CANYON VISTA LADY MUSTANG ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

For the 2014-2015 school year

Dear Parents or Guardian,

Your daughter has chosen to participate in the Canyon Vista Middle School Girl’s Athletic Program. The following information is for you and your daughter to read so you may better understand our program and what we expect and hope to accomplish.

GOALS: It is the goal of the Canyon Vista Coaching Staff that each athlete who participates in our program will:

-develop the necessary fundamental skills to be successful in each sport

-improve in their knowledge and strategy of each sport

-learn about good sportsmanship and teamwork

-learn about self-discipline, both physically and mentally

-improve their fitness level

LADY MUSTANG PROGRAM: Canyon Vista offers five sports: Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Track, and Soccer for both the 7th and 8th grades. Volleyball and Basketball will have a Red and Blue team made up of approximately 25 girls. If your daughter does not make a team they will be a part of the Off-Season Program which consists of the in-season sport fundamentals, conditioning, and strength training. Cross Country is a fall sport and Track is a spring sport. The Soccer team is made up of approximately 22 girls and is combined 7th and 8th graders.

EXPECTATIONS: All athletes on a Canyon Vista team will attend all practices, games, and tournaments unless there is a family emergency. Missing these without a note, phone call, or e-mail will result in your daughter losing playing time.

Your daughter will be expected to dress in her athletic clothes for class/practice every day and to participate to the best of her ability. See “DRESS CODE” section for further explanation.

If she cannot participate, we ask that you write a note, call, or e-mail. A parent note is only acceptable for a maximum of three days, then a doctor’s note is required. She will still be expected to dress out and will be involved in an alternate activity unless otherwise stated. Activities may include walking, teacher aide duties, or a written assignment. A doctor’s note is required for illnesses and/or injuries lasting longer than 3 days. The note needs to tell us about your daughter’s limitations, restrictions, and a date she may return. If a return date is not given, the athlete must return to the doctor and get an “all clear to return” note. Any injury or illness requiring your daughter to miss more than six weeks may require a schedule change.

ELIGIBILITY: RRISD follows the “No Pass, No Play” policy. Each athlete must maintain an average of 70 or above in all subjects. Upon failure of any subject, the athlete may not compete in any contests until they are passing ALL subjects at the three-week grading period.

CONDUCT: All athletes will adhere to the RRISD Student Code of Conduct at all times. All athletes will be expected to behave as ladies on and off the field/court. This means you will follow the rules and procedures at all times while attending class. You are expected to act properly in class, showing your teachers, administrators, and school staff courtesy and respect. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a conference and possible disciplinary action. If an athlete serves detention that requires practice time to be missed, it will count as a missed practice. If an athlete is sent to the RROC, or another alternative disciplinary educational setting, the athlete will be removed from the program.

PRACTICE: Volleyball and Basketball practice for the Red and Blue teams is during the athletic period and before or after school, Monday through Friday. The Off-Season group will practice the in-season sport during the athletic period two days a week. ALL athletes will be involved in a conditioning and strength training program two to three days a week.

An athlete who misses two or more practices between competitions due to unexcused absences or illness, will not be permitted to participate in the next competition.

This year the 8th graders will practice Volleyball and Basketball before school, 6:45 to 8:00am. The 7th graders will practice Volleyball after school, 3:45 to 5:30pm and Basketball before school, 6:45 to 8:00am. Cross Country is a first semester sport and practices are before school from 7:15 to 8:00am. Track is a second semester sport and practices for the running events are during the athletic period. The hurdlers, shot put, discus, jumpers, (high, long, and triple) and distance runners will need to check with the specific coach to see when their practices will be held. Soccer practice will be Monday-Wednesday from 7:00-8:00am.

PRACTICE UNIFORMS: Students in the athletic program will need a GRAY SHIRT, RED SHORTS, SOCKS, TENNIS SHOES, hair pulled back and out of their eyes, and jewelry removed. We are selling the shirts and shorts this year for $10.00 each and gym bags for $10.00 in our Athletic office. Shorts inseam need to be a minimum of 5 inches. PLEASE encourage your daughter to leave her valuables at home and to take extra care in locking up her belongings. ALL personal belongings should be marked with FIRST INITIAL and FULL LAST NAME of the student. If you are unable to get their belongings marked, we will mark them with a permanent marker. A good pair of tennis shoes is recommended. Be sure to get a shoe with adequate support to insure the safety of your daughter during her workout.

When an athlete forgets her Grays and Reds, we have some available to borrow. She may NOT borrow from a friend.

GAMES: Schedules of games/meets for each sport are available on our website. The schedules will include the team playing, opponent, and site of contest. The Volleyball and Basketball games begin at 5:30 pm, with the Blue team playing first and the Red team immediately following. Track meets start at 4:00pm. Soccer games are at 5:00pm.

**It is district policy that athletes ride together on the bus to away competitions and return to the school on the bus. If there is an emergency or special occasion that you need to take your daughter from a game site, you will need to sign your daughter out with the coach before you leave the playing site. All athletes have schoolwork and tests to complete and study for and are given the opportunity to study before each game. Athletes may only be released to their parent(s). After the girls have returned to the school, it is the responsibility of the parent to arrange punctual transportation home for your daughter. All times are estimated to the best of our ability.

GAME UNIFORM: Those playing on the Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Cross Country, and Soccer teams will be issued a uniform and sweats. You must supply socks and shoes. They will be responsible for the uniform and sweats when they are checked out to them. In case of loss or damage, they will be responsible for reimbursing the cost of the item.

TICKET PRICES: Ticket prices for all middle school contests in Round Rock ISD this year are $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for students. Games out of district and tournament passes may vary.

DRESS CODE: Athletes are expected to groom and dress themselves in such a way that their appearance brings pride to the athletic program. ALL school rules are to be followed—dress code and NO GUM! No distracting hairdos, face painting, body writing, stickers, or jewelry during class, practice or games will be allowed. Shoulder length hair must be pulled back in a ponytail with a hair out of face, shirttails must be tucked in, and socks must be worn when participating in Athletics. Discipline measures may include losing responsibility points or game privileges.

SPORTSMANSHIP: Athletes are expected to be a positive role model in their academic classes as well as in Athletics. They should show good sportsmanship during workouts, practices, and games. It is important to the Lady Mustang Program that our teams and spectators display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. As coaches we abide by the rules of the game, regardless of the outcome, and we expect our girls and spectators to do the same.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY: Any athlete disciplined and/or suspended from school for the possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, weapons, or bullying may result in removal from the Lady Mustang Athletic Program.

GRADING: Athletes grades will be determined by their Participation—70%, and Responsibility—30%

·  Responsibility points will be deducted when an athlete is roll tardy, borrows clothes, leaves clothes out, does not have the full practice uniform on (including hair out of face and jewelry off), and when the athlete’s locker is left unlocked.

PAPERWORK: In order to participate in the athletic program, we must have the following forms, with your signature, on file:

-Physical Examination

-Emergency Information Card

-Medical History, UIL General Eligibility Rules and Steroid Use Form

-Concussion Acknowledgement form

-Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness form

- Track and Field Cautionary Statement

-Lady Mustang Athletic Handbook Acknowledgement Form

The Lady Mustang Coaching Staff is looking forward to working with you and your daughter and having another successful year! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

COACHES:

Jacki Govea – Girl’s Coordinator, Cross Country, 7th grade Volleyball, 8th grade Basketball, Shot put and Discus

Sarah Nielsen – 8th grade Volleyball, 7th grade Basketball, 8th grade Track including Long Jump and Triple Jump

Paula Scott – Asst. Volleyball, Asst. Basketball, 7th grade Track including High Jump, Soccer

Amber McKinley – we have a NEW coach! Her coaching assignments will be determined soon

**Please sign the page below and return to the coaching office no later than Friday, August 29th.

Athletic Handbook Acknowledgement

My daughter and I have read and understand all the information provided in this handbook. We agree to abide by all rules and regulations of the Lady Mustang Program. We understand failure to comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the school district and the coaching staff may result in loss of playing time and/or removal from the Canyon Vista Lady Mustang Athletic Program.

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Printed Athlete’s Name Grade

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Athlete’s Signature Date

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Parent’s Signature Date

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Parent’s email address