Bradley Bears

(Volleyball, Basketball, Track)

2017-2018

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Bradley Girls’ Athletics. We look forward to working with each student/athlete to create a beneficial experience for all those involved.

We believe that participation in a competitive athletic program can provide students an opportunity to learn responsibility, dedication, leadership, hard work, self-discipline, respect for rules, respect for authority, as well as other positive qualities.We have created some policies that will help provide consistency, establish a tone of excellence, and create a positive environment for our players to work, grow, and develop so that your children are properly prepared to represent our school and community and compete at the highest level. Regulations are established to promote these qualities and to help build and maintain a strong athletic program. Any student who elects to accept the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities must recognize that she is a representative of the school and district, and will be held to a higher standard of conduct than applied to other students. This applies to both school related and non-school related activities. These policies will govern ALL athletes for the entire school year. Students participating in extracurricular activities who do not meet these standards of appropriate behaviors could be denied participation in the activity and/or program.

In order to maintain a successful athletic program, we demand excellence among our players in all aspects of their school performance and behavior. In addition to expecting our players to perform athletically, we must also expect them to meet high standards in other important areas of their student life. They must maintain passing grades, demonstrate good citizenship, and display an overall positive attitude in order to remain in our program.

On behalf of the coaching staff, we would like to thank and congratulate you for allowing your child to participate in our Athletic Program. We sincerely appreciate your time, effort, support, and interest. The benefits of your daughter’s involvement will be well worth the sacrifice. We thank you for understanding the need to maintain high standards in the Bradley Athletic Program, and we appreciate your support. We are excited about the 2017-2018 school year. Please do not hesitate to contact the coaches if you have any questions or concerns. Information is also located atthe following website

Rachael Truan

Phone: 356-2600

Email:

Sincerely,

The Bradley Coaching Staff

Bradley Athletic Expectations

These policies have been prepared for you as a prospective student athlete. It is our belief that a student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of commitment and self-discipline. The realization of success is virtually impossible if a student is not willing to commit to the team, athletic program, and/or discipline themselves to prepare for the rigors of competition. The coaching staff recognizes the rights of individuals but within the framework of the team. It is our opinion that individuals should place team goals and concerns above their own personal interests. If it is established that a student will not comply with the acknowledged rules and regulations pertaining to her academic progress, grooming, training habits, and/or conduct, she may be disciplined, suspended from athletic participation, and/or possibly removed from the team. Our goal is to continuously strive for academic and athletic excellence and our success in achieving that goal depends on the commitment and self-discipline of the program’s participants.

  1. ATTENDANCE/ILLNESS/INJURIES
  2. Do not miss athletic period if you are “in-season”. Missing athletic period is an absence from practice. Workouts must be completed in athletic period. An athlete’s grade is affected when not completing workouts. Unexcused tardiness or absences from athletic period will result in a loss in daily credit.
  3. “An absence is an absence” from a practice. Doctor’s appointments, going out of town, exhaustion from the previous night’s activities, tutoring, and too much homework are not excusable absences from a practice. If an athlete is late or absent from a practice due to detention, it is considered unexcused.
  4. For A/B teams - One absence between games will result in loss of playing time. Two absences between games and the athlete will not play in the following game (or step in – step out), but is still required to be with the team.
  5. Coaches will expect a doctor’s note for absences due to illness or injury. Athletes under a doctor’s note will not be allowed to participate until the athlete is released with a follow-up doctor’s note or a date given on the original note. If an athlete is on a doctor’s note, we ask that she adhere to the restrictions on campus and off campus to allow quicker healing time. A parent note is only effective for three days, with the athlete continuing to dress out. Once the three days have expired, the athlete must have a doctor’s note in order to be exempt from participation. The athlete will lose all daily credit until these policies are followed. Injured/ill athletes (within reason) are expected to stay and observe practice during a doctor’s note exemption.
  6. Absences, nonparticipation in practices, injuries,and tardiness will affect playing time and/or team position. The only excused absence is for a UIL competition (not a practice). Five excused/unexcused absences will result in possible removal from A/B Teams. Three excused/unexcused absences will result in possible removal from Go Team and Track.
  7. GO Team players have two days of practice each week. Athletes must be present for both days of practice in order to be eligible to play in that particular week’s game. A “Go” team member may be excused for one practice day as long they are at a Bradley UIL event and they have communicated to the Coach prior to this missed practice.
  8. Extreme emergencies will be handled individually.
  9. PROMPTNESS - ALWAYS be on time. To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late. Tardiness will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.
  10. Earning a position on the A or B team requires a commitment to all games and tournaments. Failure to do so may result in placement on the Go team.
  11. If an athlete is on Doctor’s note for an extended period of time (over 45 days; consecutively or non-consecutively), the athlete may be removed from the athletic period.
  12. An athlete MUSTdress out and participate in physical education class or their athletic period in order to participate in before/after school extracurricular sports. Extracurricular sports are an extension of athletic/PE period. You may NOT be “excused” for one and not the other.
  13. Athletic period > Physical Education schedule changes are not made unless accompanied by a doctor’s note. The commitment to the Athletic period is a FULL year commitment.
  14. Please contact the coaches’ office PRIOR to missing a practice/game.

7th grade by 6:00 am & 8th grade by 1:00 pm

  1. GAMES
  2. Each grade level is comprised of three teams – Go Team, B Team, and A Team
  3. Go Team game time—4:30 p.m.
  4. B Team game time—5:30 p.m.
  5. A Team game time—6:30 p.m.
  • A and B Team players are required to attend all games. B Team players are required to stay for A Team games. However, if extenuating circumstances arise, B team players will have a maximum of two “excused absenses” from A team games. Please only use this if needed, as we believe team support and unity is a vital part this program. A team players must be present for Go and B Team games. Go Team players are strongly encouraged to stay for all games. We believe this policy helps develop a team attitude and spirit among players and we appreciate your support as parents to help maintain this policy. Failure to commit to this team policy will result in a consequence and could result in a change in team placement.
  • Athletes are required to sit in a box formation in the stands and support the team that is playing. Family and friends are NOT allowed to sit in the box formation. This rule is for safety purposes.
  • Athletes are to clean up their area after games.
  • Athletes are not allowed to walk around any campus, home or away, without permission. Always use the buddy system. If food is not allowed in gym, students will not be allowed to visit the concession stand. This will allow athletes to be supervised at all times.
  • Athletes who lose their focus (pre-game, game, or post-game) by distractions in the stands will have reduced playing time or other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the coach.
  • ATHLETES WILL NOT RECEIVE EQUAL PLAYING TIME.
  • Playing time, strategy, and/or team placementwill not be discussed with parents.
  • Track—Three athletes (per grade level) are taken for each event based on participation and performance.Four absences may result in removal from the track team. In order to finish track in good standing, you must have attended one track meet and met the attendance requirements for the entire seasonin your event. In addition, if the athlete is on a doctor’s note during track, then she must still attend the practices she was attending prior to injury. Pulling out of a track meet on the day of the meet is not acceptable and will count as an absence.
  • An athlete’s standings are determined by how she ends her season. (For example: An athlete was moved during the season from B team to A team, she would be considered an A team member.Also, if an A team player does not commit to the end of the season tournament, she would finish the season as a B team member.)
  • Any item(s) that needs to be delivered to an athlete should be done so through the team’s manager. No soda or candy before a game. In case of emergency, please contact the coach or a manager.
  • Phones and electronic devices should not be used at any time without permission. Ipods are not allowed at any time.
  • Slides, flip flops, and “house shoes” are prohibited at all times (even after games).
  1. RESPONSIBILITIES/RESPECT/PROPER CONDUCT

Younger students and athletes are always watching you. You are their role models. They look up to you and they will copy and emulate your behaviors, both the positive ones, as well as the negative. Do not do anything that will disappoint the younger students in your community. The conduct of an athlete is closely observed and often scrutinized. Therefore, your behavior should be above reproach wherever you are.

  • Bradley will be known for our clean and competitive play. Understand that winning and losing is a part of the game that you should be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.
  • Bradley athletes will show respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees.
  • Taunting the opponent will not be tolerated. Bradley athletes will praise opponents.
  • Athletes should hold themselves to a higher standard, regardless of their environment.
  • Athletes should establish eye contact with coaches and teammates.
  • Coaches expect “Yes, Ma’am” or “No, Ma’am” responses from players.
  • Coaches will respect all players. Coaches may raise their voice during practice or in games for instruction or redirection. It is NOT PERSONAL.
  • Athletes will respect facilities and equipment.
  • Inappropriate behavior on or off campus can affect playing time.
  • Express opinions and ideas in a respectful manner.
  • Be prepared for each practice with the necessary equipment.
  • In the classroom:

1. Respect and adhere to the classroom rules/procedures established by the teacher.

2. Be alert and attentive to instruction and complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

3. Show respect to your teacher and classmates. Horseplay and disrespectful behavior is not

acceptable.

4. Be on time to class! Tardiness is not acceptable.

  1. TRANSPORTATION- PICK UP LOCATION BEHIND GYM NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
  • Athletes must ride the school bus to off-campus games, track meets, and tournaments.
  • Athletes may be taken home by a parent or guardian if the coaches have written permission BEFORE we have left for the off-campus event. E-mailed notes must be received BEFORE 2:30 on game day. If your athlete is leaving with another parent, we must have a note from both parents. Parents MUST sign/check their daughter out with the coach.
  • If a parent signs his/her daughter out from the coach and decides they want to stay and observe, the athlete must stay in the player’s box or they may change out of their uniform. Bottom line is if athlete is in uniform, they must be in the box with the team.
  • B Team players MAY NOT leave before A Team games are finished.
  • Track—athletes must be signed out by a parent or guardian after the athlete has completed her event.
  • Parents and athletes are responsible for arranging transportation to/from practice. Please pick up your daughter within a 15 minute window from the end of practice or please make other arrangements for her.
  1. GROOMING

Members of an athletic team are expected to be well-groomed. Appearance, expression and actions influence people’s opinions of the athletes, the team, the school, and the community. Once you have volunteered to be a part of the Athletic Program, you have made a decision to uphold certain standards expected of athletes. These standards have been purposely set high. Fads and trends may not be accepted or approved. Our athletic policies will be based on the judgment of the Head Coach, as approved by the Administration and Principal.

1. Hair may not be unnatural in color and/or streaked (or tipped) with any color.

2. No marks on hands and/or body (this includes fake tatoos and/or ink).

3. Shirt must be tucked in at all athletic events (including practices).

  1. UNIFORMS
  • Uniforms will be distributed to all A Team and B Team athletes. Go Team uniforms may be distributed from week to week.
  • Athletes will wear their uniforms in the same manner. We will look like a team. Shirt tails must be tucked in as long as the athlete is wearing the uniform. Unnatural hair color, face painting, body glitter, or any other deviation from the uniform will not be tolerated.
  • Under no circumstance are girls allowed to wear jewelry during athletic period, practices, or athletic competition. This is a UIL rule and must be strictly followed.
  • We strongly recommend getting ears pierced in the summer because athletes may not wear earrings of any kind in athletic period, practices, or games.
  • Hair should be worn up and away from face. Metal or plastic accessories in the hair are not allowed in games.
  • Shorts must be mid-thigh or longer and are not to be rolled.
  • Practice uniforms—Bear athletic shirt (tucked in), green shorts, socks, shoes.
  • School issued uniforms should be worn only during practices and games. This includes basketball/track sweats.
  • Wearing these items at any other time is a violation of UIL and NEISD policy.
  • It is the right of the coach to “take up” a uniform if it is worninappropriately or consistently misplaced.
  • Uniforms will be returned within three days after the athlete’s last game or track meet.
  • Lost uniforms will cost the athlete $40. ($20 for top and $20 for bottoms) An athlete may not participate in the next sport until all of her uniform is turned in.
  1. COACHES’ OFFICE/ LOCKER ROOM
  • The coaches’ office welcomes athletes.
  • Athletes should remember to knock and respect the privacy of a coach who may be in a conference, using the telephone, or changing.
  • Locker room will @8 am.
  • DO NOT KEEP LUNCH IN LOCKER. IT IS ONLY FOR ATHLETIC CLOTHES!!!!
  1. DECISIONS
  • Decisions will always be based on what is best for the team and then what is best for the individual.
  • Playing time and team placement are the coaches’ decision.
  1. QUITTING
  • Quitting is discouraged.
  • Any athlete who wishes to quit must visit with the coach and turn in all equipment and will go to off-season practices.
  • A note from a parent or guardian must be provided stating an awareness of the athlete’s decision.
  1. HAZING, INITIATION, OR ANY BULLING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
  • The administration and athletic department according to NEISD Board Policy will discipline any athlete involved in such actions.
  1. FIGHTING,DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, STEALING, AND PROFANITY
  2. Association with any of these offenses will not be tolerated.
  3. Failure to comply with this policy may result in dismissal from the athletic program for the remainder of the year.
  4. Any athlete involved in a fight will have a minimum one game suspension.
  1. DISCIPLINE
  • The Lady Bear Athletic Program follows all North East policies (including dress code). Coaches will hold the athletes to a higher standard than the average student.
  • All athletes are subject to disciplinary action for misbehavior outside of athletics.
  • Athletes that are disciplined through administration or are reported to have poor choices in the classroom and/or hallways may have a consequence within the Athletic Program.
  • Grade checks may be done and are considered a requirement when done. Poor grades and inappropriate conduct are subject to disciplinary action. Failure to turn in a grade check will also result in disciplinary actionand a loss of daily credit (if in athletic period).
  • Continued problems in the classroom (grade checks) will result in suspension or removal from athletic participation.
  • There are two reasons without exception, for which an athlete will be dismissed from a team. Senate Bill 1 clearly states that all classes MUST be passed or the student must sit out for three weeks (from competition, practices are still permitted) at which time she has the opportunity to regain her eligibility. Secondly, a violation of the NEISD policy of drugs, alcohol, weapons, bullying, or hazing will result in dismissal from all Lady Bearathletic activities for the remainder of that school year.
  • If an athlete receives ISS, there will be a minimum one game suspension.
  • Any coach has the right to discipline any athlete regardless of the team the athlete is on. Lady Bear coaches are a team.
  • There are a number of circumstances that could lead to an athlete being dismissed from an athletic team, but not limited to:
  • Academic Failure (district and state policy)
  • Drug/Alcohol use/possession, possession of weapons, theft, or hazing
  • Excessive absences or tardies from practice
  • Persistent disciplinary problems (athletic or class)
  • Poor attitude/effort
  • Absence from a game and/or tournament

**All offenses are subject to disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the coach such as “OFI”, which is an opportunity for improvement.