SHAKOPEE
HIGH SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES
HANDBOOK
Home of the Sabers
Updated July 2016
Table of Contents
Mission Statement and Activities Offered Page 1
Sportsmanship and Behavior Standards Page 2
Spectator Expectations Pages 3, 4
Parental Responsibilities Page 4
Necessary Forms for Athletic or Fine Arts Participation Page 5
Scholastic Eligibility Page 6
Attendance and Behavioral Standards Page 7
High School League Violation Consequences Pages 7,8,9
Fair Hearing and Appeal Procedures Page 10
Fees, Fee Waivers, and Refunds Page 11
Activity Passes Page 11
Physicals, Team Selection, and Participation Page 12
Transportation Page 13
Directory Information Page 13
Awards System Pages 13,14
Equipment and Uniforms Page 15
Trainer and Participation in Multiple Activities Page 15
Fine Arts/Athletic Conflict Resolution Page 16
School vs. Non-School (out of season) Activities Page 16
Jr. High Participation with High School Teams Page 17
NCAA, Hazing, Fundraising, and Data Privacy Page 17
Cheerleading and Emergency School Closing Page 18
Practice and Game Times Page 18
Coaches/Directors Code of Conduct Page 18
Problem/Conflict Resolution and Chain of Command Page 19
Activity Evaluations Page 20
Direction to Schools and Conference Website Page 20
In support of Shakopee High School's mission statement, the activities program provides a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, which encourage broad participation for all students. It is the district's philosophy that individual students will benefit through opportunities to grow physically, intellectually, and creatively from involvement in as many activities as a student shows an interest. The goals of the activities program are to provide meaningful competition, enhance physical and mental well-being and teach positive values. Each program is individually tailored to foster excellence at the varsity level. The Activities Department will attempt to prevent conflicts in activities from occurring, understanding that conflicts will occur.
ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES OFFERED
FALL:Cheerleading (boys and girls)
Cross Country (boys and girls)
Football
Soccer (boys and girls)
Girls Swim/Dive
Girls Tennis
Volleyball
Adaptive Soccer (CI)
WINTER:Basketball (boys and girls)
Cheerleading (boys and girls)
Hockey (boys and girls)
Wrestling
Boys Swim/Dive
Competitive Dance
SPRING:Baseball
Golf (boys and girls)
Softball
Boys Tennis
Track & Field (boys and girls)
Adaptive Softball (CI)
Lacrosse (boys and girls)
ACTIVITIES
BandChoir
YearbookOne-Act Play
Fall MusicalSpeech
Spring PlaySchool Newspaper
Math LeagueBLT (Building Leadership Team)
Student Council National Honor Society
FLA (Future Leaders of America)Youth-in-Government (YIG)
GAPP (German Exchange Program)Model UN
Key ClubLiterary Magazine
Creative Writer’s ConferenceBloodmobile
Drama ClubTech Club Diversity Task Force SADD (Students Against Destructive
Spanish ClubDecisions)
Saber Strength
1.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Shakopee School District students are expected to demonstrate socially accepted behavior. Student participants in co-curricular activities represent the school in a very public manner, and thus student conduct is under close scrutiny. Because of their visibility and status as a role model for younger students, proper conduct and abiding by school rules, Minnesota State High School League rules and local and state laws is expected of all students involved in co-curricular activities.
Students representing Shakopee High School are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will not cause teams, coaches, parents, the school, or the community embarrassment. This applies whenever the student is part of any activity, before or after a contest/performance or practice, in transit to and from activities, or at any function associated with the activity. Parents, who are role models for their children, are also expected to display positive sportsmanship at all athletic contests. The South Suburban Conference has established a sportsmanship credo that ALL individuals are expected to follow.
Any acts of student misconduct may result in disciplinary action whether or not this misconduct is directly involved with a school event or activity. The Minnesota State High School League's Code of Responsibility allows school authorities to discipline students for violation of League rules.
Disciplinary action may include: a conference with the coach/Activities Director/principal, a meeting with parents and possibly either suspension or dismissal from the team or activity. Other appropriate disciplinary action may be taken by the school administration. This could include detention, suspension and/or expulsion.
In addition, coaches/advisors may establish their own specific policies. These policies will be presented to players and parents at the beginning of the season and are subject to the approval of the Activities Director.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Behavior Standards as Specified by the
National Federation of State High School Associations
Acceptable Unacceptable
Applause during introduction of • Yelling or waving arms to distract
players, coaches and officials. or interfere, such as during an opponent's free-throw attempt.
•Players shaking hands with an opponent
who leaves a contest while both sets • Disrespectful or derogatory yells,
of fans recognize player's performance chants, songs or gestures.
with applause.
• Booing or heckling an official's
•Accept all decisions of officials. decision.
•Cheerleaders leading fans in positive• Criticizing officials in any way; cheers displays of temper with an officials call.
•Handshakes between participants
and coaches at end of contest,• Yells that antagonize opponents. regardless of outcome.
2.
Acceptable Unacceptable
• Refusing to shake hands or give
•Treat competition as a game, not war recognition for good performances.
•Coaches/players search out opposing• Blaming loss of game on officials,
participants to recognize them for coaches or participants.
outstanding performance or coaching.
• Laughing or name-calling to
•Applause at end of contest for distract an opponent. performances of all participants.
•Everyone showing concern for• Use of profanity or displays of
injured player, regardless of team. anger that draw attention away . from the game. • Encourage surrounding fans to
display only sportsmanlike conduct.• Doing own yells instead of following
lead of cheerleaders.
A basic fundamental of sportsmanship would be to support the Sabers’teams and coaches, cheer a good play for either team and refrain from comments or cheers toward officials and/or the opponent.
SPECTATOR EXPECTATIONS at CO-CURRICULAR EVENTS
Please arrive at an appropriate time prior to the beginning of an auditorium event. If this is not possible, please enter quietly at an appropriate time, such as a scene change or after a musical selection.
If you need to leave a performance, wait for an appropriate time and leave quietly using extreme care to not let the auditorium doors slam.
Please refrain from loud behavior that would be distracting to the performers and the other audience members at fine arts activities.
Applause is appropriate when music groups enter and exit the stage and after each selection during a musical performance. However, songs that have more than one movement do not require applause until the end of the final movement when the conductor steps off the podium. During theatrical performances, applause is appropriate at the end of scenes and acts, after songs (musical only), and at the end of the performance.
It is expected that elementary students be accompanied by an adult at all athletic events, activities, and performances for their safety and the safety of others.
We welcome enthusiastic fans who come to watch the game/performance and encourage our team/performers. Good sportsmanship is not only our goal, but our trademark.
Running, throwing candy, or horseplay, like grabbing hats or playing catch in crowded areas is both inappropriate and dangerous. Spectators that endanger themselves or others by their behavior will be ejected from the event.
3.
We thank fans for patronizing our concession stand. Remember that rude behavior such as cutting in line or speaking rudely to those working there is not acceptable.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the auditorium.
Balls and toys that are personal in nature must be left at home.
We expect spectators to address volunteers, supervisors and each other respectfully. Offensive language has no place at Shakopee Sabers activities and programs.
Firecrackers, smoke bombs or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited at any and all District 720 activities. Violations may be subject to state and/or federal law.
Banners and signs are not permitted, except those done by cheerleaders or those otherwise approved by school officials. Signs are to be designed to promote positive enthusiastic support.
The use of horns and whistles is not permitted by our Conference or the Minnesota State High School League. Musical instruments may only be played by band members and only at appropriate times. Any one found with horns, whistles or other inappropriate noise makers are subject to immediate dismissal.
The Shakopee School District operates under a set of Community Values. Two of those values are responsibility and respect for others. We are asking that as a parent you review these values with your children before they attend any sports or fine arts activity.
PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
- Parents are expected to encourage their sons or daughters to perform to the best of their abilities both athletically and academically. They should be a source of support for the student/athlete and the program in which they are participating.
- Parents are role models for athletes and representatives of Shakopee High School and the Shakopee community. As such, they are expected to exemplify good attitudes by treating all players/participants, coaches, fans, officials and other parents with respect and dignity. Parents must insist that students/athletes abide by rules established by the coach/director, the school district and the Minnesota State High School League.
- Please be supportive of your son’s/daughter’s coach/director. Nothing can be more demoralizing to an individual or team than if the parent(s) are critical of the coach/director in the home environment.
- Parents should be positive in support of their own team and recognize the achievements of the opposing team. Vulgar, racial, derogatory or disparaging remarks are never appropriate.
- Parents should allow their son/daughter(s) to enjoy the benefits of competition, remembering that not everyone can be the star, be on the first team, or have equal playing time.
- Keep winning and losing in proper perspective. Athletic programs/co-curricular activities are primarily designed for students to learn and have fun. Athletes/students who do their best are to be commended even if their best may not be good enough to win.
4.
FORMS NECESSARY FOR ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION
1.A physical form must be on file for all sports and cheerleading participants.
- The Minnesota State High School League Athletic Eligibility Statement must be signed by the student AND parent/guardian annually. There are separate forms for athletics and fine arts.
3.The Minnesota State High School League Annual Health Questionnaire Form must be completed annually. The signature of a parent or guardian approving participation is required.
- The Permission, Acknowledgement and Insurance Waiver form must be signed annually by both student AND parent/guardian after having read the Activities Handbook and the information on the form.
5.An Emergency Medical Information form must be completed at the beginning of each sport season. Coaches will keep these forms and use them in case of an emergency. Be sure to include insurance policy and group numbers.
- If a student has an injury requiring medical attention, he/she must have a doctor sign a release form before being allowed to participate again. The injured student should work in conjunction with the Shakopee School District’s designated certified athletic trainer to ensure that all return to activity procedures have been satisfied.
FORMS NECESSARY FOR FINE ARTS PARTICIPATION
1. The Minnesota State High School League Fine Arts Eligibility Information packet must be signed by the student AND the parent/guardian annually.
2.The Permission, Acknowledgement and Insurance Waiver form must be signed annually by both student AND parent/guardian after having read the Activities Handbook and the information on the form.
Each time a student goes out for an activity they must appear on the eligibility list issued by the Activities Office, to their coach/director before they can begin participation in any school activity that requires a clearance. It is the student’s responsibility to be cleared by the Activities Office and make sure that they appear on the eligibility list.
5.
SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY
To maintain eligibility, the Minnesota State High School League requires that students shall be making satisfactory progress towards graduation. Satisfactory progress towards graduation shall mean that a student has a minimum of:
Freshman: 4 credits at the end of the first semester.
10 credits at the end of the second semester (to be eligible as a sophomore).
Sophomores: 15 credits at the end of the first semester.
20 credits at the end of the second semester (to be eligible as a junior).
Juniors:27 credits at the end of the first semester.
34 credits at the end of the second semester (to be eligible as a senior).
Seniors:41 credits at the end of the first semester.
A sophomore, junior or senior who has not met the minimum credit requirements as stated above but has exhibited a desire to improve his/her academic standing by obtaining passing marks with a minimum of thirteen credits over the previous two consecutive grading periods (including summer school) may be declared eligible. Credits earned during summer school shall be applied to the previous spring’s credit total. A student-athlete may also be declared eligible after one semester if he/she has achieved a G.P.A. of 2.0 or better and passes a minimum of seven classes.
Any student/athlete who does not have a cumulative grade point average of 1.7 (C-) shall be monitored by the Activities Office. The student's weekly eligibility will be determined by weekly progress reports turned into the Activities Office. Students not meeting the schools weekly requirements for eligibility (i.e. passing all classes) will not be allowed to dress, compete in contests, or travel to away events during any week they are ineligible (Monday through Saturday). Those having three consecutive weeks of ineligibility will be declared ineligible until the end of the current season of competition.
An athlete who is academically ineligible to participate in a sport until the end of the first semester grading period will be allowed to start a winter sports season. However, until the first semester’s grades are determined the athlete will only be allowed to practice with their team.
They may NOT play in any contests, scrimmages or jamborees, travel to away games with the team, or dress for any home contests. If at the end of the 1st semester grading period the athlete is still academically ineligible, they will be dropped from the team. No refund of activity fees will be given. This policy is for winter sports only due to the overlapping of both academic semesters.
The academic eligibility of a student shall be upgraded or downgraded as applicable at the end of each semester.
6.
ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR STANDARDS
Students involved in all co-curricular activities are expected to abide by all school attendance and behavior guidelines. Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege offered to students in good standing.
a. Students excused due to illness must be in school by the beginning of third hour and remain in school for the rest of the day in order to be eligible to practice or participate/play in activities that day.
- Students with an "excused" absence are allowed to practice or compete/perform.
c.Students with a Parent Option Absence (POA) absence are allowed to practice or compete/perform.
d.Students with in-school or out-of-school suspensions may NOT practice or compete/perform in activities/contests on days of suspension.
- Students with an unexcused absence for ANY hour of the day may not practice or compete/perform on that day. Students will be marked unexcused if they arrive at school after 8:30 am without an excused absence. Students will be marked unexcused if they arrive to class 5 minutes late between 2nd and 7th hours if they do not have a an excused pass to enter class.
- Students with detentions may practice or compete/perform in contests after serving their detention after school.
- Students who do not clear up their pending absences in the required time frame will be ruled unexcused by the Activities Office and will be held out of either practice or competition/performances for the unexcused absence.
If a student should practice or compete/perform on a day when they are ineligible, they will be held out of the next equivalent practice or contest/performance.
HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES
The Minnesota State High School League allows member schools to have consequences more severe than the League guidelines. Shakopee High School exceeds the minimum Minnesota State High School League rules in some instances (exceptions are underlined):
- Any student who "hosts/sponsors" a party where alcohol is present shall be declared in violation of High School League rules concerning chemical possession.
- Ineligibility - Students who violate any Minnesota State High School League rule concerning chemical use or harassment shall serve the violation in the current or next athletic activity that they participate in. If the violation occursduring the school year the student shall also serve the penalty in any/all fine arts activities that they are currently participating in or in the next fine arts activity that they join. These activities include: band, choir, speech, drama, math league, BPA, visual arts, student council, Youth-In-Government and Girls/Boys State. Students who have a violation during the summer who are member of the summer marching band program will serve the penalty during marching band.
- Suspensions - "two, three or four weeks" shall be defined as 14, 21 or 28 consecutive calendar days.
- Suspensions will begin the first week of interscholastic competition and carry through to the end of the prescribed suspension.
7.