Sportsmanship Expectations
for
Coaches and Student-Athletes
Office of Interscholastic Athletics
9201 East Hampton Drive
Capitol Heights, MD 20743
Phone: 301-808-8273 Fax: 301-808-8312
www.pgcps.org
Earl Hawkins
O’Shay Watson
Purpose
This brochure is an informational tool and guide for the coaches and student-athletes to understand the sportsmanship expectations of the Interscholastic Athletic Program in the Prince George’s County Public School System.
These regulations are set forth under the auspices of the State Department of Education and the Prince George’s County Public Schools (Administrative Procedure 0410).
Philosophy
Interscholastic athletics is an integral part of the educational process in the Prince George’s County Public School System. All coaches and student-athletes in the Prince George’s County Public Schools shall maintain the highest possible level of behavior during athletic events.
Eligibility (Sportsmanship)
To ensure that these high standards of behavior are maintained, the procedures listed below must be followed:
A. A coach who enters onto the playing field or gym floor to protest an official’s call will automatically receive a fifteen (15) yard penalty or technical foul.
B. A coach who receives two fifteen (15) yard penalties or two technical fouls in one game will automatically be ejected from the game.
C. A coach or player who uses profanity toward an official, opposing player or coach will receive a fifteen (15) yard penalty or technical foul.
D. A coach or player who is ejected from an athletic contest will automatically receive one (1) game suspension from coaching or playing in the next scheduled contest. A coach who is serving for a suspension may not attend the contest or be on the site of the contest.
E. A coach or player who is ejected from two (2) contests during the same season will automatically be suspended for the remainder of the season.
· When an ejection or disqualification takes place during the last game of the season, the penalty will be served at the start of the next regular season in that sport.
· If the penalty cannot be served because of resignation or graduation, the school’s administration must take appropriate action and provide written documentation of such to the Office of Interscholastic Athletics.
· Any player or coach who impedes an official’s departure from a contest or any coach or player who enters the official’s dressing/meeting area to discuss/argue the calls or outcome of a contest will be suspended for one contest. A second occurrence will result in suspension for the season.
· Any player or coach who physically assaults an official, coach player or spectator shall be immediately dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season. This shall include play-off contest.
· Once a player or coach has been disqualified, appeals from the coach, player official or other party will not be honored.
Failure of the school to enforce these policies for any reason shall prohibit that school from participating in any county, region or state post season play.
MPSSAA Regulation
MISCONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO A TOURNAMENT
.07C (11) “If a team or any students participating in state Tournament contest play leaves the field before completion of the contest, or fails to continue when eligible to do so, or is guilty of misconduct detrimental to the tournament, then the team, coach, or students may be suspended from the further participation in the current tournament, and from the same tournament in the succeeding year upon the determination of the Tournament Committee and the Executive Director.”
Interpretation: Ejection from any District, Regional, or State Tournament contest is considered misconduct detrimental to the tournament. Coaches, players, and bench personnel ejected from these tournament contests are disqualified from the succeeding contest in that tournament year. Additional sanctions could be imposed depending on the circumstances.
Coaches’ Pledge
As a coach, I acknowledge that I am a role model. I know that the principles of good sportsmanship are integrity, fairness, and respect. While teaching the skills of the game, I must also teach student athletes how to win and lose graciously, and that high school sports is meant to be educational and fun. I know the standard of conduct placed upon me by the school I represent and the Prince George’s County Public School System. I hereby accept my responsibility to be a positive role model who will demonstrate the highest level of integrity, ethical behavior and good citizenship.
Signature of Coach: ______Date:__/__/__
Student Athlete Pledge
As a student athlete, I know I am a role model. I understand the spirit of fair play while competing. I will refrain from engaging in all types of disrespectful behavior, including inappropriate language, taunting, trash talking, and unnecessary physical contact. As a member of a Prince George’s County Public School System interscholastic athletic team, I will display good sportsmanship and citizenship at all times. I hereby accept the responsibility and privilege of representing this school and community as a student athlete.
Signature of Student Athlete: ______Date: __/__/__