Olton ISD Athletic Department Policies

Olton ISD Athletic Department Handbook

2009-2010

3D"Mustangs

Olton ISD Athletic Department Hand= book

2009-2010

Mission Statement

The primary= goal of the Olton ISD Athletic Department will be to provide an environment in which all student-athletes have the opportunity to achieve academic success; in o= rder to graduate and have the opportunity to pursue the profession of their choi= ce.

The Olton I= SD Athletic Department will field competitive teams which implement a style emphasizing intelligent play, physical toughness and sportsmanship. Ultimately the Mustangs and Fillie= s will compete in a manner which brings pride and recognition to Olton ISD.

Student-ath= letes will understand their role as ambassadors for Olton ISD. Student-athletes will represent Ol= ton ISD, the athletic department and each team in a positive manner on campus, = in the community and throughout competition.

Attendance

Student-Athletes will be required to attend all athlet= ic class periods, practices and team functions. A student-athlete who is absent, regardless of circumstance, may be required to complete make up conditioning and may incur a loss of playing time.

Excused Absences

Student-Athletes who find it necessary to miss an athl= etic class period, practice, or team function must notify a member of the coaching sta= ff well in advance of the absence. Co= aches will evaluate the explanation for an absence on an individual basis to dete= rmine whether or not the absence is excused or unexcused. A student-athlete who receives an = excused absence will not be subject to disciplinary action; however, they may be required to complete make up conditioning and may incur a loss of playing t= ime.

Unexcused Absences=

Any absence not communicated in advance to a member of= the coaching staff will be deemed as unexcused. Coaches will evaluate the explanat= ion for an absence on an individual basis to determine whether or not the absen= ce is excused or unexcused. A student-athlete who receives an unexcused absence will be subject to discip= linary action and may incur a loss of playing time In addition, student-athletes may = be required to complete make up conditioning.= Any student-athlete who receives multiple unexcused absences may be suspended or dismissed from a specific sport or Olton ISD Athletics.

Absence due to Injury or Illness

It is the student-athletes responsibility to report an injury or illness to the coaching staff as soon as possible. Any absence for injury or illness = not communicated in advance to a member of the coaching staff will be deemed as = unexcused. Coaches will evalu= ate injury or illness on an individual basis to determine whether or not a stud= ent-athlete should be excused from the athletic period, practice or a team function. A student-athlete who is excused f= rom the athletic period, practice or a team function for injury or illness will not= be subject to disciplinary action; however, they may be required to complete m= ake up conditioning and may incur a loss of playing time.

Absence due to Academic Need<= /span>

Student-Athletes will be expected to manage time effic= iently to meet both academic and athletic needs.&= nbsp; Student-Athletes should not ask for or expect to be given permission= to miss the athletic period, practice or a team function to complete a classro= om assignment. Assignments shoul= d be completed in class, before school, after school, during the tutorial period, during the Athletic Department Study Hall or as home work. A student-athlete who chooses to m= iss the athletic period, practice or a team function to complete a classroom as= signment will not be subject to disciplinary action; however, they may be required to complete make up conditioning and may incur a loss of playing time.

Tardiness

Student-Athletes will be required to be on time for at= hletic class periods, practices and team functions. Student-Athletes who are not on ti= me will be subject to disciplinary action and may incur a loss of playing time= .

Conduct

Student-Athletes will conduct themselves appropriately= at all times, on campus or off-campus, when they represent Olton ISD. The coaching staff will be in communication with teachers regarding classroom conduct throughout the scho= ol year and will enforce the Olton ISD Code of Conduct at all times. Any student-athlete who receives a= referral, d-hall or other punishment from a teacher or Principal may be subject to di= sciplinary action and may incur a loss of playing time. Any student-athlete who has a pers= istent problem with conduct may be suspended or dismissed from a specific sport or from the Athletic Department.

Dress & Grooming

Students-Athletes will be required to be dressed and be groomed appropriately at all times, on campus or off-campus, when they represent Olton ISD. The coac= hing staff will enforce the Olton ISD dress and grooming policies at all times.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Student-Athletes who are not in compliance with dress and grooming policies will be subject to disciplinary action. Any student-athlete w= ho has a persistent problem with dress and grooming policies may incur a loss of playing time and/or a suspension.

Respect for Teachers, Coaches and Adults=

Student-Athletes will be required to show the proper r= espect for Teachers, Coaches and Adults at all times, on campus or off-campus, whe= n they represent Olton ISD. Student-= Athletes who do not show the proper respect for Teachers, Coaches and Adults may be subject to disciplinary action and/or a loss of playing time. Any student-athlete who is persist= ently disrespectful may be suspended or dismissed from a specific sport or Olton = ISD Athletics.

School Suspension<= /p>

Student-Athletes assigned to ISS, DAEP and those who hav= e been expelled are not eligible to participate in athletic class periods, practic= es or team functions. With the approval of the Principal and Athletic Director student-athletes completing time in ISS may immediately regain eligibility after the last day of ISS if= the student-athlete has completed all work, displayed good conduct and demonstr= ated a positive attitude.

Sport Specific Rules

Student-Athletes may be required to follow additional = rules which are sport specific. The= Head Coach for each sport may have rules in addition to the policies listed in t= he Athletic Department Handbook. Student-Athletes may be subject to disciplinary action, loss of play= ing time, suspension or dismissal for violations of a sport specific rule.

Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary Action is defined as an exercise intended= to serve as a punishment. Many n= ames are used to describe disciplinary action, such as, Jingle-Jangle’s, Suicides and Poles. These exe= rcises are intended to reinforce Athletic Department policies and the rules of individual sports, as well as, to serve as a deterrent. Coaches will evaluate the severity= of an offense on an individual basis. Coaches will utilize common sense and consistency in determining wha= t is an appropriate amount of disciplinary action.

Valuables

Student-athletes will be provided with a secure locati= on to store valuable items. Olton I= SD recommends student-athletes refrain from bringing items of extreme value to school. Any student-athlete planning to bring items of extreme value to school should make alternate arrangements for securing these items.&nbs= p; Olton ISD and the Athletic Department are not responsible for any it= ems lost, stolen or not properly secured.

Equipment

Student-Athletes are responsible for all equipment iss= ued to them. Student-Athletes, Paren= ts or Legal Guardians will be required to pay the replacement cost for all lost equipment and any equipment which has been damaged beyond normal wear and t= ear.

Academic Eligibility

In order to ensure the academic eligibility of Student-Athletes members of the coaching staff will monitor grades and be in communication with teachers throughout the school year. Student-Athletes who are in danger= of failing will be required to attend Tutorials and Athletic Department Study Hall.

In-Season Athletic Department Transfers<= o:p>

Student-Athletes will be given a ten day tryout period= at the beginning of each sport. = During the tryout period student-athletes may withdrawal from a sport without losi= ng eligibility. After the tryout period a student-athlete who quits an in-season sport will be ineligible for participation in all other sports for thirty school days. Student-Athletes will be permitted= to participate in the athletic class period and practices; however, they will = be ineligible for participation in all Olton ISD Athletic Department functions. Extenuating circumstances will be = taken into consideration and with the approval of the Head Coaches of each sport involved and the Athletic Director a waiver may be granted permitting a student-athlete to withdrawal from an in-season sport without losing eligibility.

Transportation

Student-Athletes are required to travel to and from all athletic activities in transportation provided by Olton ISD. Extenuating circumstances will be = taken into consideration permitting an alternate source of transportation to or f= rom an activity. A Parent or Legal Guardian may submit a written request asking for the student-athlete to be release to the Parent, Legal Guardian or a designated adult. Each request must be submitted in advance and approved by the Athletic Director prior to any trip.

Lettermen

Student-Athletes must participate in at least one-half= of a sport’s contests and must finish the season in good standing to be eligible to receive a Varsity letter.

Theft

Student-Athletes caught committing theft will be subje= ct to disciplinary action and may incur a loss of playing time. Any student-athlete who commits a = second offense of theft will be suspended from participation in practices and team functions for sixty school days. Any student-athlete who commits a third offense of theft will be dismissed Olton ISD Athletics.

Tobacco

The use of tobacco products by student-athletes is prohibited at all times, on campus or off-campus, when student-athletes represent Olton ISD. Student-= Athletes caught using tobacco products will be subject to disciplinary action and may incur a loss of playing time. Any student-athlete who persistently violates the tobacco policy may be suspend= ed or dismissed from a specific sport or Olton ISD Athletics.

Alcohol

Student-Athletes who are involved in alcohol related offenses will be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, first time offenders = will be prohibited from participation team functions for thirty school days. Student-Athletes will be permitted= to participate in the athletic class period and practices; however, they will = be ineligible for participation in all Olton ISD Athletic Department functions= . Second time offenders will be subj= ect to disciplinary action and will receive a sixty day suspension (school days).<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Any student-athlete who is involve= d in a third alcohol related offense will be dismissed from Olton ISD Athletics.

Drugs

Student-Athletes who are involved in drug related offe= nses will be subject to disciplinary action.&nb= sp; In addition, first time offenders will be prohibited from participat= ion in athletic class periods, practices and team functions for sixty school days. Any student-athlete who= is involved in a second drug related offense will be dismissed from Olton ISD Athletics.

Steroids

State law prohibits student-athletes from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroi= ds are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use. Body building, muscle enhancement,= the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of anabolic steroids or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is= a criminal offense. Student-ath= letes participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. Any student-athlete = who is involved in a steroid related offense will be subject to the consequences d= escribed in the “Drugs” section of the Athletic Department Handbook..

Team Function

Team functions are defined as those activities which a= re open to the public. Team func= tions may include, but are not limited to: games, scrimmages, banquets, team photo-shoots, Meet-the-Mustangs, Meet-the-Fillies, or any other activity wh= ere a team or individual team members are being recognized, acknowledged or honored. The athletic class p= eriod and practice time which is closed to the public is not considered a “= team function”.

ConFerences

Any student-athlete or parent requesting a conference = must follow the proper procedure and chain of command. Conferences will be scheduled on a= next day basis to allow all parties to “Cool Off”. During a conference concerns regar= ding; treatment of a student-athlete, student-athlete behavior, improvement of a student-athletes individual skill or the role of a student-athlete within a team may be discussed. Concer= ns regarding playing time, team strategies, or concerns regarding other student-athletes will not be discussed.

= I.      =             &nb= sp; The Student-Athlete must first request a conference with the specific Assistant Coach to address a conflict. This request can be made directly = to the Assistant Coach.

= II.      =            If the conflict was not resolved the Student-Athlet= e or Parent may then request a conference with the Head Coach. This request must be made through = the Athletic Director. The Athlet= ic Director will contact all parties and make the necessary arrangements.

= III.      =          If the conflict still cannot be resolved the Student-Athlete or Parent may then request a conference with the Athletic Director. This request can be= made directly to the Athletic Director.

= IV.      =         Finally a Student-Athlete or Parent may request a conference with the Superintendent. This request must be made through the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will contact= the Superintendents Office and make the necessary arrangements. The Superintendent will not schedu= le a conference to discuss an Athletic Department related conflict unless the pr= oper procedures and chain of command has been followed.

Athletic Period

The Athletic period is reserved for those Student-Athl= etes who participate in Athletics year round (Fall, Winter and Spring). Scheduling accommodations will be = made for student-athletes who do not participate in sports on a year round basis. The Athletic Director = in coordination with the Principals and Counselors will ensure student-athletes have the opportunity to be in the Athletic Period when their sport is in-season.

Fall        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;         Winter             &n= bsp;            = ;           Spr= ing

   &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;       Football        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp; Basketball        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;           Track=

   &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;       Volleyball        &= nbsp;                    &= nbsp;   Power Lifting      =             &nb= sp;         Baseball

   &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;       Cross-Country        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Golf

   &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =     Tennis

Participation

Participation in extra curricular activities is a priv= ilege and not a right. This privile= ge comes with additional obligations and responsibilities which are not requir= ed of a non-athlete. Any student-at= hlete who consistently fails to meet the required obligations and responsibilitie= s may be dismissed from a specific sport or the Athletic Department. As it becomes necessary the Athlet= ic Director, in conjunction with Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches, will eval= uate a student-athletes ability to meet the obligations and responsibilities required of a student-athlete. Common sense and consistency will be used to determine if a student-athlete should lose the privilege of participating in a specific sport or Olton ISD Athlet= ics.

University interscholastic League (UIL)<= o:p>

It is the responsibility of parents and student-athlet= es to be aware of UIL policies. Violations of UIL policies by any group or person associated with Ol= ton ISD may result in penalties which can affect an individual, team or the ent= ire athletic department. The UIL provides an online parent manual which outlines these policies. Olton ISD strongly encourages every pa= rent to review the UIL Parent Manual.

** Please see the web pages listed below= for more information **

UIL Website &nbs= p; -   http://www.uil= .utexas.edu/

Parent Manual &n= bsp; -   http://www.uil= .utexas.edu/athletics/manuals/pdf/parent_information.pdf

Booster Club Guidelines   -   http://www.u= il.utexas.edu/policy/pdf/07_08booster_guide.pdf

Steroid Information   -   http://www.uil.utexas.edu/at= hletics/health/steroid_information.html

Sportsmanship Manual   -   http://www.uil.utexas.edu/at= hletics/manuals/pdf/sportsmanship_manual.pdf

Health & Safety Information   -   http://www.uil.utexas.edu/at= hletics/health/