NARDIN ACADEMY
ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL
ATHLETICS HANDBOOK
Athletic Director: Joe Baudo, (716) 881-6262 x1790
Assistant Athletic Director: Kelly Africano, , (716) 881-6262 x1390
Assistant to the AD: Meghan Sleezer, (716) 881-6262 x1795
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Like all extracurricular activities, athletics play an important part in the learning experience and development of students at Nardin Academy. Athletics provide an opportunity for students to excel outside of the classroom and develop life-long skills and tools for success. Our commitment is to provide a safe, structured, and respectful environment for students to develop their sport-specific skills, cultivate their character and courage, and learn personal responsibility and teamwork through sports.
Coaches, parents, faculty and staff all have a role to play in the positive outcome of our student-athletes interscholastic sports experience. Understanding roles, which are defined in this handbook, is key to how well a team or program operates and performs. A successful team is one where all participants understand and embrace their role. When this happens, teams and programs excel. If any challenges arise, they are able to overcome them as a strong, cohesive unit.
Success is not only measured in wins and losses; it is also defined by the improvement of the student-athletes and team over the course of a season; how much the student-athletes enjoy their experience; and how well Nardin is represented by the sportsmanship displayed on the playing field. I ask you to keep this in mind as our student-athletes and teams prepare and strive to win. GO GATORS!
Sincerely,
Joe Baudo
Athletic Director
NARDIN ACADEMY’S MISSION STATEMENT
Amazing things for the world….
At Nardin Academy, we believe that every student has the potential to do amazing things. As an independent Catholic school, with a focus on academic excellence, Nardin Academy helps students to develop their individual talents and to cultivate their intellect, character and courage to make a difference in the world.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Nardin Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.
NARDIN ACADEMY ATHLETICS
Mission
The Nardin Academy Athletics program is a highly visible, integrated part of the Western New York educational and athletic community. As part of Nardin Academy’s overall programs, it strives to produce well-rounded student-athletes who are known for their sportsmanship, teamwork and competitive spirit. In harmony with the academy’s mission, the athletics program helps student-athletes to develop and maximize their individual talents, be a positive part of a larger community and cultivate their character and courage to do amazing things.
Vision
The athletics program is student-centered with a focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes and providing them opportunities to excel outside of the classroom, giving them life-long skills and tools for success.
Goal
Develop and graduate student-athletes who internalize their Nardin Academy athletics participation, perceiving it as a positive, educational, fun and meaningful experience; who are well-prepared to succeed in their high school and college careers and beyond.
ATHLETICS PHILOSOPHY
Nardin Elementary and Middle School Athletics have the philosophy that everyone interested in a sport is welcome to join the team if committed to attending the practices and contests. At the junior varsity level (5th & 6th grade) all athletes receive equal playing/participation time. On the varsity level (6th-8th grade) each athlete will receive at least 25% playing/participation time. This is to prepare our athletes for the increase in competitive play and preparation for high school sports. However, if an athlete misses a practice or game, playing time is not guaranteed.
PARTICIPATION REQIREMENTS
For students to participate in sports they must have the following:
- Updated physical on file in the health office
- Completed and signed Handbook/Permission form in the athletics office
- Completed and signed Medical Authorization form in the athletics office
- Completed and signed Car Pool form in the athletics office
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS CALENDAR
Fall Sport Offerings
Girls’ Tennis, grades 5-8 – end of August or beginning of September to mid-October
Girls’ Varsity Soccer, grades 7-8 - end of August through the end of October
Boys’ Varsity Soccer, grades 7-8 - end of August through the end of October
Boys’ Baseball, grades 6-8 - end of August through mid-October
Girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer, grades 5-6 – end of August or beginning of September through the end of October
Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer, grades 5-6 – end of August or beginning of September through the end of October
Co-ed Swimming, grades K-8 – beginning of September to mid-November
The fall sports season culminates with an awards ceremony during the school day.
Winter Sport Offerings
Girls’ Junior Varsity Basketball, grades 5-6 – beginning of or mid-November through beginning of March
Girls’ Varsity Basketball, grades 7-8 - beginning of or mid-November through beginning of March
Boys’ Junior Varsity Basketball, grades 5-6 - beginning of or mid-November through beginning of March
Boys’ Varsity Basketball, grades 7-8 - beginning of or mid-November through beginning of March
Boys’ & Girls’ Developmental Squash, grades 5-8, beginning of November through beginning of March
The winter sports season culminates with an awards ceremony during the school day.
Spring Sport Offerings
Girls’ Softball, grades 6-8 - mid-March until late May or early June
Girls’ Lacrosse, grades 6-8 - mid-March until mid-May
Boys’ Lacrosse, grades 6-8 - mid-March until mid-May
Co-ed Track & Field, 3-8 - mid-March until late May
The spring sports season culminates with an awards ceremony during the school day.
DIOCESAN GUIDELINES FOR ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION
In order to participate in elementary athletics, a student may not be 15 years old by Labor Day of the school year during which the student plans to participate.
Any student who wishes to participate in the athletics program must have on file with the health office a current-year release from a doctor to participate and written permission of the parents.
Students who have completed eighth grade and enroll in another school as an eighth grade student are not eligible to participate in athletics if they participated in athletics in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade of the school previously attended.
Any coach or player excluded by an official from an inter-school competition for unsportsmanlike conduct is ineligible to coach or play in that sport until after the next previously scheduled inter-school contest in that sport on that level has been completed.
It is forbidden to wear jewelry (including taped earrings, string bracelets, flat rings, etc.) with the exception of religious medallions or medical identifications. If worn, these items must be removed from chains and taped or sewn under a uniform.
If a school is closed due to inclement weather, students from that school are not allowed to participate in practice or competition of any nature on that day.
If a student-athlete leaves school for sickness, he/she may not participate in the athletics program in any capacity after school on that day.
If a student-athlete is unable to participate in his/her regularly scheduled P.E./dance class, he/she is not allowed to participate in a game or practice that day.
Student-athletes must have an updated physical on file in the health office and parents must sign and return to the athletics office the Handbook/Permission and Medical Authorization forms located on the Nardin website or in the athletics office prior to participation in any sport.
NARDIN ELEMENTARY ATHLETICS POLICIES
Eligibility
Nardin must follow the guidelines set forth by the Diocese, which state a student must be passingall subjects to participate.
Physical exams expire on the last day of the month, one year after original exam date. It is advisable for athletes to make an appointment with their physician as close to this date as possible, to ensure no lapse in participation occurs. An athlete will not be allowed to participate in practices or contests following the last day of the month in which their physical expires.
Assigned Detention
Students will serve detention on the day assigned. Please do not call school personnel to have the day changed so a child can participate in athletics. Students must serve detention before rejoining their respective team for practice or contests.
Injuries and Return to “Game Play”
Athletes are responsible for notifying their coach if an injury requires medical attention.
In the event that an athlete has a suspected or questionable injury, the athletic director or school nurse may request medical clearance in order to continue to practice or play in a contest.
After missing five or more days of practice for any medical reason, an athlete must submit a physician's written permission to return to active participation (practice) to the athletic director. The athletic director will notify the business office, health office, principal and assistant athletic director.
Athletes returning from an injury must be 100% cleared by their doctor (in writing) before participating in practices again. “Return as tolerated” is not considered 100% cleared.
Attendance at Practices and Contests
A child that leaves school for sickness may not participate in after school athletics in any capacity on that day. A child who leaves school for a legitimate excuse (doctor appointment, bereavement etc.)may return and participate in athletics with a written note. Furthermore, if a student is unable to participate in his/her regularly scheduled physical education or dance class, except for a legitimate written excuse, he/she is not eligible to participate in athletics on that day.
If an athlete misses a specified number of practices or contests for legitimate reasons, the coach has the discretion not to play that athlete in an upcoming contest. The same applies for illegitimate absences. An athlete will lose playing time if he/she misses a practice or contest that is unexcused. If there are two or more unexcused absences, the athlete may not be permitted to play in the next contest. If there are multiple absences, the athlete may be dismissed from the team.
Communicating to the coach ahead of time, preferably a one-day advanced notice for non-emergencies, is expected if the athlete will be absent, including the reason why. The following lists identify examples of excused and unexcused absences from practices and contests:
Examples of Excused Absences
- Medical
- Bereavement
- Absence from school
- Practice or contest schedule changes and family had a prior commitment
- Extenuating family circumstances (at the discretion of an administrator)
- Religious observance
- UB Math Program
Examples of Unexcused Absences
- Attendance at a birthday party
- Detention
- Attendance or participation in a non-school sporting activity
- Family vacation
- Inability to get a ride
- Ski Club
Transportation
Nardin Academy will provide transportation to athletic events as designated by the Athletic Director or team coach. The Nardin athletics staff believes it is in the best interest of team unity that all team members travel together and share the event experience. Accordingly, all team members are required to ride the bus to the competitive site. If there is an occasion when your child cannot take the bus, you must, communicate, in writing, to the Athletic Director and Coach, in advance of the event, advising them of the circumstance. On those occasions, the student and parents are responsible to arrange safe and timely transportation. Nardin will not provide transportation back to the school following contests.
It is expected that students will, at all times, conduct themselves appropriately during bus transportation, and comply with Nardin’s student Code of Conduct. Misconduct may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal, if warranted. Students will be responsible for any damage to the bus.
For competitions scheduled on weekends or when school is not in session or scheduled into the evening, the student and parents are responsible to arrange safe and timely transportation.
For practices a one-way shuttle will be provided after school Monday through Friday when school is in session. Students and parents are responsible for pick up from practices. The conduct rules set forth above apply to the practice shuttle.
Team/Athlete Issues or Concerns
For non-emergency issues or concerns, parents are expected to wait 24 hours, to calm down and think things through, before contacting the coach. Do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution because emotions are too high.
The appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches are practice and game schedules, expectations for your athlete during practices and contests, ways to help your athlete improve, and college opportunities. Inappropriate issues to discuss with coaches are playing time, team strategy, play calling, roster selection, other athletes, and personal opinions about the coach. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what is best for the team and all athletes involved.
After the 24-hour wait period, the parent may contact the coach to discuss a concern. If, after discussion with the coach, the concern has not been resolved, parents should contact the athletic director to discuss the concern.
Fall & Spring Sport Seasons
At the discretion of the athletic director and principal, a student may join two sport teams during the fall and/or spring sports season. A student who is seeking participation on two sport teams must have parental permission. The final decision is made by the athletic director and principal, based on the student’s academic/behavioral record.
The athlete will designate a “primary” and “secondary” sport. The athlete will attend practices for the secondary sport only when they do not conflict with the primary sport. A primary sport contest takes precedence over a secondary sport contest. A secondary sport contest takes precedence over a primary sport practice.
Ordering Procedure
All team apparel must be approvedby the athletic director.
Coaches or team captains are to provide a list of what is to be ordered to the assistant to the athletic director. The team roster is to be used as a guide to list sizes and items to be ordered for each athlete.
Checks are to be made payable to Nardin Academy and submitted to the athletics office with the finalized order. Any discrepancies will be addressed before the order is placed.
Orders are to be placed by the athletics office only.
THE ROLE OF STUDENT-ATHLETES
Nardin Elementary and Middle School Athletics have the philosophy that everyone interested in a sport is welcome to join the team. For this privilege, students have two major responsibilities:
1.To demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship and personal responsibility at all times to teammates, opponents, officials, parents, coaches, spectators, and themselves.
2.To attend all practices and contests unless the coach has been notified, in writing, a legitimate conflict ahead of time.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
You must be in attendance for the full school day, except for a legitimate leave from school, in order to participate in practice or a contest. If you miss part of the day or all day from school because of sickness, you may not participate in athletics in any capacity on that day.
If you do not participate in your physical education or dance class, you may not participate in practice or a contest on that same day.
You are expected to attend all practices and contests unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from participating and/or attending.
You must be in full Nardin uniform to participate in interscholastic competition.
You are expected to strictly adhere to the rules of the contest. All coaches have been instructed to deal with intentional rule violations first with a reminder, and then with disciplinary action.
You will refrain from criticizing officials. The official is the authority figure at all sports contests. If there is a problem with the officiating or a specific call, the coach will address the official in the appropriate manner.
After a contest or practice, you may only leave after the coach has dismissed you.
You will not engage in disrespectful behavior such as taunting, trash-talking, and other forms of intimidation.
Some practices/contests begin at 4:00 pm or later. You are required to attend a study hall after school and do homework until getting on the bus to go to practice
During a contest, you must sit in the designated team area. You are not to join family/friends during the contest.
You must be attentive and listen to all coaches during practices and contests.
THE ROLE OF THE COACH