2015-2016 PARENT STUDENT ATHLETE HANDBOOK THOMAS W. BROWNE MIDDLE SCHOOL DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
ATHLETIC PROGRAM HANDBOOK C H A M P I O N S C L O S E G A P S Dear Parent/Guardian and Student Athlete, Your son or daughter has chosen to participate in the Browne Middle School Athletic Program. The following information is for you and your son/daughter to read so you may better understand our program and what we expect and hope to accomplish. BROWNE ATHLETIC GOALS The Browne Athletic Program offers the opportunity of participation to every student who has the ability and desire to do so. However, no student is obligated or required to participate in athletics. It is the goal of the Browne Coaching Staff that each athlete in our program will: Develop the necessary fundamental skills to be successful in his/her sport. Learn and practice good sportsmanship and teamwork Learn and practice self-discipline, both physically and mentally Learn and practice honesty, integrity, and respect Support the academic progress of all students PHILOSOPHY Our focus is on building well-rounded, well-trained athletes who perform together as smart, dynamic teams that compete successfully on a middle school level. BROWNE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS Dallas ISD offers sports for both 7 th and 8 th grade students: Football (boys) Basketball (boys and girls) Track & Field and Cross Country (boys and girls) Soccer (boys and girls) Volleyball (girls) Baseball (boys) Softball (girls) You must have a Sports Physical in order to participate in athletics. RESPONSIBILITIES/EXPECTATIONS During competition: Good sportsmanship is expected during all workouts, practices, and games. An athlete understands that winning and losing are part of the game and accepts both. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. An athlete has control of himself/herself at all times. Disrespect for coaches or officials, displays of temper, use of profanity or other disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.
Competition attire must comply with UIL and T.W. Browne rules and guidelines. Girls - Hair must be pulled back with an elastic band, shirts must be tucked in, and shorts may not be rolled. IN THE CLASSROOM An athlete must realize that he/she is a student first and an athlete second. UIL No Pass, No Play rules apply. Upon failure of any subject, an athlete may not compete in any contests until they are passing ALL subjects at the time of the three-week or the next six-week grading period. (See example of Parent UIL ineligible letter) All athletes are given time to study and complete homework on the day of their game, and therefore may not use an athletic event as an excuse for missing work. An athlete must maintain a satisfactory citizenship and behavior record. This includes respecting teachers, administrators, and fellow students, as well as avoiding tardiness, horseplay, and other unacceptable behaviors. Unsatisfactory citizenship and behavior may result in suspension or removal from team. ON CAMPUS All athletes are expected to follow the Dallas ISD Student Code of Conduct, which includes dress code. ALL school rules are to be followed. Student athletes are expected to be leaders on and off campus. An athlete suspended from school, including in-school-suspension, will not be permitted to work out, travel or participate with the team during his or her suspension. His/Her eligibility for subsequent contests will be left to the discretion of the coach and/or administration. DURING ATHLETICS AND/OR PRACTICE Athletes are expected to attend all practices and games. Consequences, including loss of playing time, may result from unexcused absences. A parent must notify the coach if the athlete needs to miss a game or practice session that is scheduled after school hours via e-mail, note with contact number or phone call. An athlete will be prompt for roll call. Athletes are expected to dress in athletic clothes or football uniform for class/practice every day and to participate to the best of their ability. If he/she cannot participate, a note, email, or call is required from parent or guardian. They will still be expected to dress out and observe or complete an alternative activity. Please call AND provide a doctor s note for lengthy illnesses (3 days) and/or injuries to let us know about your son s/daughter s limitations and restrictions. Girls - Shoulder length hair must be pulled back with an elastic band. Shirts must be tucked in, and shorts may NOT be rolled. LOCKER ROOM EXPECTATIONS Students are expected to dress out immediately and report to the area designated by the coach (gym, track, football field, etc.). Horseplay of any kind will not be tolerated in the locker room. Phones are prohibited from being used or visible in the locker room. They must be concealed in a backpack, bag, or locker. If an athlete is seen with their phone in the locker room, it will be taken to the front office and a parent/guardian will need to pick it up. Students must bring their own lock and keep their locker locked at all times. If the lock breaks they are expected to bring a new one the following day.
Students should not share their combination with anyone other than the coach. Students should keep all athletic equipment and practice gear during school hours in a backpack or bag. Students are expected to keep their area clean, and are responsible for their belongings. No jewelry during practice and competition. DURING TRAVEL Athletes will ride the bus to all away games and may return to campus on the bus after the game. Athletes may ride home with their parent/guardian following an away event provided the parent/guardian has signed a transportation waiver. At the game site a parent or guardian will need to sign out their son or daughter with the coach. **Per district policy: Athletes may only be released to their parent(s) or guardian. Under no circumstances may athletes ride home with anyone other than their guardian. After the athletes are returned to the school, it is the responsibility of the parent to arrange for transportation home. Athletes should be picked up within 15 minutes of arrival to the school. Athletes who are repeatedly picked up later than 15 minutes after arrival may lose their privilege of participating in future away events. All times are estimated to the best of our ability - competition level and officials may affect our return home. An athlete will conduct themselves properly on the school bus or in any school vehicle at all times. An athlete will not be allowed to bring parents, family members, or friends on bus trips. Only coaches, managers, and players are permitted to ride on the school bus. GAME UNIFORMS A uniform will be issued to athletes participating in a specific sport. Athletes must provide their own socks and shoes. Athletes must reimburse the cost of lost or damaged uniforms. Game jerseys are issued prior to each game and must be returned immediately after the game. PRACTICE/ATHLETIC UNIFORMS A good pair of athletic tennis shoes is also strongly encouraged. Be sure to get a shoe with adequate support to insure the safety of your son/daughter during a workout. Please encourage your son/daughter to leave valuables at home and to take extra care in locking up all belongings. All personal belongings should be marked with first initial and full last name of the student. This helps the coach identify the student and return any missing belongings. A gym bag or a plastic/cloth bag is recommended to transport clothes to and from school. GAME SCHEDULES Schedules of games/meets, opponents, and sites will be provided at the beginning of each season. BULLYING Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. If bullying of any kind is observed or reported, it will be immediately turned over to administration. Bullying will result in consequences including possible removal from the athletic program. Please report any bullying concerns immediately to coaches and/or administration.
TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND WEAPONS Any athlete disciplined and/or suspended from school for the possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or weapons will result in removal from the Trojan Athletic Program. Please refer to the Dallas ISD code of conduct concerning use of illegal or controlled substances. GRADING Every athlete begins each six weeks with a 100 average. Every athlete will complete a Grade Check during their sports participation six weeks period. (see Grade Check example) Not dressing appropriately for athletics will also result in loss of points on the daily grade. CAPTAINS Coaches will decide whether or not to assign team captains. Captains will be chosen by the coaches. PAPERWORK In order to participate in the athletic program, we must have the following forms, with your signature on file: 1. A current, completed Sports Physical Examination, including the Medical History questionnaire, Medical Consent, and UIL Acknowledgment pages. The physical is good for one calendar year. If the physical expires during the season, athletes must get a new physical in order to participate. 2. Emergency Information Card 3. Concussion Acknowledgement Form 4. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Form 5. Transportation Release Form An athlete will not be allowed to participate until all forms are returned. Forms must be submitted prior to try-outs for a given sport. Football and Volleyball try-outs/work-outs are the first week of school. RESOURCES Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the athlete s coach, athletic director, or athletic coordinator when questions and concerns arise regarding athletics. Jonathan C. Smith, Principal 972.502.2500 James S. Jeffery Jr., Campus Athletic Director 972.925.2511 Tina Baker, Campus UIL Eligibility Reviewer 972.925.2509
Research indicates that students involved in athletics are most likely to succeed at their chosen profession and make creative contributions to their communities. Many of the character traits, qualities and attributes required to be a successful student-athlete are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope that the information provided within this handbook makes your child s and your experience with the T. W. Browne athletic program more enjoyable. We are constantly trying to improve communication with students and parents. For our programs to be successful it is necessary that everyone involved understand the direction and goal of the Browne athletic program. PARENT/STUDENT-ATHLETE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I have read and understand the guidelines of the Browne Middle School athletic program presented in the Parent/Student Athlete handbook and agree to abide by them. Student Signature Date Student Name (please print) I have read and understand the guidelines of the Browne Middle School athletic program presented in the Parent/Student Athlete handbook. Parent Signature Date
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