Athletic / Activity Handbook Raymore-Peculiar School District

Transcription

1 Athletic / Activity Handbook Raymore-Peculiar School District TABLE OF CONTENTS Coaches Directory 2 Activities/Athletics Offered..2 Suburban Conference Schools. 2 Introduction. 3 Philosophy... 3 Goal Statement MSAA Mission Statement. 3 Responsibilities... 3 Basic Participation Guidelines.3 Transportation Policy.. 4 Activity Fees... 4 Maintaining your eligibility 4 Alcohol/Tobacco/Drug use. 8 Sportsmanship 8 Hazing. 9 Conditioning / Training.. 9 Physical exams / Insurance/Treatment... 9 Know your Concussions ABC s Parents. 10 Know your Concussion ABC s Athletes. 12 Testing/Return to play (RTP) procedures after a concussion Care of equipment.. 15 Parent/Coach/Sponsor Relationship Questions / Answers 16 Parent/Athlete Contract 17 Concussion Testing Permission

2 DIRECTORY To contact them by ; first High School Administrative Services Center Coach Bldg. John Wilson Band Director Stephen Rew Choir Director Alyssa Clark-Color Guard PE Alex Berkovich-Scholar Bowl Todd Schnake/Karla Penechar-Speech-Debate Gary Renshaw Baseball MS Scott Jermain Boys Basketball Dallas Lybarger 9 Boys Basketball MS Jonathan Benson Girls Basketball Emily Craig- 9 Girls Basketball Megan Speer Cheerleading Cheryl Gray Pom Pon Jay Johnson Cross Country (Girls) Jamin Swift Cross Country (Boys) Tom Kruse Football John Heinemann-9 Football Paul Carvan Boys/Girls Golf Kevin Goodman Boys Soccer Jen Ogren Girls Soccer MS James Brown Softball Boys/Girls Swimming Derek Howard Boys Tennis Ashleigh Grumke-Girls Tennis MS Jamin Swift Track Joe Maloney Volleyball Brett Barbarick Wrestling ACTIVITIES / ATHLETICS OFFERED Fall Winter Spring B/G Cross Country* Boys Basketball* Baseball Boys Swimming Girls Basketball* Boys Golf Football* Girls Swimming Girls Soccer Girls Golf Wrestling* Boys Tennis Boys Soccer Boys /Girls Track * Softball Girls Tennis Volleyball* Marching Band * Debate / Forensics (National Forensics League) Color Guard Cheerleading * Vocal Music * Pom Pon / Dance Performing Arts * Academic Competition* * Offered at Middle School SUBURBAN CONFERENCE Big 6 (Gold) Big 6 (Red) Mid 7 (White) Small 6 (Blue) Blue Springs Liberty Fort Osage Belton Blue Springs South Liberty North North Kansas City Grandview Lee s Summit Park Hill South Oak Park Kearney Lee s Summit North Raytown Ruskin Platte County Lee s Summit West Truman Staley Raytown South Park Hill St. Joe Central William Chrisman Winnetonka - 2 -

3 Ray-Pec INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Raymore-Peculiar School District activity / athletic program. Ray-Pec is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSAA). The MSAA sets the standards for all secondary public schools in the state of Missouri, as well as private schools that choose to join the association. The guidelines and policies set forth are an accumulation of MSAA policies as well as policies established by our Administrators and Board of Education. We hope the information in this handbook will help make your and your child s experience with the Ray-Pec Athletic / Activities program an enjoyable and memorable one. PHILOSOPHY We believe that involvement in any extra-curricular activity is a privilege which carries with it a great deal of responsibility as well as a year-round commitment. Lessons learned through athletics/activities go beyond the field of play; these values shape behavior long after the diploma is received. GOAL STATEMENT The concepts of fair play, integrity, ethics, respect, and citizenship represent standards which can be taught through interscholastic activities. Together they form the foundations of both sportsmanship and citizenship. Research indicates that students involved in co-curricular activities have greater chances for success during adulthood. Ray- Pec School District will continue to strive to maintain quality programs for all students. Many qualities required to be a successful participant are the same qualities which will promote a successful life after high school. Through all our programs, we hope to develop these traits in our students. MSAA MISSION STATEMENT The MSAA promotes the value of participation, sportsmanship, team play, and personal excellence to develop citizens who make positive contributions to their community and support the democratic principles of our state and nation. RESPONSIBILITIES Education is a privilege we have been given and you are encouraged to take full advantage of all your opportunities. However, with these opportunities also come certain responsibilities. Maintaining eligibility and academic standards as set forth by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSAA) and the Ray-Pec School District. Striving to achieve solid citizenship skills including but not limited to: honesty, dependability, respect for self and others, and emotional control. Learning to appreciate hard work and sacrifice and the rewards that come with it. Achieving and maintaining physical fitness through exercise and proper diet. Showing respect for authority, property, and those around you. Learning leadership skills that can come with athletics / activities. Please remember that you are a representative of the High School and have an obligation to conduct yourself in and out of school in a manner that will gain the respect of your teammates, coaches, student body and community. BASIC PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Students have the opportunity to choose the activities in which they are involved. It is our policy that when a student faces a conflict in scheduling between two school-sponsored activities, the sponsors/coaches of the activities will meet to determine a resolution with the best interest of the student in mind. Administrators will determine which activities will have priority, and students will not be penalized by the activity not attended. A student who participates in a sport, but quits by his/her own choosing, will not be eligible to start practice or preseason conditioning for another sport until the end of the season of the sport that was dropped. UNLESS the Head - 3 -

4 Coach of the sport dropped signs a release and the Head Coach of the new sport accepts the athlete. EVERY ATHLETE SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS POLICY. If it is necessary to be absent from practice, the student is expected to make arrangements with the coach prior to the scheduled absence. Students must be in attendance all day the day of a scheduled activity Students arriving at school after 8:00 am or leaving early on the day of an activity will be ineligible. Exceptions are granted by the Activities Director or Administrator ONLY!! If under out-of-school suspension, you will not be allowed to practice, participate in, or attend any school activity until reinstated in school and approval to continue in an activity is granted by an Administrator. While under in-school suspension (ISS) you will not be allowed to participate in a game, meet, or activity until the ISS is completed. You will however be allowed to practice. After school detentions must be served in full before you are able to attend practice. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or non-prescription drugs can be detrimental to the athlete as well as those around them. Use of these substances is strictly prohibited and disciplinary action will be taken should the athlete choose to use any of the above substances. More detailed information of this policy is listed under eligibility. TRANSPORTATION POLICY A) Away games / activities All school trips must be made on school-approved transportation. Ray-Pec School District provides school buses, chartered buses, and vans. All students participating in a school-sponsored activity are expected to ride the school-approved transportation to and from games or interschool activities with the following exceptions: 1. Students may secure permission to leave from interschool activities: a. with their parents, providing the parent has written permission from the Activity Director, and checks the student out with the coach at the event. b. with their coach/sponsor in the event of unusual circumstances (e.g. injury, attendance at another school-sponsored activity) 2. For very small groups, a coach/sponsor may transport students in his/her personal vehicle or a school provided van with Administrative approval. B) Off-campus practice / Home game sites 1. Students who are allowed to drive to school must have a transportation waiver on file to provide their own transportation to off-campus practice / game sites. 2. If a student transports another student, parent permission slips from both students parents and approval by the Activity Director or Administrator must be on file. Please keep in mind that each coach/sponsor may have further rules and regulations regarding transportation to/from events. ACTIVITY FEES A student activity fee of $50.00 will be charged to all students participating in athletics, speech and debate, scholar bowl, choir and band. There will be a maximum of $ charged to an individual family regardless of the number of students participating. With payment of an activity fee, students will receive an activity pass, which will grant them entrance into all home athletic events. This will not include MSAA district events. MAINTAINING YOUR ELIGIBILTY Any student who represents the School District in interscholastic activities shall be a bona fide student enrolled in the school, and shall meet the following general standards of eligibility as well as the specific standards in By-Laws 230 through 283. A bona fide student is one who is enrolled in and regularly attending classes. Knowing and following all these requirements will enable you to maintain and protect your eligibility. Also, it is important for you to know that you must meet all the essential requirements in order to be eligible, as no one requirement is more important than another

5 1. CITIZENSHIP You must be a creditable citizen. Creditable citizens are those students whose conduct both in-school and out-ofschool will not reflect discredit upon themselves, their team, or the School District. Conduct by the student involving law enforcement should be reported to your principal immediately as your conduct may affect eligibility or contest outcomes. Failure to do so may result in a student s eligibility for 365 days. 2. ACADEMICS Grades 9-12 You must have earned, the preceding semester of attendance, a minimum of 3 units of credit or have earned credit in 80% of the maximum allowable classes in which any student can be enrolled in the semester, whichever is greater. Summer school courses for academic eligibility may count provided the course is necessary for graduation or promotion (no electives), and it is placed on the school transcript. No more than one credit in summer school shall be counted toward eligibility. Correspondence courses do not count. If you are beginning the 9 th grade, you must have been promoted prior to the beginning of the school year. You must be making satisfactory progress toward graduation as set by the School District policy. DO NOT drop courses without first consulting with your school principal, athletic administrator or counselor to determine whether it will affect your eligibility. When a student, who is involved in an extracurricular activity, allows the GPA to fall below a 1.67 or has one F on a progress report or grade card, they will be required to attend tutoring. Grades 7-8 You must be enrolled in a normal course load for your grade. You must have been promoted to a higher grade prior to the first day of classes for the new school year. However, even though you were promoted, you will be ineligible if you failed more than two courses the previous semester. 3. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS A junior or senior high school student may be eligible at the public or nonpublic school located in the district in which the student s parents (as defined in By-Law b) reside. In case of a public multipleschool district, a student may be eligible at the school designated for the student to attend by the board of education. (open enrollment does not count toward meeting the designated school to attend. ) 4. TRANSFERRING SCHOOLS If you transfer schools and your parents do not have a complete move out of the current district into the district of your new school, you will be ineligible for 365 days unless you meet one of the exceptions listed in the MSAA Residence and Transfer Rules. If you move with your parents to your new school district you will be eligible at your new school provided you were eligible in all other respects at your former school. A student shall not be eligible to represent two different schools in the MSAA state tournament series in the same sport during the same season. You and your parents must move to the new residence at the same time. Always check with your school principal before you transfer to determine whether it will affect your eligibility. Discipline follows the student to the new school. Transferring while under suspension will cause you to be ineligible for 365 days. 5. PARTICIPATION LIMITS Grades 9-12 You are eligible to participate in any sport for a maximum of four seasons. Any part of a contest played during a season counts as a season of participation. Your eligibility to participate in high school activities begins when you first enter the ninth grade and lasts for the next eight consecutive semesters (four consecutive years) Grades 7-8 You are eligible for only your first two semesters of attendance in the seventh grade and for only your first two semesters in the eighth grade

6 You are not eligible to compete with or against students enrolled in the tenth grade or above when you are enrolled in either the seventh or eighth grade. 6. ENTERING SCHOOL You must enter school within the first 11 days of the semester in order to be eligible. 7. AMATEUR AND AWARD STANDARDS After entering a member school, you will become ineligible in the sport concerned if you receive cash, merchandise or services for participating in an athletic contest or being an athlete. This restriction applies to all sports in which MSAA member schools conduct interscholastic programs. (Merchandise received shall not exceed $250 suggested retail price) You may accept awards which are symbolic in nature, such as medals, ribbons, trophies, plaques, etc. for participating in a school athletic program. You may accept awards which are merchandise and such award shall not exceed $250 in the suggested manufacturer s retail price. Awards as described above presented by a person or group other than your school, must be approved in advance by your school principal and the suggested manufacturer s retail price of merchandise shall not exceed $250. You may accept awards for participating in non-school sponsored athletic competition only if the above restrictions are met. 8. AGE LIMITS Grades 9-12 If you reach 19 years of age prior to July 1, you will be ineligible the next school year. In order to participate on or against teams made up of only ninth-graders, you must not have reached 16 years of age prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school. You will be ineligible to participate after graduation from a Senior high school. Students who are granted an early release after their junior year are ineligible for further participation. (NOTE: You are eligible to participate in state-level events which extend beyond the date of your school s graduation at the end of the spring semester or your senior year.) Grades 7-8 In order to participate on or against teams made up of only seventh-graders, you must not have reached 14 years of age prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school. In order to participate on or against teams made up of only eighth-graders, you must not have reached 15 years of age prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school. You may participate with the next higher grade level when you no longer meet the age limit for your grade. 9. NON-SCHOOL COMPETITION You may not practice for or participate with a non-school team or in any organized non-school athletic competition and for your school team in the same sport during the same season of the school team. You may participate on a school team and a non-school team in different sports during the same season; however, you may not practice for the non-school team or participate in organized non-school athletic competition on the same day that you practice with or participate for the school team without prior approval of your school Administrator. You must receive approval in advance from your school principal in order to miss school time to practice for, travel to or compete in organized non-school athletic competition. You may not play at any time on an organized non-school basketball, football, or volleyball team made up only of members of your school team unless: a) the teams are nontraditional as defined in b with limits to out of season; or b) during the summer months when there is no limit on team rosters/lineups (235.2-b) You may participate in international competition during the school year, however, the competition must meet the established criteria published in the MSAA Official Handbook and must be approved in advance by the MSAA Board of Directors. Before you join a non-school team or enter any non-school competitive athletic event, your school principal or athletic administrator should be consulted to make certain these standards are met

7 10. COLLEGE AUDITIONS AND TRYOUTS You may participate in a college tryout, audition, or evaluation event for a specific sport outside the school season of the sport concerned You may not miss school time to travel or participate in the event unless your absence is approved in advance by the school administrator. You may not miss a MSAA sponsored postseason athletic event to participate in or travel to and from the event. You may only attend one evaluation event by invitation per sport per year. You may attend any number of open evaluations (anyone may register) with no limit on college-sponsored tryouts. SEE THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BEFORE SIGNING UP TO ATTEND ANY SUCH EVENTS 11. ALL-STAR GAMES You may not compete in an all-star game or contest before you complete your eligibility in each high school sport. Participation in an all-star game or contest before ending your high school eligibility will result in you becoming ineligible to participate in any high school sport. A senior with no high school eligibility remaining for a specific sport may participate in one All-Star game for that sport during the school year. See your administrator before agreeing to play. An All-Star event is one in which an individual is invited to participate due to his or her high school achievements 12. RECRUITING OF ATHLETES You will be ineligible for your career at a school if you are influenced by a person or persons to attend that school for the purpose of athletic or activity reasons. You may return to your original school and be ineligible for no more than 365 days. 13. TRANSFER FOR ATHLETIC REASONS You will be ineligible for 365 days if you transfer to another school for athletic reasons. 14. SPORTS CAMPS AND CLINICS You may attend a specialized summer athletic camp/clinic where you receive instruction or coaching from a member of your school s coaching staff for a maximum of 20 calendar days in any one sport. You may attend a non-school sponsored summer camp/clinic for as long as you wish where you do not receive instruction or coaching from a member of your school s coaching staff. During the school year outside the school sport season, you may attend a non-school sponsored specialized camp/clinic provided: it does not result in loss of school time, attendance does not occur within 14 days of the start of the school season, it is not a team camp, no competition occurs other than limited scrimmaging, and no member of the school s coaching staff is involved in any way. During the sport season, you may attend a non-school sponsored specialized sport camp or group instruction provided a school coach attends with you, camp attendance does not result in loss of school time, it is not a team camp, there is no competition other than limited scrimmaging, and a school administrator approves your participation. Beginning the summer before your 9 th grade year, you may only attend a school-sponsored camp at the school you are registered to attend. You or your parents must pay all camp/clinic fees, tuition, etc. A scholarship, waiver of fees, payment of travel expenses shall result in the loss of your eligibility. You may attend one sport camp per sport per year by special invitation. You may attend any number of open camps. Before attending any specialized athletic camp/clinic/group instruction, you should consult with your athletic director. 15. FOREIGN STUDENT ELIGIBILITY You are eligible for varsity competition for one year only, provided you are participating in an exchange program listed by CSIET. No person associated with the school may be involved in your selection. No member of the school s coaching staff shall serve as a host family. You must meet the age requirement of not reaching age 19 prior to July 1. You must possess a current and valid visa You must have enrolled within the first 11 days of the semester You must meet all other general student-eligibility requirements - 7 -

8 If you meet all standards of eligibility except a CSIET program, you are eligible only for sub-varsity competition. ATHLETIC / NON-ATHLETIC LETTERING Criteria for qualifying for a letter in a sport is set by each individual sports coaching staff. The head coach will communicate these standards to parents and athletes at the start of the season, and those standards will not be changed. The head coach has the final authority in granting a letter to an athlete. School sponsored non-athletic activities may also offer a letter. Again, criteria for obtaining a letter will be established by the activity sponsor. Criteria for both athletic and non-athletic lettering will include, but not limited to, factors including sportsmanship, citizenship, teamwork, and positive attitude. ALCOHOL/TOBACCO/DRUG USE The Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District adheres to Missouri State Law in maintaining a drug/alcohol/tobacco free environment. The use of mood-altering chemicals such as alcohol, drugs, marijuana, tobacco, etc. negatively affects athletes in behavior, learning, and total development, as well as posing threats to the athlete and those around them. Close contact of advisors and coaches provides them the opportunity to observe, confront, and assist students. This allows them to recognize and elevate physical and emotional potential of students in a positive manner and encourage the growth of these students in an atmosphere of responsible citizenship. During the school and/or during the season of practice, play or rehearsal, regardless of the quantity, a student shall not have in possession or use a beverage containing alcohol, have in possession or use tobacco, or use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away marijuana or any substance defined by law as an illegal drug; or use a prescription drug other than it s prescribed use. The following are minimum guidelines that apply to all activity and athletic programs: USE OR POSSESSION OF ANY FORM OF TOBACCO 1 st offense 5 school day s suspension from game event Up to 10% of game activity 2 nd offense Dismissal from team USE OR POSSESSION OF ANY FORM OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE 1 st offense 10 school day s suspension from games (does not apply to practice) Up to 20% of game activity 2 nd offense Dismissal from team USE OR POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, AND DRUGS NOT PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN No student is permitted to use or possess any form of controlled substance, substances represented as controlled substances, or drugs considered dangerous or addictive that has not been prescribed by a physician. 1 st offense Dismissal from team These rules are applicable at any time during the school year or when practices are being conducted prior to the opening of school in the fall. Individual coaches reserve the right to additional discipline (approved by the Administrator). SPORTSMANSHIP As a representative of your school and community, you have a responsibility to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Sportsmanship is carried into how the game is played, not whether it is won or lost. Simple acts or gestures of respect such as displaying good conduct through self-control, cooperating with officials accepting their decisions and abiding by them, accepting both victory and defeat with pride and compassion, and never being boastful or bitter will aid you and your team as well as exemplify the standards expected of you by the School District. Acting in an unsportsmanlike manner could result in loss of eligibility

9 Sportsmanship carries over into the stands. As parents and spectators, we have a responsibility to set examples of good sportsmanship at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct could result in your being barred from attending school contests. As educators, fans, and parents, we share the responsibility of setting positive examples. The values and integrity we strive to establish through our activities will serve our students throughout their lives; emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically. HAZING The Raymore-Peculiar School District prohibits any form of hazing. Hazing is not acceptable and will result in disciplinary action. No student, coach, teacher, sponsor, volunteer, or District employee shall plan, direct, supervise, encourage, assist, permit, condone, or participate in any hazing activity. Students who have been subjected to hazing are instructed to report the incident to a school official immediately. CONDITIONING / TRAINING Year-round conditioning can increase athletic performance as well as decrease the risk for serious injury. Although injuries may occur, the severity and frequency of these injuries can be greatly reduced. Ray-Pec provides year-round conditioning for students not involved in a competitive sport each season. Athletic Trainers are available should an injury occur and all injuries should be reported immediately, so the best possible treatment can be obtained. Ray-Pec has certified athletic trainers on staff. These trainers provide a tremendous service to our athletes, aiding in reducing injury and medical expenses to the parents. The trainer may treat the athlete themselves, or they may recommend a physician be seen. Once an athlete has been referred to a physician, been seen by a physician, or treated at an emergency room, they will be required to obtain a written doctor s release to return to participation in practice or play. Due to increased research regarding student athlete concussions, and in line with the safety of our students and MSAA regulations, Ray Pec High School will be requiring ALL student athletes to complete a computerized screening exam. This exam will be done here at the school under the supervision of our Athletic Trainer. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be required to re-take the test. Both the preseason and postinjury test data is used to help evaluate the injury. The information gathered can also be shared with your family doctor. The test data will enable these health professionals to determine when return-to-play is appropriate and safe for the injured athlete. If an injury of this nature occurs to your child, you will be promptly contacted with all the details. PHYSICAL EXAMS / INSURANCE Athletic By-Law 309 (a) in the MSAA handbook states: The school shall require of each student participating in athletic or an activity performance Group; MSAA sponsored sports, marching band, cheerleading, dance team, and color guard / flags, a physician s certificate stating that he or she is physically able to participate in athletic contests or performance groups. A student shall not be permitted to practice or compete until a complete certificate is on file. The certificate/physical is valid for the purpose of this rule IF issued on or after February 1 of the previous school year. The School District provides a physical exam form to be completed by each athlete as well as your physician. You may obtain a form at the front office of your child s school or on-line at This form MUST be on file before you will be allowed to practice or participate with any Raymore-Peculiar athletic team or performance group. Athletic By-Law 309 (b) in the MSAA handbook states: A student shall not be permitted to practice or compete for a school until it has verification that he or she has basic athletic insurance coverage. This information is included on the physical exam form and also MUST be on file before you will be allowed to practice or participate with any Raymore-Peculiar athletic team or performance group. The School District provides a supplemental insurance policy for each athlete. This is in addition to your private health insurance. The High School sponsors a physical night, with licensed physicians, allowing all athletes to obtain a physical valid for the following school year. The cost for this is $

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13 Dear Parent/Guardian, Raymore-Peculiar High School currently implements an innovative program for our student athletes. This program will assist our team physicians/athletic trainers in evaluating and treating head injuries (concussions). In order to better manage concussions sustained by our student-athletes, we have acquired a software tool called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). ImPACT is a computerized exam utilized in many professional, collegiate, and high school sports programs across the country to successfully diagnose and manage concussions. If an athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury during competition, ImPACT is used to help determine the severity of the head injury and when the injury has fully healed. The computerized exam is given to athletes before beginning contact sport practice or competition. This non-invasive test is set up in video-game type format and takes about minutes to complete. It is simple, and actually many athletes enjoy the challenge of taking the test. Essentially, the ImPACT test is a preseason physical of the brain. IT tracks information such as memory, reaction time, speed, and concentration. It however, is not an IQ test. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be required to re-take the test. Both the preseason and post injury test data is given to a local doctor to help evaluate the injury. The information gathered can also be shared with your family doctor. The test data will enable these health professionals to determine when return-to-play is appropriate and safe for the injured athlete. If an injury of this nature occurs to your child, you will be promptly contacted with all the details. I wish to stress that the ImPACT testing procedures are non-invasive, and they pose no risks to your student- athlete. We are excited to implement this program given that it provides us the best available information for managing concussions and preventing potential brain damage that can occur with multiple concussions. The Ray-Pec administration, coaching, and athletic training staffs are striving to keep your child s health and safety at the forefront of the student athletic experience. If you have any further questions regarding this program please feel free to contact our Athletic Trainers, Dan Schwarz and Trevor Volkland at Sincerely, Tom.E Kruse Tom E. Kruse Activities/Athletic Director Raymore-Peculiar High School

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15 CARE OF EQUIPMENT Each student will be held accountable for the use and care of the equipment issued to them. Any equipment that is lost or stolen must be paid for by the student in whose name it was checked out. Keeping your equipment in a locked locker and not loaning out equipment will help prevent loss. Any loss or theft of equipment should be reported to the coach immediately. For your safety, any equipment that does not fit properly should be exchanged with the coach. PARENT/COACH/SPONSOR RELATIONSHIP Parenting and coaching are extremely challenging. By establishing an understanding of each other s position, we are better able to provide greater benefits to the young people we work with. As parents, when your child becomes involved in one of our programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the Coach / Sponsor of your child s program. A. Communication you should expect from your child s Coach/Sponsor 1. Philosophy of the Coach/Sponsor 2. Expectations the Coach/Sponsor has of your child as well as all participants in the program. 3. Locations and times of all practices, meetings, and contests. 4. Team requirements fees, special equipment, off-season training requirements, etc. 5. Procedures should your child be injured during participation 6. Firm, fair, and consistent enforcement of rules as written in the Student Handbook B. Communication Coaches / Sponsors expect from parents 1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach or sponsor 2. Notification of any schedule conflict in advance 3. Specific concern in regards to a Coach/Sponsor s philosophy and / or expectations. C. Appropriate concerns to discuss with Coaches / Sponsors 1. The treatment of your child mentally or physically 2. Ways to help your child improve 3. Concerns about your child s behavior 4. Special needs of your child 5. Non-school team membership 6. Eligibility concerns 7. Your child in the total team concept Coaches and Sponsors are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all members of the team. Decisions involving issues such as Team Strategy, Play calling, Team Personnel, other student participants are not appropriate items to discuss with the Coach / Sponsor. D. Appropriate time and place for discussion of concerns 1. Please do not attempt to confront a Coach / Sponsor before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both parties. Meetings of this nature do not promote solutions. 2. We encourage your child to discuss any of their concerns with their Coach / Sponsor first as this develops responsibility and a working relationship between your child and the Coach/Sponsor 3. If necessary, the next order in the chain of command would be for YOU to contact the Coach / Sponsor. This will provide a clear understanding of the problem and first hand solution to your concern. 4. The final step would be to contact the Activity Director Tom Kruse at THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND COOPERATION. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING A GREAT YEAR WITH YOU

16 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q1: Will students be able to count summer school credit toward meeting the academic eligibility requirements for the first semester? Yes. MSAA By-Law 213 provides students may count up to 1 credit from summer school toward establishing their eligibility for the fall semester. Only classes, which are required for graduation may be counted. Q2: If a student needs 1 unit of credit in physical education and has earned that credit by the end of the sophomore year, may the student take physical education during the summer as an elective and count this toward eligibility? No. Only classes required for graduation may be counted. Q3: What is meant by team obligation? Team obligations are defined by the coach/sponsor. Q4: Is it mandatory that our school accept summer school credit to determine eligibility for the fall semester? No. This like all other requirements of student eligibility are the minimum essential requirements and each local Board of Education has the right to establish more stringent requirements. Q5: What is meant by the core classes required for graduation by DESE? In order for all students across the state to meet a minimal curricular program, it was adopted by the schools to rely upon core courses and required credits for graduation as required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Currently these minimum requirements are; Practical Arts 1 credit Fine Arts 1 credit Physical Education 1 credit Science 3 credits Mathematics 3 credits Communication Arts 4 credits Social Studies 3 credits. Health Education ½ credit Personal Finance ½ credit Q6: Do the rules cover summer vacations? Yes. The rules include the school year and any portion of a Fall or spring sport season that overlaps into the summer vacation. Good citizenship is a year-round responsibility. Q7: What is the meaning of the phrase: Next consecutive Interscholastic Event? Following confirmation of the violation, the student would lose eligibility to participate in the next event(s) which occur in a consecutive chronological sequence. The contest(s) cannot be selected. Q8: Does loss of eligibility carry over from one season to the next? Yes. If a student commits a violation in the last contest of the Season, he/she loses eligibility in the next season. Also, once a Student commits an offense, any subsequent offense until Graduation would be considered his/her second violation. Q9: How does my child get released to return to play following a concussion? If your child is sent for evaluation with suspicion of a concussion, you will be issued a Return to Play (RTP) form from either your child s coach or one of the District Athletic Trainers. This evaluation / release will need to be conducted and signed by a licensed medical professional and a copy given to the coach and/or Athletic Trainer before your child will be allowed to return to any physical activity

17 RAYMORE-PECULIAR SCHOOL DISTRICT Activity / Athletic Contract This contract, in itself, will not prevent students from using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, but rather is entered into with the hope that it will help in prevention and serve as a reminder to the students that they will be accountable for their actions. WRITTEN COMMITMENT FOR RAY-PEC DISTRICT STUDENTS My name is. I am a student participant of the Raymore-Peculiar School District PLEASE PRINT I have read this booklet and understand what is expected of me in regard to sportsmanship, academics, and staying drug/alcohol/tobacco free while enrolled in this school. I understand the consequences of breaking these policies, and will not do so while I am a Ray-Pec Student. I will be fully responsible for my own actions and the consequences of my actions As a student-athlete / participant, I also pledge to do my best to follow the philosophies of Enjoy the Game as set by MSAA and understand this will be expected of me in every game / activity I participate in. I, along with my parents, understand that this is a year-round commitment. I will be responsible for all equipment issued throughout the season. I understand and have been advised of risk to injury. Having been advised of this, it is my desire to participate in sports and to do so with full knowledge and understanding of the risk of injury. Signature of Student Date I (We), the parent(s) of the above named student, understand what is expected of my child by the Ray-Pec School District and the consequences of these actions. In addition, we understand the philosophies of Enjoy the Game and agree to participate in the principles that they encourage. Please initial : I consent to the MSAA s use of the herein named student s name, likeness, and athletic-related information in reports of contests, promotional literature of the Association and other materials and releases related to interscholastic athletics. To enable the MSAA to determine whether the herein named student is eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics in the MSAA member school, I consent to the release of the MSAA any and all portions of school record files, beginning with seventh grade, of the herein named student, specifically including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, birth and age records, name and residence address of parent(s) or guardian(s), residence address of the student, academic work completed, grades received, and attendance data. Parent / guardian signature indicates reading and understanding the Athletic Handbook and the policies set forth herein. Signature of Parent / Guardian Date We have received and read the MSAA materials on concussions, which includes information on the definition of a concussion, symptoms of a concussion, what to do if you have a concussion, and how to prevent a concussion. I understand that the medical personnel of Ray-Pec, including Athletic Trainers, nurses, and team physicians will perform only those procedures which are within their training, credentials and scope of professional practice to prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries or illnesses. I acknowledge that no guarantees have been made as to the result of the examination and treatment. Additionally, permission is hereby given for emergency care in the case of accidents or illnesses Signature of Athlete: Date Signature of Parent /Guardian Date

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