YELLOWJACKETS

PARENT-ATHLETE

HANDBOOK

2016-2017

Taylor

Athletic Department

Taylor Parent Athletic Handbook

Table of Contents

Statement of Purpose…………………………………………………….…P. 4

Philosophy of Athletics/Mission Statement……………………………….P. 5-6

Athletic Code of Conduct……………………………………………………P. 7

Eligibility……………………………………………………………………….P.7-8

Sportsmanship………………………………………………………………..P.8

Relationships with Teachers………………………………………………...P.8

Cheating……………………………………………………………………….P. 9

Stealing and Vandalism……………………………………………………...P.9

Attendance Policy…………………………………………………………….P. 9

Student Athlete Code of Conduct…………………………………………..P. 9-10

Expectations of Athletes……………………………………………………..P. 10

Discipline Procedure…………………………………………………………P. 11

Hazing…………………………………………………………………………P. 11-12

Student Drug Usage and Policies…………………………………………..P. 12

Athletic Equipment and Uniform Responsibilities…………………………P. 13

Grievance Procedure………………………………………………………...P. 13-14

Team Cuts…………………………………………………………………….P. 14

Physical Examination………………………………………………………...P. 15

Dual Sport Participants………………………………………………………P. 15

Athletic Medical Insurance…………………………………………………..P. 15

Medical Release After Injury………………………………………………...P. 16

Risk of Participation…………………………………………………………..P. 16

Vacation Policy………………………………………………………………..P. 16

Locker Rooms…………………………………………………………………P. 16

Pay to Participation…………………………………………………………...P. 17

Transportation Guidelines……………………………………………………P. 17-18

Parents Role in Interscholastic Athletics……………………………………P. 18

Communicating with the Coach……………………………………………..P. 18-19

Standards for all athletic awards…………………………………………….P. 19

Moving on to Collegiate Athletics…………………………………………….P. 20

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Information in this handbook is designed as a set of guidelines, rules and responsibilities for Taylor students in grades 7-12. Values such as good sportsmanship, integrity, character education, a winning attitude and the complete development of the individual in team and individual settings shall be promoted. We believe athletics truly are a major part of well-rounded educational experience. We are intentionally making efforts to foster a “family” atmosphere in our athletic programs. By “family” we mean student athletes, parents, coaches and school administration and staff working together to develop responsibility and accountability. Our goal is to develop and promote what the Ohio High School Athletic Association calls Clique I (top notch) athletes, parents and coaches. Let us work together to make athletics at Taylor a meaningful educational experience.

This handbook is adopted pursuant to Section 3313.664 of the Ohio Revised Code

The purpose of this handbook is to give student athletes and other interested persons a guide to the operation of the Interscholastic Athletic Program of Taylor HS/MS.

The student athletes are obligated to conform to the “Student Code of Conduct” as established by the Three Rivers Board of Education. Student athletes are also obligated to conform to the training rules and policies established by the Taylor Athletic Department and specific rules and regulations as established by the coaches of each specific sport.

Student athletes are expected to adhere to the above-mentioned rules, regulations, and policies during their season of participation. The sport season will begin with the first day of practice for a given sport and conclude with the final contest and the awards program for that sport (which ever comes last).

It must be understood by all student athletes and parents/guardians that a condition to participating in the Taylor Athletic program is a commitment to follow the rules, regulations, policies and procedures established by the District for the implementation of its athletic program. It must also be understood that athletes and cheerleaders who violate the rules, regulations, policies and procedures shall face disciplinary action. Participation in a Taylor athletic program(s) is a privilege and not a right.

Athletic Department Contact Information:

Athletic Director: Larry Herges

Phone number: 513-824-7421

Fax number: 513-467-0053

E-mail address:

Websites:

PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS

The Three Rivers Local School District believes that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunity and experience that assists students in personal growth, self-expression, mental alertness, and physical growth. The Taylor Athletic Department strives to provide a positive environment dedicated to achieving excellence in athletic and academic performance and inspiring personal development, which prepares student-athletes to benefit society in a lasting and meaningful way.

Athletics play an important part in the life of Taylor Athletes. Young people learn a great deal from their participation in interscholastic athletics. Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and how to win and lose gracefully are an integral part of each team in our athletic program. Athletics also play an important part in helping the individual student develop a healthy self-concept as well as a healthy body. Athletic competition adds to our school spirit and helps all students-spectators as well as participants-develop pride in our school.

TAYLOR ATHLETIC MISSION

1.Ensure a high quality, comprehensive program founded on uncompromised integrity.

A.Meet and exceed the spirit of the Taylor, Cincinnati Hills League and Ohio High School Athletic Association.

B.Encourage honesty and ethical standards in interactions with all persons.

C.Insist on high moral standards for athletes that include fairness, character and respect for others.

2. Achieve the total development of the student-athlete.

A.Emphasize positive interaction and relationship-building with fellow students.

B.Emphasize intellectual growth leading to graduation and a productive life thereafter.

C.Emphasize athletic achievement in interscholastic competition.

D.Emphasize service to the community.

3. Enhance the academic mission of the school district.

A.Complement classroom experiences.

B.Provide an opportunity of positive statewide exposure for the district through athletic accomplishments that contribute to the overall success of the school.

TAYLOR ATHLETIC MISSION STATEMENT

The Taylor Athletic Department and coaches will proactively enhance the physical and emotional growth of each Taylor student-athlete.

The department will:

  1. Host a meeting at the beginning of each season for all parents of participating athletes to discuss the current Athletic Code of Conduct and OHSAA Guidelines. Parents and athletes must sign the Athletic Code of Conduct form before the athlete may participate in any athletic activity.
  2. Provide opportunities for high school and middle school athletes to be positive role models for Taylor High School students and the community.

Taylor coaches will:

  1. Distribute written expectations specific to their sport during or prior to the first week of the regular interscholastic season.
  2. Discuss the current Athletic Handbook and team rules with their team during or prior to the first week of the regular interscholastic season.
  3. Enforce the Athletic Handbook and team rules with expectations specific to their sport.
  4. Consistently emphasize the importance of the high standards set for all athletes.

Rules are established for the conduct of athletes, and the administration of Taylor athletics within the pages of this handbook. Student athletes, parents, and coaches are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook and for following the guidelines set forth herein. A student participates in athletics by choice. In so doing, the student also chooses to adhere to the athletic participation rules. A “YELLOWJACKET” student athlete will not do anything that will jeopardize their chances for playing or their team’s chances of success. These rules and procedures apply during the entire sport season, on and off school grounds, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Failure to comply with these rules and procedures may result in a suspension from participation in Taylor athletics. In addition to these rules, each coach or advisor will develop regulations and penalties that apply to that sport or activity. Students may also be suspended from an activity or sport for a violation of general school rules as set forth in the student conduct code.

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

Eligibility

Below is a list of eligibility requirements for participation in athletics at Taylor:

a. No student shall be kept from participation in athletics at Taylor due to his or her race, religious beliefs, gender or socioeconomic status.

b. Students are required to meet certain academic requirements as set forth by the local board of education and the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)

According to O.H.S.A.A. Bylaw 4-4-1. During the preceding grade period, a student must have received a passing grade in a minimum of five (5) one credit courses or the equivalent which count toward graduation. Taylor Student Athletes are also required to have a minimum of a 1.0 grade point average for the preceding grading period to be eligible. Grades earned during the 4th quarter determine eligibility for the 1st quarter of the next school year.

In accordance with OHSAA Bylaw 4-4-3. A student enrolled in the first grading period after advancement from the eighth grade must have passed 5 of those subjects carried the preceding grading period in which the student was enrolled.

*Summer School grades earned may not be substituted for failing grades from the last grading period of the regular school year.

Age Limit:

High school students (grades 9-12) who turn 19 years of age prior to August 1st are ineligible for interscholastic athletics.

•Those with a disability may qualify for an exception to this regulation and should arrange a meeting with the principal or athletic administrator to review the exception.

Semesters of Eligibility:

After a student completes the eighth grade, the student shall be eligible for a period not to exceed eight semesters taken in order of attendance, whether the student participates or not. A student in grade 7 or 8 who attains the age of 15 before August 1 shall be eligible only at the high school level for a period not to exceed eight semesters taken in order of attendance, whether the student participates or not.

Taylor High School (Grades 7-8)

According to O.H.S.A.A. Bylaw 4-4-4. A student enrolling in the seventh grade for the first time will be eligible for the first grading period regardless of previous academic achievement. Thereafter, in order to be eligible, a student in grade 7 or 8 must be currently enrolled and must have been enrolled in school the immediately preceding grading period and received passing grades during that grading period in 5 of those subjects carried the preceding grading period which met five days per week or its equivalent.

Age Limit:

Seventh- and eighth-grade students who turn 15 years of age prior to August 1st are ineligible for 7th-8th grade athletics but are eligible to participate in high school athletics.

•Those with a disability may qualify for an exception to this regulation and should arrange a meeting with the principal or athletic administrator to review the exception.

Athletic Forms Required for Participation

Before a student may participate in any sport, including conditioning, tryouts, and practices, he/she must provide the following an updated Physical. All forms must be completed using the on-line system provided by finalforms. This is the only way to complete the necessary forms to participate.

Sportsmanship

Because the players are respected and admired, they exert a great deal of influence over the actions and behavior of the spectators. Their display of sportsmanship is to be expected, encouraged, and rewarded. The following sportsmanlike behavior is to be adhered to by our players.

a. Shake hands with opponents before (leaders) and after the game.

b. Respect the official’s judgment in interpretation of the rules. Never argue or indicate a dislike for a decision.

c. Accept both victory and defeat without being boastful or bitter. Be gracious whether the team wins or loses.

d. Cooperate with the coach and fellow players in promoting good sportsmanship.

e. Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and the community.

We believe that being a spectator is a “privilege” and not a “right”. It is a privilege to watch an educational process where teams demonstrate what they have learned in the athletic classroom. Spectators will be held accountable for good sportsmanship. Any spectator ejected from a Three Rivers Local School District athletic event will be required to meet with the Athletic Director, before returning to any other athletic event.

Relationship with teachers

Athletes are expected to be examples of good behavior in all aspects of their school life. If a faculty member reports an incident of unacceptable behavior or negative classroom attitude, the act will be discussed with the player and disciplinary action - if necessary - will be determined by the principal, assistant principal, athletic director or coach.

Cheating

The privilege of representing your school as an athlete also carries responsibility into the classroom. Any team member found to be cheating in class work or tests will be denied participation for one week of athletic contests. Continued problems will result in further denial of participation.

Stealing and Vandalism

One purpose of the athletic program is to develop respect for the rights and property of others. If an athlete takes the property of another person or of the school or becomes knowingly involved in theft by receiving stolen property he shall be denied participation for one week of all athletic contests. If a student has a second violation he will be dismissed from the team.

Criminal Activities

Any student involved in criminal activity or violation of Civil Law may be denied participation.

Attendance Policy for Extra-Curricular Activities

To participate in or attend a school sponsored event, performance, or extracurricular contest, the student must be present in school for the entire day on which the event is held or have a medical note for absence for the day.

  1. If the event is to be held on Saturday, the student must be present in school for the entire day on theFridayprior to thatSaturday.
  2. Exceptions can be made only with administrative approval.
  3. To participate in or attend school sponsored extracurricular practice sessions, students must arrive at school by the end of 2nd Bell with a note from a parent or guardian.
  4. If a student is suspended, expelled or is attending alternative school(including BIC), the student will not be permitted to participate in athletic events or practice.

Frequent late arrivals to school may result in removal from the extracurricular activity.

Possible exceptions will only be considered for the following situation:

  • Illness in the family
  • Death of a relative
  • Observance of a religious holiday
  • Verified doctor or dentist appointment
  • Emergency or set of circumstances judged as sufficient cause by school authorities. The appropriate building administrator may excuse absence for “personal reasons” prior to the date of absence.

Student Athlete Conduct

Student athletes are representatives of their school. As Ambassadors of the Taylor community, it is incumbent upon them to represent their school with class, respect, dignity, integrity, good sportsmanship and compassion for their fellow competitors and their communities.

Any athlete ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant foul shall be ineligible for contests for the remainder of the day as well as for all contests in that sport until two regular season/tournament contests (one for football) are played at the same level as the ejection.

If the ejection occurs in the last contest of the season, the student shall be ineligible for the same period of time as stated above in the next sport in which the student participates. A student under suspension may not sit on the team bench, enter the locker room or be affiliated with the team in any way traveling to, during or traveling after the contest(s).

A student who is ejected a second time shall be suspended for the remainder of the season in that sport.

A student who has been ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct for the second time in the season during the last contest shall be ineligible for a period of time, number of contests, subject to the discretion of the OHSAA Commissioner. The period of ineligibility shall commence during the next sport in which the student participates.

The Taylor Athletic Department fully supports the “Be A Sport” program conducted by the OHSAA and will ensure compliance with the above stated policy. In addition, any athlete ejected from a contest will meet with the athletic director and may be required by the responsible coach to complete extra activities before rejoining the team in a competitive manner.

Expectations of Athletes

  • Student athletes participating on a team “in season” are expected to attend all practices and contests for that “in season” team. The “in season” team takes precedence over all “out of season” programs and activities.
  • A student athlete quitting an athletic activity may not participate in a new sport activity until the completion of the specific sport season. (If coaches agree that it is in the best interest for the athlete to switch sports, this regulation may be waived.
  • Athletes are expected to attend the awards program to complete their sport season and receive their recognition/awards. Any awards not picked up within two weeks of the sports award ceremony will be unavailable unless extenuating circumstances prevented receipt of awards in a timely manner.
  • Student athletes are responsible for returning all equipment issued to them during the sport season. The equipment must be returned in the same condition it was handed out. The student athlete will be financially responsible for any lost equipment. All equipment must be turned in before the student athlete can participate in another sport.
  • A “season is defined as that period of time from the date of the first practice session, as allowed by the OHSAA, through the end of the athletic season or sports awards recognition.
  • Participants who are a constant discipline problem in school or on a team may be dismissed from the remainder of the season from all participation privileges by the team’s coach or school administration. Coaches also reserve the right to select team rosters and may choose to deny participation rights to any athlete who is consistently a discipline challenge even if the sport team is usually recognized as a “non-cut” team.
  • Student athletes are expected to attend practices and contests. An unexcused missed practice will result in sitting a minimum ½ a contest. Two unexcused missed practices will result in sitting a minimum 1 contest. The third unexcused practice will result in being removed from the team.

Discipline Procedure

The following individuals have the authority to impose discipline: Principal, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and coach. They shall notify a student of his/her proposed suspension from an extracurricular activity, and the reason(s) for the suspension. They shall also notify the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian. The notice shall include the reason for the suspension and the right to appeal the decision.