there to be friends or buddies. Coaches must demand respect from their players and give respect to their players in return. Concepts such as integrity, character, and sportsmanship provide the foundation upon which our coaching philosophy is based.
Parent – Coach Relationship:
As a parent you obviously want what is best for your child. Allowing the coach to guide and instruct the team is crucial. Again, you are asked to please allow the coach to do his/her job.
It is important to understand that there may be times when things do not go the way your child wishes. This is a great opportunity for your child to talk with their respective coach and discuss the situation. When your child handles the situation, it becomes a valuable part of the learning and maturation process. As a parent, you should encourage your child to do this before you become involved.
Should you have any questions or concerns, do not approach the coach immediately after a game; please observe the “24 Hour Rule.” At this time, coaches have other responsibilities and it may be a very emotional moment. Call and make an appointment for a later time and approach this meeting in a calm and logical manner. In this meeting it is important to understand that the following three topics are off limits:
1. Another Athlete
2. Play Calling and Offensive/Defensive Philosophies
3. Playing Time
If the concern is not resolved, call the Athletic Director to arrange a conference. A meeting will be arranged with the coach, parent, and Athletic Director. At this meeting, the appropriate step can be determined.
For many coaches, on of the post-game responsibilities is to meet with his/her players. Athletes should not be expected to stop and talk to parents and friends immediately after a game is over. These team meetings are essential to the learning process and are important in efforts to build team unity and understanding.
Parent – Player Relationship:
Sometimes parents may try to re-live their own athletic memories through the real life athletic efforts of their children. Being positive and supportive is very important, but adding pressure and unrealistic expectations may be extremely harmful. Allow your child to enjoy and to grow and to take responsibility for his/her athletic experiences. Encourage your child to give 100% effort and to become a team player, not any individual statistic seeker. In the end, it is the child’s perception of the game that really matters, not that of the parents.
Relationship with Game Officials:
It is often the case that if a game is seemingly leaning toward one side over the other, irate fans will infer an unfair advantage given by the officials. The home school does not select the officials. An assigning secretary for the officials’ organization assigns all officials and neither team has a say in which officials are assigned to a given game or contest.
Game officials agree to and follow a code of conduct and ethics. They really do not have a vested interest in which team emerges victorious. It is very essential to understand that officials are an integral part of the game.
While you may not agree with all of their calls, please do not harass and taunt game officials. Parents are supposed to be good role models for their children. Remember that officials are in charge of the game and have complete authority to have unruly spectators removed. Many times a given team may see the same officials on several occasions throughout the course of a season. Coaches, Athletic Directors, and School Administrators work hard to establish good working relationships with game officials, which can be easily damaged or destroyed by spectator interference.
So please let the players play, the coaches coach, the officials officiate, and let the spectators be positive.