Athletics Handbook

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I would like to welcome you to the Norwood-Fontbonne Academy Athletics Department. I look forward to getting to know you as your child progresses through our athletics programs. This handbook is designed to provide information about the athletic programs available to your child. It also serves as a guide for all athletes, parents, and coaches.

Successful athletic programs have specific goals. These goals include:

a positive experience for every athlete, a great sense of camaraderie and unity within their team;

an environment that ensures high ethical standards and expectations for fairness, equity, and sportsmanship for all of our student-athletes and coaches.

A successful athletic program includes dedicated coaches, active support from the student body, outstanding leadership from school administrators, and most importantly, a great sense of pride fostered by the entire school community. It will be our mission to facilitate all those facets together to create the best athletic programs possible.

A true athlete is someone of high moral character with a genuine work ethic. They contribute to a team in many different ways and always strive for improvement of skills, in practice as well as in competition. We expect our athletes to play hard, play fair, and dedicate themselves to being the best they can be, but most importantly, we want them to have fun! The rewards will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Go Bears!

Jim Rockenbach '94
Director of Athletics

Patrick McKenzie
Assistant Director of Athletics

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy Department of Athletics Mission

At Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, our mission is to promote the growth, development, and success of our student-athletes. We strive to provide an experience that emphasizes competitive spirit but also encourages personal growth, character development, and lifelong learning.

We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, integrity, and hard work while instilling the value of perseverance. The Norwood-Fontbonne Academy Athletic Department’s mission is to ultimately help develop well-rounded student-athletes, promote wellness among our middle school students, and create a stronger school community.

Collaboration is an integral part of success. We are committed to building relationships with our parents, teachers, administrators, and community members. By working alongside one another, we aim to create an environment that nurtures the potential of each student, celebrating each of their achievements.

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF HANDBOOK

OBJECTIVES OF HANDBOOK

The objectives of the handbook are to:

Promote desirable, ethical practices, sportsmanship, and productive relationships among schools, coaches, participants, officials, and spectators.
Provide information on the various regulations and policies of the Catholic Academies League (C.A.L.).
Provide information on the major procedures, regulations, and policies approved by the school administration.
Provide information, guidelines, and relationships regarding the duties and responsibilities of coaches, participants, and administrators.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM

The objectives of the athletic program in the Catholic Academies League (C.A.L.) include the following:

To promote an understanding of the value of athletics in our society through
- recognition of outstanding athletic performance
- by emphasizing the educational value of athletic participation.

To develop good citizenship and respect for rules and authority by
- instilling principles of justice, fair play, and good sportsmanship in students and
- learning to be part of a team.
To promote and contribute to the goals of the total educational program
- through the development of physical fitness and the realization that a healthy body increases the probability of effective learning and
- by providing a strong program that attracts student body interests and motivates a positive learning atmosphere.

SPECTATOR SECTION

OVERVIEW - SPECTATORS

Spectators at athletic events are always welcome and are considered to be an important, supportive component of the athletic program. Student-athletes from both teams should expect and receive respect and support from spectators, regardless of the spectators’ affiliation with the student-athlete or the school. Proper behavior on the part of spectators is always appreciated and provides a good behavior model for all in attendance at an athletic event.

Acceptable and expected behavior at events includes the following:

Spectators should be aware that only NFA employees and their staff are allowed on the fields of play. All others must remain in the spectator-designated areas.
Spectators are expected to accept all decisions of officials.
Spectators are expected to acknowledge the importance of handshakes between participants and coaches at the end of the contest, regardless of the outcome of the game.
Spectators are expected to treat competition as a game.
Spectators, along with coaches and players, are expected to honor and applaud opposing participants to recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching.
Spectators are expected to applaud at the end of the contest for the performances of all participants.
Spectators are expected to show concern and respect for an injured player, regardless of team.
Spectators are expected to encourage fellow members of the audience to display only sportsmanlike conduct.
Spectators are expected to avoid the use of profanity, towards parents, players, officials or coaches. An ejection from the event is possible. Multiple offenses could result in a suspension from attending games and practices.
Spectators are expected to refrain from any use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products at games.
Spectators are expected to respect the rule that pets are not permitted on any NFA school athletic fields or facilities, and should, therefore, leave all pets at home.
Spectators are not permitted to approach the coaching staff about playing time or game decisions before, after or during a game. Please schedule a meeting with the coach via email and CC the AD and assistant AD (if needed). The coaches have been instructed not to have these types of discussions before, after, or during a game with parents.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Coaches and student-athletes must always conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents NFA. There is an expectation for athletes to have dignity in victory and honor in defeat. Sports are intended to be competitive, but that should never extend past the field of play. All student-athletes, coaches, and fans should behave properly on the sidelines at all times. Coaches and players shall comply fully with the rulings of the officials. In no way - by voice, action, or gesture - shall they demonstrate in an unsportsmanlike manner their dissatisfaction with the decisions made. Obscene language or gestures, inciting violence, and general inappropriate behavior are unacceptable at any time for all members of the NFA community. Any coach or player in violation of this policy will have a meeting with the Director of Athletics and the Assistant Director of Athletics to discuss further steps.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE AT HOME GAMES

We encourage all members of the NFA community to attend home and away games in support of the student-athletes and their respective teams.

Students in grades 5-8 are permitted to attend home games on campus with the permission of their parents. This includes basketball and softball. Any student who wishes to attend a home game must have permission from a parent. This is a two-step process. Parents must:
- Email the student’s homeroom teacher and the director of Athletics before 12:25 pm. If after 12:25 pm, the parent must call the main office so the receptionist can inform the homeroom teacher and director of athletics.
- Parents must complete this permission slip for their child to attend a home game.
Students are not permitted to be spectators at practices.
Students are expected to adhere to the aforementioned spectator behavior guidelines. Any NFA students who violate these expectations or any of the rules outlined in NFA’s Code of Conduct may be suspended from attending future after-school games without a parent chaperone. Violations include but are not limited to, derogatory remarks made to the opposing players, coaches, and fans, being too aggressive toward opposing players, coaches, and fans, exiting and entering the building/classrooms, leaving trash in the stands or bleachers, and entering player locker rooms

STUDENT-ATHLETE SECTION

PRE-SEASON REQUIREMENTS / PROCEDURES

Step 1: HEALTH ASSESSMENT RECORD

The PA Physical Examination Form must be completed by a physician and filed with the Health Office BEFORE the first day of practice. Physical examinations expire 13 months from the date of the examination.

Step 2: CODE OF CONDUCT CONTRACT FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

By signing the NFA Athletics Handbook Acknowledgment Form, families of students participating in NFA Athletics agree to all expectations and guidelines outlined for student-athletes in this handbook.

Step 3: CONSENT / REGISTRATION / PAYMENT

An Athletics Registration Form must be completed each season, indicating the sport in which the student-athlete will be participating. Within the form will be an integrated link in which you will pay the registration fee required. Athletes will not be able to participate in their sport until they are both registered and paid for. Fall athletics registration begins in July, Winter registration will take place in late October, and Spring registration will begin in early March.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

The academic success of our students is our primary purpose at NFA. NFA’s Athletics Programs, although secondary, are a very important part of our overall educational program. It is expected that all students will maintain passing grades.

Prior to report card distribution student-athletes' grades will be reviewed by the Director of Athletics and Assistant Director of Athletics. Those students who are deemed academically ineligible will be notified in a meeting with their parents and the Director of Athletics. A proposal will be developed to put in place support for academic improvement, and the Director of Athletics will work with the student in developing a plan whereby they can still feel connected to the athletic community.

ROSTER

VIOLATIONS OF NFA’S CODE OF CONDUCT

In the case of an alleged infraction of the NFA Code of Conduct, the student-athlete may be suspended, and subsequently expelled, from practices and participation in practices and games at all levels of competition, as determined in the regulations documented in the Code of Conduct. In these cases, due process procedures will be followed per the following:

If an alleged infraction/violation occurs, the coach will notify the Director of Athletics and/or school administrators (in the absence of the Director of Athletics) and conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of the alleged misconduct or violation and determine if disciplinary action is warranted.
If, after the above investigation, a determination is made by the school administrators to suspend the student-athlete, the suspension shall take place immediately. The school administrator will give written notice to the student-athlete’s parents/guardians and the Director of Athletics, stating the reasons for the suspension. The Director of Athletics will notify the coach(es) of the suspension.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

A student-athlete must attend school in order to participate in a sporting event or practice that afternoon or evening. Permission from the Director of Athletic Programs is required for any exceptions (ex. HS visits, familial emergencies, etc).
Student-athletes who are absent from school or leave early due to illness are not permitted to participate in or attend games or athletic practices on the same day of the absence.
School Suspensions: Student-athletes serving a school suspension whether in-school or out-of-school are not permitted to participate in any game or athletic team practice, nor may the student-athlete appear on school grounds, off-site practices, or home and away games.

ATTENDANCE AT PRACTICES AND GAMES

Attendance of student-athletes at practice and games is vital to the success of the athletic program at NFA. Every member of the team plays a crucial role in the success of the team as a whole. Student-athletes are expected to attend all NFA practices and games during the season they are associated with at the time. Excessive absences may result in removal from a team or not being played in games, as directed by the coach and/or Director of Athletics.

Students must get permission from the coach to miss practice or a game to attend a recreational, club, or organized team practice or game for another team. This is highly discouraged at the Varsity level. Please make NFA athletics a priority.
Tardiness to practices or games is unacceptable as punctuality is expected at all times unless communicated by a parent. Tardiness will be handled first by the coach. Excessive tardiness may result in additional discipline or removal from a team, as directed by the coach and/or Director of Athletics.
Unexcused absences from practices are highly discouraged. Practice attendance is important to game participation. If a student-athlete misses the practice prior to a game due to an unexcused absence, the student-athlete may not participate in that game, at the discretion of the coaching staff.
Parents/guardians must contact the coach in order to excuse their child from a practice or game.

INCLEMENT WEATHER SITUATIONS and CANCELLATION OF EVENTS

Practices will not be held when weather advisories are in effect. This includes heat advisories.
All cancellations and postponements will be communicated by the school.
When school is dismissed early due to inclement weather, no practice or games will be conducted. All students will go home.
- Families will be updated via TeamSnap and an update will be posted on the team's MyNFA page/Athletic Calendar.
In the event any scheduled athletic event has to be canceled or postponed:
- The Athletic Department will post the information on each team's MyNFA page.
- An announcement will be made over the school’s PA system.
- An alert will go out to each family with the updated information via TeamSnap.

STUDENT-ATHLETE BUS TRANSPORTATION

Student-athletes are expected to use the transportation services the Department of Athletics arranges both to and from the games, scrimmages, or events. This practice protects student-athletes from potential harm and contributes to the building of proper team camaraderie.

School bus rules are in effect when student-athletes are being transported for a game, scrimmage, or event. Infractions of bus rules will be dealt with in the same manner as the administration deals with school time bus violations. Suspension or removal from a team will be discussed with the athlete, coach, Athletic Directors, and Principal.
- A coach will always be present on the bus when a team is traveling by bus. If the coach cannot be present due to an emergency, the Director of Athletics or Principal will assign a supervisor to ride the bus with the student-athletes.

It is recognized that there will be times when extenuating circumstances may make it necessary for a student-athlete to travel to or from an athletic event separately from the team. In the event that a student-athlete needs to travel separately from the team, the child’s parent must email the coach and Director of Athletics in advance of the game or practice.
Students will be released only to their own parents/guardians. If you are not picking up your own child, please email your child's coach as well as the Athletic Department to inform them of who your child will be going home with. If you are unable to or run into a problem with picking up your child, please contact the coach, Director of Athletics, and your team parent.

Students will be provided with one-way transportation to practice and to away games. Students will need to be picked up by a parent at the end of each practice and away game. Pick-up is at the Sister James Anthony Hall car line.

Locations for practices are as followed:

FALL SPORTS

WINTER SPORTS

SPRING SPORTS

Football - NFA Field

Soccer - Water Tower Recreation Park/NFA Field

Field Hockey - Mount St. Joseph’s Academy/NFA field

Basketball - SJAH or Commons (as indicated on the practice schedule as it becomes available)

Softball - NFA Field

Baseball - Miles Park

Lacrosse - Mount St. Joseph’s Academy

TEAM CAPTAINS

A team captain should have the following leadership qualities (as selected by the coaching staff or voted on by the team):

Be a role model for the other student-athletes on the team.
Be a hardworking, committed, dedicated team player.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and show respect for coaches, teachers, adults, and peers.
Exhibit good citizenship and be dependable, loyal, trustworthy, and unselfish.
Show a great deal of pride in the team, the school, and the community.
Have a strong self-image, be mature, be motivated, and have good communication skills.
Demonstrate good school behavior and maintain acceptable academic progress.
Act as a liaison between teammates, coaches, and the Director of Athletics, as appropriate, and assist in the process of resolving conflicts, issues, and problems.

TEAM CAPTAIN SELECTIONS:

Candidates will be students in good academic standing

Coaching staff will address the team about the importance of leadership and the honor that goes with being a captain.

At that time the coach is expected to outline for all team members the qualities of an effective leader and the responsibilities of a captain of that program.

The school administration, the Director of Athletics, and the head coach will review the student-nominated candidates (if this is the route coaches use for team captain selection) to determine their eligibility as measured by the leadership qualities listed above.

The school administration, working with the Director of Athletics and the coach, reserves the right to withdraw a candidate from the slate of nominees on the basis of academic or disciplinary record.

The student-athletes will vote for a captain(s) on a ballot following the administrative review of nominees (or coaching staff will choose captains)

PARENTS/GUARDIANS SECTION

ATHLETIC AWARDS

A very important aspect of the Department of Athletics’ mission statement is to honor student-athletes who have met and exceeded expectations and standards for performance. Each coach will select any awards for the season. A certificate of participation will be awarded to all athletes per season. Eighth graders who participate in 3 Varsity sports will receive the 3-sport award at the spring sports assembly.

PARENT LIAISONS FOR TEAMS (Formerly Team Parent)

Team parents are volunteers in charge of organizing and delegating the various activities that take place within a specific athletic team. Team parents connect with the coach to obtain a roster of the athletes’ names, emails and phone numbers that comprise the team. The Team Parent communicates important information to families. This includes the following:

Organizing end-of-season team party or other team activities

Organize refreshments

Send out reminder emails to other parents, including an introductory email identifying yourself as the parent liaison

Communicate schedule adjustments that have been posted by the Athletic Department.

Organize gifts for coaches

Assisting in the collection of uniforms

Organizing carpools when necessary from games

Recruiting volunteers to assist with the scorebook and scoreboard operation when needed during the basketball season.

Team Parents are not responsible for the following:

Communicating schedule changes - these changes will be reflected live on TeamSnap and communicated directly from the Athletics Department.

Changes on the day of a game or practice will be communicated through a One-Call from the Athletic Department and on TeamSnap

COMMUNICATION TREE

This is the protocol to follow to resolve conflicts within the athletic program.

If there is a concern that needs to be discussed, parents should follow the following steps:

Email the coach first . You may CC the Director of Athletics and Assistant Director of Athletics on your email if need
- Please email the coach as soon as the concern arises, this will allow the Athletic Department to resolve issues in a timely manner.
If needed, the Athletic Department will notify the principal with the concern to further discuss and resolve the conflict at hand.

The Athletic Department will be used as the liaison between coaches and parents, parents and administrators, and most importantly student-athletes to teammates and coaches. The Athletic Department is open to all communication and wants to create a positive and open relationship with both parents and athletes.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with the coach:

The treatment of your child, both mentally and physically.
Ways to help your child improve.
Concerns about your child’s behavior.

The following topics/decisions are the responsibility of the coaching staff:

Playing time for individual student-athletes is a decision made by the coaching staff and based on the needs of the entire team. Playing time is not guaranteed for every player in every game. Factors to be considered for playing time are overall skill, effort, attendance, and safety.

Coaching strategies are decided by the coaching staff in keeping with best practices and standards, applicable to the specific sport.

Please understand that coaching staff are not obligated to discuss other student-athletes on the team or in the program.

THE PARENT AND DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS PARTNERSHIP

When a resolution cannot be reached between the parent and the coach, the Director of Athletics will facilitate a meeting and act as an objective third party. In most cases, the Director of Athletics will include the parent(s) and the coach to help all parties come to a satisfactory resolution. The Principal will be notified and included in meeting(s) as deemed necessary by the Athletics Department.

ATHLETIC TEAMS AND SEASONS

TEAMS

FALL TEAMS

WINTER TEAMS

SPRING TEAMS

Football (V, JV)

Field Hockey (V, JV)

Co-ed Soccer (V, JV)

Boys (V, JV, A and B Teams)

Girls Basketball (V, JV)

Boys Baseball (V, JV)

Girls Lacrosse (V, JV)

Girls Softball- (V)

SPORTS TEAM DESCRIPTIONS

Baseball: Season runs March through May.

Basketball (Boys): Season runs November through February.

Basketball (Girls): Season runs November through February.

Field Hockey: Season runs from August through late October.

Football: Season runs August through October. No previous experience is necessary.

Lacrosse (Girls): Season runs March through May. No experience is necessary.

Soccer (Coed): Season runs August through October. Previous experience is highly recommended.

Softball: Season runs from March through May.

TEAM DESCRIPTIONS

Baseball: Season runs March through May.
Basketball (Boys): Season runs November through February.

Basketball (Girls): Season runs November through February.

Field Hockey: Season runs from August through late October.

Football: Season runs August through October. No previous experience is necessary.

Lacrosse (Girls): Season runs March through May. No experience is necessary.

Soccer (Coed): Season runs August through October. Previous experience is highly recommended.

Softball: Season runs from March through May.

TEAM CAPACITY

TEAMS	# Of Student-Athletes
Football	23
Varsity Soccer	18
JV Soccer	18
Varsity Field Hockey	18
JV Field Hockey	18
Cross Country Club	18
Varsity Girls BB	12
JV Girls BB	12
Varsity A	12
JV A	12
Varsity B	12
JV B	12
Varsity Baseball	13
JV Baseball	13
Softball	13
Varsity Lacrosse	18
JV Lacrosse	18

Fall athletic programs will begin the last week of August which is the week prior to school starting. A communication will be sent to parents regarding practice dates and times from the Athletic Department once registration has been completed (end of July).

Student-athletes will not be required to practice over any school-issued breaks unless directed otherwise by the Athletic Department.

ATHLETIC MEETS

Swim meet - a one-day meet within the CAL. This meet will take place in January or February, depending on pool availability. There may be one or 2 practices prior to the meet, contingent upon pool availability and League wide interest.

There is a tentative track meet that may take place in the spring. More information regarding this potential meet as well as the swim meet will be shared closer to the meet date.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Varsity Athletics - 7th and 8th Grade
The varsity athletics programs are highly competitive within the CAL. Team selection is based on those student-athletes who try out for the team and are judged to have the talent and potential to help those teams achieve their goals. The varsity teams compete in the CAL League and against non-conference opponents that support programs of equally talented student-athletes. The goal of varsity athletics is to refine the skills and performance of the team and student-athlete in an attempt to achieve peak performance and to provide NFA with the best possible chance for success in the competitive arena.

Junior Varsity Athletics - 4th or 5th through 6th Grades
The purpose of junior varsity athletics is to provide a developmental and competitive environment for those student-athletes who were not selected for the varsity team. Junior varsity athletics provides the student-athlete the opportunity to gain valuable experience, knowledge, and skill required for varsity competition. At times junior varsity student-athletes may be asked to participate in a varsity contest by the head coach and Director of Athletics if a situation with low roster numbers arises. An invitation to play in a varsity contest should not be construed as a permanent move to the varsity squad. 8th Graders are not eligible to compete on teams at the JV level.

COACHES SECTION

COACHING GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

Projected start dates for the season will be shared with coaches at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the season

Coaching Requirements and Expectations:

Certificate for Concussion Training - https://www.train.org/cdctrain/course/1089818/details
CPR & First Aid training - provided by the school nurse in summer, fall, and winter prior to the start of the season. This certification lasts 2 years. If a coach already has certifications, they must email copies of the certificates to the Assistant Director of Athletics.
Clearances - Please make sure all paperwork is completed** The list of required forms has been emailed to you. The Athletics Department will touch base with anyone who is missing clearances.
- NOTE: No coach can start practice or be present on campus until all forms are completed and returned to NFA.
Timesheet - You will also need to fill out a timesheet before each pay period. The business office will not issue paychecks if this is not complete. The Assistant Director of Athletics will send out a reminder email or text.
- If you have any questions, please direct them to our business office (nnadler@norfon.org). Timesheets should be completely daily or weekly.
Communication - All coaches are expected to respond to emails or texts from the Athletic Department in a timely manner. It is important that we are on the same page.

Monitoring of Players on Buses and During Practice or Games:

At least one coach needs to be on the bus for away games. Please work out a schedule/system amongst yourselves, or we can work on a schedule with you that works. We will only have one-way transportation.
If there is an issue on the bus, please notify the Director of Athletics.
If there are any behavioral or concerning issues with a player, please inform the Director of Athletics right away.
Students are not permitted to leave unattended or without permission during practices or games. Student athletes are not permitted to go into classrooms, offices, or anywhere where an adult is not present at away venues, with exception of using the restrooms.
Coaches must wait for all students to be picked up by a parent or guardian. Students must have written permission via email to the coach to go home with another family or walk home from practice or games.

Game Day and Playing Time Expectations:

If there are playing time issues or team-related matters players are encouraged to speak to you (coaches), while adhering to the code of conduct.
If there is a parental issue, please email or text the Athletic Department as soon as possible. Parents should not approach you after or during a game.
- Please send your families an email with clear expectations for the season. It is expected that NFA teams will take priority.
For games, please email or text the Athletic Department the scores so we can send them to the league.
Make sure that all bench areas are clean and trash is thrown away after each practice/game has concluded.
Keep track of your scorebooks and equipment. Make sure you have scorebooks and whatever equipment you may need ready for away games.
Most away games are a 2:30 dismissal unless otherwise indicated. Please be here at least 5 minutes prior to departure.
Stay with students until all are picked up from practice or games. Students should never be left unattended.

Uniforms:

The Athletic Department will select one practice prior to the start of games where they will hand out uniforms.
Uniforms should be returned to the Athletic Department after the season. The uniform should be washed and returned in a bag with the athlete's name clearly labeled on the front.

SAFETY

The safety of our student-athletes is paramount to the Athletics Department at NFA. Student-athletes are required to turn in a Physical Examination Form each school year. Failure to turn in these forms will result in the inability to try out for and play sports at NFA. If a student is injured while in the care of a coach, the injury should be communicated quickly and clearly to the parent and Director of Athletics. Additionally, the Athletic Incident Report Form should be completed and returned to the Director of Athletics within 24-hours. In the event of an incident, the coach must immediately contact one of the following people.

NFA Emergency Contact List:

Dr. Ryan Killeen, Ed.D.- President
908-675-1913
rkillen@norfon.org

Kathryn Henry- Principal
732-690-4178
khenry@norfon.org

Patrick McKenzie - Assistant Director of Athletics
484-431-6335
pmckenzie@norfon.org

Jim Rockenbach- Director of Athletics
215-806-5250
jrockenbach@norfon.org

NON-SCHOOL-DAY PRACTICES

If a coach desires to practice on a Saturday or school holiday, he/she must have the approval of the Director of Athletics. Sunday practices are not permitted, except under special circumstances, which must be approved by the Director of Athletics. Advance notice must be given to the Director of Athletics for practices or workouts planned when school is not in session. Team members must enter and leave the building through the designated outside doors on non-school days. Team members are not permitted to go beyond the interior building athletic facilities on non-school days.

A minimum of two weeks of practice before the first game or contest will promote a level of skill/readiness to play the sport.

Each student-athlete will be required to warm up thoroughly prior to participation in practices or games.

Substitutions will be made when players evidence exhaustion or injury to safeguard the physical well-being of the student-athlete.

Careful coaching leads to skillful performance, which lowers the incidence of injuries.
- Proper emphasis will be given to safety in teaching techniques and elements of play.
- Injuries will be carefully analyzed to determine causes and to suggest preventive programs and strategies.
- Tactics or shortcuts will be discouraged which may increase the hazards of athletic play and thus the incidence of injuries.
- Practice periods will be carefully planned and be of reasonable duration.

Good officiating promotes the enjoyment of the game as well as the protection of players.
- Players, as well as coaches, will be thoroughly schooled in the rules of the game prior to play. All rules and regulations will be strictly enforced in practice periods as well as in games.
- All officials employed will be qualified both emotionally and technically for their responsibilities in the sports program.
- Proper equipment and facilities serve a unique purpose in protection of players.
- Proper and appropriate protective equipment will be provided and required for contact sports. Careful attention will be given to proper fitting and adjustment of equipment. Equipment will be properly maintained, and worn, and outmoded equipment will be discarded.
- Proper areas for play will be provided and carefully maintained.

Adequate medical care is a necessity in the prevention and control of athletic injuries. All coaches are certified in first aid, CPR and concussion safety prior to the season.
Authority or clearance from a physician will be required before an athlete can return to practice after being out of play due to injury.

Proper care will be given to student-athletes by the coach or trainer limited to first aid and medically prescribed services.

PROCEDURES TO ACTIVATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

1. Call 911

Report the nature of the injury to the operator
Speak slowly and clearly while providing details to the 911 dispatcher
Describe the exact location of the incident
Be specific about the name of the field or building
Do not hang up until instructed by the 911 dispatcher
Designate someone to meet the ambulance and direct the EMT’s to the athlete
Call the parent or guardian

2. Secure the scene

Only certified medical personnel only should provide treatment

Only parents/guardians are allowed on the scene

Individuals not involved in the direct care of the athlete should be removed

3. Notify the Director of Athletics immediately of the incident. If you cannot reach the Director of Athletics, contact someone listed on the Emergency Contact List above.

Include the following information:

Name of athlete

Sport

Type of injury

Cause of injury

Name of hospital to which the athlete is transported

Name of the adult that accompanied the athlete

4. Fill out an Athletic Incident Report Form and return it to the Health Office within 24 hours.

SIGN THE ATHLETIC HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Required