Athletics Handbook

DID YOU KNOW?

About Athletics and Extracurricular Involvement:

The following excerpts are taken from “The Case for High School Activities” published by the National Federation of State High School Associations. (http://www.iahsaa.org/)

    •    Students who participate in athletics, overall, get better grades in school.  They tend to take more challenging courses and have higher GPAs.

    •    Forty-six percent of uninvolved students surveyed failed one or more classes, while only 23 percent of the group failed a class.

    •    Students who participate in athletics make better decisions in life.  Student-athletes have better attendance records and fewer disciplinary problems.  

    •    Lack of participation in school activities is correlated with a greater likelihood of involvement in delinquent behavior.

    •    Students who participate in athletics are healthier and have a better outlook on life.

    •    Through participation in activity programs, students learn teamwork, sportsmanship, winning and losing, the rewards of hard work, self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop skills to handle competitive situations. 

    •    Students who participate in athletics make friendships that last a lifetime.

    •    Colleges and potential employers pay close attention to your involvement in athletics.

    •    The American College Testing Service compared the value of 4 factors in predicting success after high school. The one yardstick that could be used to predict later success in life was achievement in school activities. Not useful as predictors were high grades in high school, high grades in college or high ACT scores.

    •    In a Fortune 500 survey, 95% of financially successful, corporate executives participated in high school sports.         


If you want something that you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've neverdone.   

~THOMAS JEFFERSON

The following Student-Athlete Handbook is a result of the revision and revising of the many years of compiling and collaboration on the part of former Gilbert AD Mike Gamari.  Also, it should be recognized that retired Director of Athletics at Amity Region 5, Paul Mengold, Glastonbury High School AD, Trish Witkin, and Newington HS AD, Chris Meyers, and the CIAC made significant contributions to the makeup of this publication.  The following handbook is designed to be informative as well as help ensure a positive experience for all of those involved.  For forms, flyers and for more information that is not included in this handbook, please visit the athletics web site at www.gilbertschool.org.

THE GILBERT SCHOOL
Vision and Mission Statement

The Gilbert School is committed to ensuring that all of our students are prepared to be thoughtful and productive citizens in a complex, global society.

In pursuing this Mission, we believe that:
    •    All students can learn and be successful.

    •    All students are valued and deserve an education that addresses their academic, physical and social/emotional needs.

    •    All students are entitled to a safe, healthy, and respectful learning environment.

    •    All members of The Gilbert School community must uphold high expectations, be accountable, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

    •    Celebrating the heritage of The Gilbert School strengthens community pride and inspires individual accomplishments.


WELCOME

The Gilbert School Athletics Department, a unified program of grades 7 through 12, acknowledges this school mission and vision and is invested in creating opportunities for each and every student to participate in and experience interscholastic involvement.  It is our goal to provide experiences that will help those students that enter the halls of Gilbert to grow physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.  Each and every student is extended an invitation to participate in the many athletic programs offered here at Gilbert.

While participation is highly encouraged, it needs to be understood that taking advantage of these opportunities is a privilege.  Those student-athletes who are part of a team or program must follow and adhere to the high expectations and standards set forth in this Student- Athlete Handbook.   There are a wide variety of opportunities to get involved in and because of the visibility and exposure to interscholastics, it is vitally important that you represent your team and school and most importantly, represent yourself and your family with pride, tradition, and sportsmanship. We believe that student-athletes are role models and should constantly and consistently remember to exhibit strong character and a positive image.

The Gilbert School Athletics Department, along with the enthusiastic support of the Gilbert administration, hopes and anticipates that your membership in interscholastic athletics will lead to positive and fulfilling experiences, those that will last a lifetime.  You are encouraged to take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities provided here at The Gilbert School.  It is important to keep in mind there is a tradition of excellence and integrity that many before you have invested in and take much pride in. 

Best wishes for a successful season.

Buckley Morgan II                            Greg Shugrue
Director of Athletics                        Head of School  
The Gilbert School                           The Gilbert School 

“Think big, believe big, act big, and big things will happen.”         ~Anonymous 

Athletic schedules, results and various updates and announcements can be found online in a few different websites:

    •    The Gilbert School website – Click on Athletics.

    •    All student-athletes must register using Family ID, an online registration service.  The direct link for Gilbert registration can be found in the Athletics page at www.gilbertschool.org.  Please contact administrative assistant to the AD,  if you need assistance with registration of your student-athlete on Family ID. 

    •    The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference – C.I.A.C.  They are the governing body for all of high school interscholastics.  Their web site is www.casciac.org. Here you can find schedules and directions to almost every school in the state of CT as well as game results and post season tournament information.  You can also register to receive schedule updates.

    •    CIAC Sports – www.ciacsports.com.  Click on “Email and SMS Updates” and you can register your email address or cell phone number to be alerted anytime a schedule change is made to a specific sport you are following.

    •    The Berkshire League – www.berkshireleague.org.  This is the home of all Berkshire League athletics where you can access a variety of information including directions, sport specific history and banquet and all-star pictures.

    •    NCAA Eligibility information: www.eligibilitycenter.org (See pg 11.)


NAMES AND NUMBERS

School Phone Numbers:             Main Office    379-8521

                                                          Athletics        379-3721

THE GILBERT SCHOOL ATHLETIC TEAMS

Fall Season

Winter Season

Spring Season

ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The athletics program of The Gilbert School is essential to the school’s program of instruction and is based on gender equity.  It provides an opportunity for students to have fun, test themselves, and, win or lose, be the best they can be.  It is guided by the philosophy of the school as founded by William L. Gilbert for the purpose of “…educating the young…..to help them become good citizens.”

This department’s philosophy is based on the following key components:

    •    To be concerned with the development of the entire student: their physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth.


    •    To equip our student with the life skills necessary to survive, succeed and contribute to their community.


    •    To present a curriculum that will provide a challenge for students at all levels, giving all student responsibility, accountability, and active participation in their education.


Beyond the basic philosophy of The Gilbert School, the athletics department incorporates the following goals:

    •    To encourage student-athletes to achieve success by maintaining academic eligibility rules and to keep athletics in proper perspective. 


    •    To understand participation is a privilege and carries responsibilities to the school, the activity, the student body, the community and to oneself.


    •    To develop good citizenship, honesty, emotional control, dependability and respect for rules, authority, competitors and self. 


    •    To affirm that a sportsman is one who plays fair and can win or lose with grace.


    •    To see that interest, needs, and well-being of students is balanced with the student’s responsibility to fulfill the demands to team membership.


    •    To strive to provide the opportunity for all interested students to participate.


    •    To balance mental activities with physical exertion and to stress the importance of physical fitness, conditioning, health habits, and safety in athletics. 


    •    To provide a bridge between what an athlete is doing in the game and what is necessary in the game of their lives.


    •    To acknowledge that all competitors are winners when:

        
    •    They did their best

    •    They had a good experience

    •    They learned and grew from their experience

    •    They handled winning and losing with class and pride.


“We will either find a way or make one."      ~ Hannibal

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

For the privilege and honor of participating in athletics, to represent your school and community, all athletes must realize that more is expected of them than of other students in school.  As a student-athlete at The Gilbert School, you will be expected to make many sacrifices with your dedication and commitment.  Please read carefully for a complete understanding of the following information.  The following Code of Conduct shall be in effect for the athletic teams:

    •    Student-athletes shall conform to the school, league, and C.I.A.C. eligibility rules, including all medical and academic requirements. 


    •    Student-athletes shall conform to the behavioral norms of the school and act in a responsible manner with regards to the policies set forth in The Gilbert School Student Handbook.


    •    Student-athletes shall conform to the behavioral norms of society and to the specific laws established by local state and federal government.


    •    Student-athletes shall be in school on time, every day.  Failure to do so may result in not being able to practice or participate in a game that day.  


    •    Student-athletes shall attend and not be tardy for all practices and competitions held both during regular school sessions and during vacations.  Exceptions may be considered subject to the approval of the head coach and director of athletics.


    •    Student-athletes shall get proper amounts of sleep and rest, both of which are recognized as essential for maximum performance and effectiveness in athletic participation.  


    •    Student-athletes shall maintain a proper, well-balanced and nutritious diet in order to maintain peak effectiveness for the expectations of practice and competitive performance.


    •    Student-athletes shall abstain from using those substances – drugs, alcohol, steroids, and tobacco – that are deemed harmful to one’s athletic performance, health, and general well-being.


    •    Student-athletes shall be held responsible and accountable for all equipment associated with the functioning of the team.  This includes uniforms, school gear and equipment, as well as their own personal equipment.  There is an assumed financial responsibility for any issued clothing or equipment not returned or damaged.


    •    Student-athletes, who are dismissed or voluntarily leave a team after final cuts are made, will not be permitted to become a member of another school team during that sport season.  Special cases may be reviewed by the coaches involved and the director of athletics.


    •    Student-athletes may not participate on another “same-sport” team while in season.


    •    Student-athletes shall meet and clear all obligations to an athletic team and may not participate in any other sport until their prior obligation is cleared.


    •    Student-athletes shall, at all times, exhibit sound judgment and conduct themselves in a manner that exhibits sound moral character and exemplifies good sportsmanship.  Such behavior shall consider the safety and well-being of team members, opponents, officials, spectators, and the community.


Individual programs and coaches may have rules and regulations that comply with this Code of Conduct.  All additional rules must be approved by the Director of Athletics.

If you feel the rules are too demanding, if you feel you will not be able to say “NO” when pressured by friends to break rules, if you feel the price is too great, if you feel your personal rights are too sacred to conform to the high standards and expectations, please make a wise decision on whether or not participation is for you.

Student-athletes will face disciplinary action, on an individual basis, which is to be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of due process of the athletic department, school and/or community.  This action could include suspension or removal from the team, or prevent full participation by a student not yet in season, as deemed appropriate by the Principal and Athletic Director.

ACADEMIC & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

ATTENTION ATHLETES and PARENTS!!!!    

Eligibility for Sports Program (5114.2)

In order to participate in athletics at The Gilbert School each student must abide by the rules of eligibility adopted by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, Inc.

1.  A student must be a member of Grades 9, 10, 11, 12.

2.  A student must not have reached his/her nineteenth birthday unless such person is nineteen on or after September 1.

3.  A student must have passed four units of work (courses) for which he/she has received credit toward graduation, and must take at least five units of work in a given semester.

4.  A student must not have changed schools without a legal change of address.

5.  A student must not have played the same sport for more than 3 seasons in grades 10, 11, and 12.

Anyone who does not conform to these rules is not eligible to compete in interscholastic competition. Violations would place the school under penalty.

Note: Marking periods and not semester grades are to be used in determining scholastic eligibility, except for Fall participation. Fall eligibility is based off of credits earned towards graduation and final, end of the year grades earned in June. 

Note: It is important to understand that if a student becomes academically ineligible, they may remain part of the team but will not be eligible for competition.  This decision will be made in agreement with the parents, the coach, and school administration.

** Middle School ** At the middle school level, there is weekly monitoring of grades by coaches and school staff.  Any time a middle school student-athlete has an F on their progress report, it can impact their ability to play in games.  Game impact can be on a game to game basis or for a longer probationary period. 

• if you have reached your 20th birthday; a student will not be allowed to start a season, or compete during a season in which his/her  20th birthday falls;
• if you have changed schools without a legal change of residence; 
• if you have been in attendance for more than eight (8) semesters, from the date of entry into the 9th grade;
• if you play or practice with an outside team in the same sport while a member of the school team after the first scheduled game in any season;

The exceptions:
a. participation  in parent-child tournaments and caddy tournaments;
b. swimming, tennis, gymnastics – a pupil may practice but not compete with a 
     non-CIAC team during the season;
c. cross country exception (new for 2016 season)

A student athlete may change teams, with school approval, up to the first scheduled Varsity contest.

• if you receive personal economic gain for participation in any CIAC sport;
• if you are not in school for the entire school day. Exceptions will be made for those with legitimate parent or medical excuses.  These excused absences and tardies will be reviewed with the discretion of the Director of Athletics and/or school administration;
• if your work habits or conduct both in and out of school are such as to make you unworthy to represent the ideals, principles and standards of The Gilbert School.

The Gilbert School Athletic Department policies and CIAC rules and regulations stated above, and throughout this handbook with few exceptions, apply to all student-athletes and athletic programs, regardless of whether they are CIAC sanctioned sports or not. 

There are modifications made to the middle school expectations as CIAC policies are approached as “recommendations” for running a middle school program.

ATHLETIC GUIDELINES AND POLICIES FOR YELLOWJACKET 
STUDENT-ATHLETES & THEIR PARENTS

THE GILBERT SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT – SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

SUBSTANCE USE, POSSESSION, OR DISTRIBUTION 

Use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs, including anabolic steroids, alcohol, drug paraphernalia or the misuse of other drugs/medications will result in the suspension or immediate dismissal from the team for the season. The student-athlete shall report any use of medication(s) prescribed by a physician to the coach. The student-athlete may regain athletic eligibility for the next season after review with the player, parents, the coach and administration. 

The use or possession of tobacco (including smoking, chewing, or use of snuff) will result in a two (2) week suspension from the team. This will include all practices and competition. A second violation of this nature will result in the dismissal from the team for the season. 

*Students failing to conform to the substance abuse policy shall face disciplinary action, on an individual basis, which is to be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of due process of the athletic department, school and/or community. This action may include suspension or expulsion from the team, or prevent full participation by a student not yet in season, as deemed appropriate by the Principal or Athletic Director. 

A. SELF-REFERRAL (Note: Self-referral is not an attempt to turn in oneself after violating the drug policy to avoid penalty.) 

When a drug dependency problem is identified with use of the above substances by the student-athlete through self-referral or by a parent’s referral, and is being monitored by a physician, the student-athlete WILL NOT be immediately dismissed from the team, however, 
The student-athlete and present coach will collaborate with the appropriate certified personnel and develop a program of assistance utilizing the school’s resources and outside agencies. The assistance team will then monitor and report progress. 
Dismissal from the team will result if the student-athlete fails to complete the program of assistance. 
The student-athlete WILL BE immediately dismissed from the team upon the next incident of any substance abuse violation. 
Self-referral will be held in confidence if desired by the student-athlete. 

B. OTHER REFERRALS 

When a substance problem is identified by a team member, teacher, coach, administrator, or concerned person: 
The student-athlete is referred to appropriate coach, athletic director, and school administrator. 
The principal or designee holds a due process hearing. 
a. The student-athlete is informed of the charges. 
b. The student-athlete is given an opportunity to tell his/her side of the 
story and parent contact is made. 
c. The principal or designee will make a decision within a reasonable 
period of time.

The student-athlete and parent/guardian will be notified of the decision in writing. 
If the principal or designee determines a violation exists, the student-athlete is IMMEDIATELY DISMISSED from the team for the season. 
The administration will refer the student-athlete for an assessment by a qualified professional, which may include the family care physician or other persons, approved by the principal or his/her designee. 
After assessment is completed, a planned program of assistance will be prescribed if needed. Such programs will be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional. 
The student-athlete may regain athletic eligibility for the next season after completing a planned assistance program, and the athletic office is informed by administration of eligibility. 
The student-athlete who refuses to participate in the assessment or the recommended planned program of assistance (if specified) will not regain eligibility for a sport until the planned program is completed.

TERMS: 
Drugs: Any alcohol, tobacco products, controlled drugs, illegal substances, substance facsimile, inhalants or any medication for which the student does not have a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional, or a substance or medication which is misused. 

Controlled Drug(s): Are those drugs which contain any quantity of a substance which has been designed as subject to the federal Controlled Substance Act, or which has been designated as a depressant or stimulant drug pursuant to federal food and drug laws, or which has been designated by the commissioner of consumer protection pursuant to Section 21a-243 of the Connecticut General Statutes as having a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect upon the higher functions of the central nervous system and as having a tendency to promote abuse and/or psychological or physiological dependence. Such controlled drugs are classified as amphetamine-type, barbiturate-type and other stimulant and depressant drugs. 

Drug Paraphernalia: Refers to equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designated for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, or concealing or, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or introducing into the human body controlled substances (e.g. bongs, pipes, roach clips, miniature cocaine spoons, crack vials, tobacco rolling papers) or any object or container used, intended for use, or designed for use in storing, concealing, or distributing controlled substances. 

Possession: Any possession, which is unlawful under Connecticut State Law or The Gilbert School policy. 

Distribution: Giving possession of a drug to another person, whether or not for compensation. 

Use: Ingesting, injecting, inhaling, or otherwise causing a drug to reach the bloodstream or digestive tract.

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”                                                                                                               
~ John Wooden
 

CIAC CHEMICAL HEALTH POLICY

Performance Enhancing Drugs Minimum Penalty
The CIAC expects member schools to monitor their student athletes to assure that they are free of performance enhancing substances and to report any violations in a timely manner.

A student-athlete who has been determined to have used, in or out-of-season, androgenic/anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing substances shall be declared ineligible for all CIAC-controlled activities for one hundred eighty (180) school days on each occurrence.  The one hundred eighty (180) school day period of ineligibility commences on the day the CIAC Board of Control makes such determination.

Any student athlete who refuses to submit to testing as part of a member school’s Board of Education-approved random drug testing policy shall be ineligible to participate in any CIAC-controlled activities.

All CIAC contest/games/tournaments/championships in which the offending athlete participated while under the influence of performance enhancing substances shall be declared forfeitures and all records will be expunged.

A member school may apply to the CIAC Board of Control for reinstatement of the athlete’s eligibility to participate in CIAC controlled activities.  Any such application must include:
The results of a CIAC-approved medically validated drug test which confirms that the student-athlete is chemical free.  The test must have been completed with 30 days prior to the application.  

The CIAC shall not be responsible for any expenses related to this testing.
b.    A statement of the compelling circumstances on which the member school bases its application for reinstatement of the athlete's’ eligibility.

Performance enhancing substances and practices subject to this policy include but are not limited to, the following:
anabolic agents, diuretics, peptide hormones and analogues.
blood doping
c.    substances and practices identified as banned by the NCAA and the USOC.

The CIAC allows member schools to make exceptions for those student-athletes with a documented medical history demonstrating the need for regular use of substances that are banned in this policy.  These identified substances shall be medically prescribed by the student-athlete’s doctor for therapeutic purposes.  The documentation should contain information as to the diagnosis, medical history and dosage prescribed.

The Gilbert School fully endorses the policies of the CIAC and the National Federation of State High School (NFHS) Associations regarding food supplements and athletes.

“School personnel and coaches will not dispense any drug, medication, or food supplement except as in accordance with Connecticut state law, district policy, and as prescribed by a student’s physician, dentist, physician assistant or advanced practice RN. The order is to be on record in the school health office listing dose, time, and length of order, side effects and emergency contact. There will also be a signed parental consent on file.” 

“In order to minimize health and safety risks to student-athletes, maintain ethical standards, and reduce liability risks, school personnel and coaches may NEVER supply or recommend or knowingly permit students to use any drug, medication or food supplement for the specific purpose of enhancing their athletic performance.”

NFHS Position 
https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/supplements-position-statement/
https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/position-statement-and-recommendations-for-the-use-of-energy-drinks-by-young-athletes/

PERFORMANCE PLAYBOOK
From Connecticut Coach, June, 2007

The Consequences of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
David R. Lamb, Ph.D.
Many young athletes are convinced that the only way to become a champion is by using anabolic steroids.  Coaches and other sports health professionals can begin to counteract the attraction of these drugs by helping educate the athletes about the potential harmful consequences of anabolic steroid use.

Liver Damage- Nearly all of the anabolic steroids taken by mouth cause abnormal liver function.  These abnormalities range from the common, but usually harmless, leakage of enzymes from the damaged liver tissue  into the blood to rare, but very serious, liver cancer and liver bleeding. The appearance of liver enzymes in the blood ordinarily ceases when athletes stop using steroids, but liver cancer and bleeding have caused deaths among a few athletes who have abused anabolic steroids.

Risk of Heart Disease- Many athletes who abuse anabolic steroids have high blood pressure (hypertension).  They also have decreased amounts of HDL-cholesterol, the so-called “good cholesterol,” that helps the body avoid the buildup of fat in the walls of the arteries.  Both high blood pressure and low HDL-cholesterol increase the chances of having serious heart disease at a relatively early age.

Sexual and Reproductive Disorders- Many male athletes who take large doses of anabolic steroids have shrunken testicles.  They also have such poor sperm production that virtually all of them who have used steroids for six months or more are sterile.  Sperm count may not return to normal for seven months or more after discontinuing steroid use.

In many men, steroid abuse leads to a feminizing growth of the nipples, which can be corrected with surgery.  In most women, on the other hand, steroid abuse causes shrinkage of the breasts to masculine proportions.

Other masculinizing effects of anabolic steroid use by females are very common, including growth of facial hair, thinning of head hair and possible baldness, deepening of the voice, irregularity or absence of menstrual cycle, and shrinkage of the uterus.  Baldness, growth of  facial hair, and deepening of the voice usually cannot be reversed even when steroids are no longer used.  These are permanent changes.

Psychological Disorders- Among the more commonly reported psychological effects of steroid abuse are increases or decreases in sex drive, increased aggressive behavior, mood elevation or depression, and “psychological addiction to the drugs.

More rare are schizophrenia and psychotic behavior patterns.  For example, steroid abusers have been known to head-butt windshields out of cars or purposely crash their cars into trees.

Effects on Growth- The long bones of young people – up to 18 years old and sometimes older – are still growing.  If young athletes abuse anabolic steroids, the growth plates of those bones may close earlier than usual.  This diminishes the height they could have reached as adults had they not taken steroids.

Conclusion- Athletes should be told that very few individuals are  known for certain to have become seriously ill or to have died from steroid abuse and that habits such as smoking tobacco or driving while intoxicated are probably far more deadly.  On the other hand, they should also be told that few, if any, steroid abusers escape all of the potential harmful effects of these drugs.

Finally, coaches should regularly remind their athletes that hard training, skill improvement, and good nutrition will have far greater positive effects on athletic performance than will the use of any drug.

NUTRITION AND ENERGY DRINKS
It is the responsibility of the student-athlete, along with help from our coaches and families, to maintain a healthy diet and follow proper nutritional guidelines so that we may be able to perform to the best of our abilities. The following is a statement from the Wellness Committee here at school:

“The Gilbert School believes that proper nutrition plays a key role in the development of our students.  The Gilbert School strongly discourages the consumption of energy drinks, and supplements, with limited or no nutritional value.”

To find out more about Gilbert’s policy on energy drinks and nutritional guidelines, visit the school’s web site at www.gilbertschool.org.  

GRADE REMINDERS

For the start of the school year, to be eligible for a Fall sport a pupil must have received credit in at least four Carnegie units of work for which you did not previously receive credit to be eligible for fall sports participation. FINAL GRADE AVERAGES determine Fall eligibility, NOT 4th QUARTER grades.

First time ninth grade students will automatically be eligible for the first marking period.

Marking period grades (not semester grades) are to be used in determining scholastic eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics during any given marking period.

Middle School Grade Requirements - At the middle school level, there is weekly monitoring of grades by coaches and school staff.  Any time a middle school student-athlete has an F’s on their progress report, it can impact their ability to play in games.  Game impact can be on a game to game basis or for a longer probationary period. 

Scholastic incompletes must be made up within ten (10) school days following the end of the marking period.  INCOMPLETE GRADES ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS PASSING GRADES.

Scholastic failures cannot be made up for eligibility purposes in any manner until the next report card– except during an approved summer program.

Student eligibility will be determined for all students on the date that report cards are distributed, or on the fourteenth calendar day following the end of the marking period, whichever comes first.

NCAA ELIGIBILITY
If you intend to participate in Division I or Division II athletics as a college freshman, it is extremely important that you visit the NCAA eligibility website and download the 2016.17 NCAA Eligibility Handbook.  This information can be found at the Gilbert School web site under athletics or you can visit www.eligibilitycenter.org

All potential Division I or Division II athletes should begin conversations with their counselors starting their freshman year.  The NCAA has strict criteria for appropriate levels of required coursework, including those classes that are taken in their 9th grade year. 

ATTENDANCE

Each team member is expected to be present at each practice session and game, unless absent from school or personally excused by the coach.

A student must be in school by 7:45 in order to participate in a team practice or contest that day, unless excused by the principal or athletic director.

It is the head coach’s daily responsibility to check the student absentee list.

Practice attendance:
A team can only function effectively and successfully when all team members are present and In order for the team and individual to obtain full benefits from the sport and to be of greatest value to the team, student-athletes should participate in all practice sessions.  Absences not excused by the coach may result in a one game suspension.  Continued unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the team.  It is the athlete’s responsibility to explain all absences from practices or games prior to their occurrence, unless such absence is health related.

It is important to understand and be aware that individual coaches may have their own team-specific rules and policies.

School Attendance:
Students should take full advantage of all educational opportunities available to them.  If after being warned by the coach or AD of unacceptable school or class attendance, an athlete continues the behavior, the following penalties will be applied –
A.  Continued absenteeism from class;
                  First offense after warning – one week suspension.
                  Second offense  – another one week suspension
                  Third offense – season suspension.

B.   Continued tardiness from school;
                   First offense after warning – one game suspension.
                   Second and additional offenses – two game                                         suspension.

Student-athletes must meet the attendance and behavioral expectations on Fridays in order to be eligible for participation in practice and games held over the weekend.

Upon game and season suspension, the student-athlete is expected to remain part of the team and continue to abi

PHYSICAL EDUCATION PARTICIPATION BY ATHLETES
All athletes enrolled in Physical Education classes during their season of participation are expected and required to fully participate in all class activities. Athletes are NOT excused from participating on the date of any athletic contest or practice. Failure to participate in PE class will remove that athlete from involvement in any athletic program or event that day. That includes all levels of play. 

TEAM STUDY HALLS
Every student-athlete will attend a mandatory weekly study hall that is supervised by their coaching staff. 

Any student-athlete who is on the honor roll or feels that their academic progress excuses them from study hall must still attend and serve in the role of peer tutor and peer support. 

SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Students may not participate in any game, contest, practice, or school activity while under  
suspension, nor may a student/student-athlete appear on school grounds or at a school event 
or activity on any school day while suspended from school. 

Any student-athlete who is suspended on a Friday is ineligible to practice or compete in games or contests for the entire weekend as well.  This includes state tournaments, homecoming activities, etc.  Suspended students are not eligible for any school activity. 

The suspension is in effect until the student is readmitted to classes by an administrator. 

RETURN FROM INJURY/SICKNESS

If any athlete is out for an extended time due to illness or sickness, at least two 
organized practices are a must to determine health and status of individual, prior 
to returning to game performance.

VACATIONS   

Vacations by athletic team members during a sport season are discouraged.  
Parents/athletes wishing to do so may wish to reassess their commitment to being an athlete.  In the event of an absence due to a vacation is unavoidable, an athlete must be accompanied by his/her parents or family members while on vacation or
be a school sponsored trip contact the head coach at the START OF THE SEASON be willing to assume the consequences related to their status on the squad as a starter, i.e. 2nd string, 3rd string, etc. upon return, miss the number of games equal to those missed while on vacation. Understand this could impact varsity letter award status.

THE GILBERT SCHOOL ATHLETIC INSURANCE PROGRAM

**   IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS   **

The Gilbert School has purchased, at no cost to you, an Accident Medical Insurance Plan to help cover medical expenses resulting from interscholastic sport injuries.

All players, coaches and managers of every interscholastic sport (including cheerleading) are covered throughout the entire school year.  The program covers accidental bodily injuries occurring to a covered person while participating in, or traveling while under the supervision of proper school authority, to or from any regularly scheduled game or practice of an interscholastic sport.

THIS IS A SECONDARY ACCIDENT INSURANCE ONLY – DOES NOT COVER SICKNESS

The Medical Expense Benefit of the Program is an excess/secondary type benefit.  If the injured covered person’s expense or treatment are covered under “no-fault” automobile insurance or any other medical coverage (such as Blue Cross or Blue Shield) which provides benefits or services for, or by reason of, medical or dental care or treatment, then this program will pay only the medical expenses not reimbursable under the other coverage.

TRAVEL and TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS

All students participating on Gilbert School athletic teams shall travel to and from athletic contest in transportation provided by the school, unless on a special occasion, permission is granted - with the approval of the principal or athletic director - to have the student return with the parent.  The Travel Release form (online) must be completed at least a day in advance and signed by both the parent and an administrator. 

Students will not be able to travel to away contests in their own personal vehicles, under any circumstances.
Students may not transport another student, other than a sibling, to a practice or away contest.
Student-athletes that need to leave a contest with a parent must file a permission slip with the coach and athletics office before the day of the contest.  Please use the Travel Release  form found on the Gilbert School web site.
There will be a 2:45 activity bus (most days) transporting student-athletes to venues and facilities that are off campus (Walker/Rowley Fields, YMCA, Pearson). 
Student-athletes that cannot comply with expectations for behavior will not be allowed to ride the activity bus and may lose their privilege of participating in practice or a contest.  
 
We have always had excellent relationships with our transportation companies.  Remember to represent yourself and our school with class and dignity on all of our away performances and contests.

SUNDAY &  RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY PRACTICES

Sunday Practices
Only after 12:30 p.m.
Must be made optional
On consent of Athletic Director

Holidays
No practice or games on religious, National, or state holidays unless absolutely necessary.  Such practices or events must be approved by the Athletic Director first.

MAKING THE TEAM

Squad Selection      
In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students as possible participate in the athletic program while at Gilbert, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as they can without unbalancing the integrity of their sport.  Time, space, facilities, equipment, personal preference and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport.

Cutting Procedure
Choosing the members of athletic squads is the sole responsibility of the coaches of those squads. Prior to trying out, the coach shall provide the following information to all candidates for the team –
Extent of try-out period;
Criteria used to select the team;
Number to be selected;
Practice commitment if they make the team;
Game commitments.

When a squad cut becomes a necessity, the process will include three important 
elements.  Each candidate  shall have –
Competed in a minimum of three practice sessions;
Performed in at least one intra-squad game (if season and facility permit);
Be personally informed of the cut by the coach selections, including the reason for the decision.

Transferring to Another Sport
A student athlete will be allowed to transfer to another sport only if:

A.    Both coaches are in agreement
B.    It is done prior to the first scheduled contest of either team.
All equipment obligations are met.
Athletic Director and both coaches are in agreement.

FACILITY and EQUIPMENT USE

Field and Gymnasium Procedures
All student-athletes and teams must be supervised at all times when using the facilities at The Gilbert School.  
At no time does a student-athlete or team have permission to work out or drill unless under the direct supervision of a certified coach.
Student-athletes practicing on a field or in the gym for one sport will refrain from using equipment not specifically designated for their sport. 
Cleats MUST NOT be worn in the building for any reason.  
All valuables should be secured or with your coach before the start of practice.
No practice or team warm-ups can be started without a certified coach present. 

Locker Rooms
Student-athletes will be asked to store and secure their belongings in a locker in the designated locker rooms.  No one may store or keep their belongings in the field of play, for this may pose safety concerns.
Please place all of your clothes, bags, gear in a locker at the beginning and end of your practice or game.  Please do not leave objects lying on the ground around the lockers.
All student-athletes should acquire and maintain a combination lock for their locker.  
DO NOT BRING ANY VALUABLES TO SCHOOL!!! It is not the responsibility of the coach or school to protect your valuables.  If you do have something of value, make arrangements with your coach to hold onto. 

Weight Room
Under no circumstances should a student-athlete be left in the weight room unsupervised.

Athletic Equipment
The student-athlete is responsible for all uniforms and equipment that is assigned to him/her.
All uniforms and equipment will be returned when the student-athlete completes the sport, either at the end of the season or on leaving the team. 
If uniforms or equipment are lost or abused, the student-athlete is responsible for the replacement.
Uniforms are to be worn only at scheduled practices, contests, or game days.
* if a student-athlete intends on using their own gear, it MUST be inspected by the head coach, who assumes responsibility for the safety of that equipment. 

Uniforms and Care
Uniforms and equipment are on a loan basis and are to be worn ONLY when authorized by the coach. Only uniforms issued by the Athletic Department will be permitted to be worn for contests.  
All uniforms and/or equipment are the responsibility of the athletes during the season and must be returned at the conclusion of the season. If lost or stolen, the replacement cost of the uniform or equipment will be assessed to the student. 
Student-athletes that do not return their uniforms to their coaches will not be allowed to participate in the next season.  If a senior owes their coach a uniform, equipment or money, it will impact their ability to get their cap and gown and graduation tickets. 
All uniforms need to be turned into their coach.  Please DO NOT RETURN UNIFORMS TO THE ATHLETICS OFFICE.

Game Day Dress Expectations

Game Day Dress is a way for student-athletes to present themselves in a mature, respectful and professional manner while representing The Gilbert School and their team. All student-athletes and team managers on the team roster, including those members who are not competing, must adhere to the “Game Day Dress” requirements. 

Requirements are in effect during the entire day and may remain in effect while traveling to visiting schools.  These requirements include:
Boys - shirt (buttoned and tucked in), tie, dress pants (no jeans).  Polo shirts are acceptable on excessively hot days. 
Girls - dresses, dress pants, professional shirt or blouse, skirt (no jean skirts)
Footwear for both boys and girls must be professional and presentable. 
With administrative approval, a coach may modify game day dress but must include every member of the program. 
** Game uniforms are NOT to be worn throughout the day

Student-athletes that do not adhere to the Game Day Dress code may lose privilege of participation for that day’s contest.
1st consequence - warning and corrective action of dress violation.  There is a possible loss of playing time. 
2nd + consequence - The student-athlete is ineligible to participate that that afternoon or evening’s contest.

CAPTAINS / LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

The title of captain is considered not just an honor but a privilege that the student-athlete will take seriously.  This position will require the utmost leadership knowing that he or she will be a role model not only for their teammates but for the rest of the school community. Student-athletes begin to hold the position of Captain when announced by the coach.  Rules and expectations outlined in the Leadership Application package (see online) will be applied to the Captain from the time of the announcement. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may lead to dismissal as captain. 

Captain’s Practice
The term “captain’s practice” usually refers to the team’s captain or leaders organizing and conducting “practice sessions” for their sport without the supervision of a certified coach.  The CIAC and the Berkshire League do not in any way sanction, encourage, or condone “captain’s practices” in any sport.  
Depending on the involvement of the member school, “captain’s practices” may be a clear violation of the season limitations eligibility rule set forth by the CIAC.
At no time may a group of student athletes use Gilbert facilities unsupervised or in violation of the sports’ season limitations.   

“The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel
are the things that endure.
 
These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur." 
~ Vince Lombardi

VARSITY LETTER REQUIREMENTS - HIGH SCHOOL

In order for a high school student to earn a varsity letter in an individual sport they must meet the requirements for each sport individually as well as the requirements for the athletics department as a whole. 

Athletic department requirements: 

• Must be academically eligible for the entire season
• Attendance at 95% of Practices - excludes school related events and medical and legal absences. 
• Attendance at 100% of Contests – excludes school related events and medical and legal absences. 
• 2 Acts of Community Service
• Good standing in the Gilbert community - no chronic suspensions ISS or OSS.

Each sport has its own requirements and regulations.

Ask the coach for more information.

“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated.” ~Unknown

All state and federal laws must be obeyed.  An athlete who is formally charged with a criminal misdemeanor or felony will be suspended from all interscholastic activities. This includes fighting, theft, verbal and physical harassment and any other malicious behavior or misconduct.

This suspension will be a minimum of one week while this type of case is reviewed by the Coach/AD/Principal.  After one week it will be determined whether or not the student-athlete should be permitted to continue to represent The Gilbert School, or stay suspended until resolution of the charges.  A final review will then take place.  It is the responsibility of the player to notify the Coach/AD of the charges.  Please refer to the Athletes Rights of Due Process, pg. 31.

It is the position of the school board that hazing and bullying are inconsistent with the philosophy of the Gilbert School and will not be tolerated.  Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subject to hazing/bullying does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.

No administrator, faculty member, student, employee or volunteer of The Gilbert School will plan, encourage, permit, condone, tolerate, or engage in any hazing/bullying activities

Everyone, including parents, must be alert to possible situations which are or may lead to hazing/bullying activities. Anyone with knowledge of a possible or actual hazing/bullying activity is required to report the incident immediately to a school administrator.  Anyone who believes that he/she has been the victim of hazing/bullying is encouraged to report the incident(s) to a school administrator.  All student-athletes will participate in an awareness course with their coach and AD.

Anyone failing to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance with state law.

The Gilbert School and its governing bodies strictly prohibit sexual harassment or intimidation of its students and employees. Harassment may be student to student, teacher to students, coach to student, student to teacher or coach, or adult to adult. The gender of the complainant and/or alleged harasser is irrelevant.  Sexual harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is also prohibited under State Law. 

Any student or employee who believes he or she has been the subject of discrimination or sexual harassment should contact the school’s Equity / Title IX Coordinator or administrator.  

Please contact Principal Sue Sojka at (860) 379-8521 or sojkas@gilbertschool.org. 

With social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram becoming the norm in the lives of our student-athletes and adults alike, it is important to understand that what we say and do “online” continues to reflect on our responsibilities for appropriate conduct as student-athletes.  We are all ambassadors to both our families and to The Gilbert School and we will all be held accountable for our online behaviors.  Keep in mind that any behaviors that may embarrass yourself, your family or our school and teams may be grounds for removal or suspension from your team.  Participation is a privilege and we must all conduct ourselves in the same manner in “cyberspace” that we would carry ourselves out in public. 

*Policy is currently under review and a new policy is in the works.

“What you say when no one is listening tells what and who you really are.”                             ~ Mike Gamari 

Middle School and Freshman

The purpose of the middle school and freshman programs are to do the following:

• Provide students with the opportunity to participate in instructional yet competitive environments. 
• Develop and refine basic skills to be able to compete at the JV or Varsity level. 
• Learn the  rules of the sport
• Provide opportunities for playing time for all members of the team providing they have shown good sportsmanship, discipline, and attendance at practices.

Junior Varsity

The purpose of the junior varsity program is to do the following:

• To provide the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, skill and experience required for Varsity level competition. 
• Increase the intensity of the competition to be able to compete at the Varsity level.
• Continue to learn the rules of the sport and begin to develop an understanding of strategies in that sport. 
• Place more emphasis on winning but not to the extent of the varsity level
• Provide opportunities for playing time for all members of the team providing they have shown good sportsmanship, discipline, and attendance at practices.

Varsity

The purpose of the varsity level program is to do the following:

• Varsity athletic programs afford opportunities to those student-athletes who exhibit the greatest skills and compete against equally talented athletes.
• A goal of the program is to win, develop sportsmanship, develop skills and physical conditioning of the athletes
• The varsity coach will determine playing time for each athlete taking into account the needs of the team as well as the needs of each individual player.  It is the coach’s responsibility to evaluate and possibly re-evaluate the players throughout the season.
• Allow the talented athlete the chance to excel and prepare for college-level competition
• Provide athletes with the opportunities to learn to set goals, strive to achieve them and serve as role models for younger athletes
• Varsity players must show the mental skills, proper attitude, physical skills, and sport specific skills to be starters or essential contributors to the success of the team.

“The future depends on what we do in the present.”
                                                                              ~ Mahatma Ghandi

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, please use the following procedure.

If an issue arises, players should address the team captain who will either attempt to resolve the matter within the team or then present the issue to the coach.

If a team captain cannot help resolve the matter, afford your son or daughter the opportunity to discuss the issue with his/her coach.  Many times, these types of meetings may resolve an issue or concern.

If your son or daughter’s meeting with the captain and/or coach did not resolve the issue, call to set up an appointment to meet with the coach.  

If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director at 860-379-3721.

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice.  These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.  Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.                        

If the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment to meet with the Director of Athletics to discuss the situation.

If the meeting with the Director of Athletics did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment to meet with the  Head of School to discuss the situation.

Topics of concern that will not be addressed, unless at the discretion of the coach, will include the following: playing time, discussions about other student-athletes on the team, and game strategy.

“Wake up with determination and go to bed satisfied.”
                                                                             ~ George Latimer

Statement on Sportsmanship

Reflective of the four consecutive Michaels’s Cup award recognitions and the numerous individual team honors in sportsmanship, The Gilbert School athletics department is extremely proud of the athletics programs that have been established. This pride goes beyond the student-athletes, the coaches and the contests.  All individuals involved at our athletics events are reminded that nothing but exemplary sportsmanship is expected at every practice and every contest.  This only promotes a positive experience for everyone and games can be played in the true spirit of high school competition. 
CIAC Class Act Schools.

The CIAC has adopted a unified set of sportsmanship standards that promotes exemplary behavior at all regular season and postseason home and away athletic contests in the state. The established “sportsmanship standards” would be consistently included in the CIAC Handbook and all sports packets. Schools who choose to follow the prescribed standards would be recognized by the CIAC as a “CIAC Class Act” school.

The CIAC “Class Act” Sportsmanship Standards 
ALL Spectators (including parents):  

• Will adhere to the host school’s acceptable dress code at all home and away contests commensurate with classroom behavior. For CIAC tournament contests all spectators will be appropriately attired with their torso completely covered and with no visible degrading or demeaning writings/logos.  
• Any signs displayed must be positive in nature, reference only the school supported by the sign maker, and must be pre-approved by the Athletic Director of the school referenced in the sign.  
• During outdoor sports, no air horns or horns of any kind or whistles will be used, and any other noise makers will be allowed with the host athletic director’s approval and only be used during “dead ball” situations to celebrate good play. During indoor sports, no noisemakers will be used. Pep Bands are allowable at a home contest if the school provides adult supervision and the band only plays during “dead ball” situations.  
• Spectators will cheer positively to support their team, will not cheer negatively against the opponent.  
• Spectators will show respect for the game officials and their decisions.  
• Spectators will show respect for the playing of the National Anthem. 

Game Personnel/Announcers:  

• Will explain and consistently enforce host school expectations for spectators.  
• Will be enthusiastic but not show favoritism while making announcements, and never publicly question or criticize the players, coaches, or officials.  
• Will encourage respect for the National Anthem and remind spectators to removes caps and stand.
• Coaches:  
• Will exemplify high moral character, behavior and leadership, lead by example, and set a standard for players and spectators to follow both on and off the athletic arena.  
• Will teach players the rules of the game and to respect the game, and will take action when athletes exhibit poor sportsmanship.  
• Will respect the integrity and judgement of officials and will not publicly criticize or question the decisions of officials.  
• Will be aware of the competitive balance of contests and will manage the score in a manner that is sportsmanlike and respectful of opponents. 

Players:  

• Will accept the responsibility and privilege the student-athlete has in representing their school and community by learning and showing teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline in all aspects of the game.  
• Will demonstrate respect for self, coach, teammates, opponents, officials and spectators by exhibiting good character and conducting themselves as a positive role model.  
• Will win and lose graciously.  
• Will cheer for your team, not against your opponent.  
• Will congratulate opponents in a sincere manner following either victory or defeat.

Any demonstration of unsportsmanlike conduct
or behavior during a contest will result in
the appropriate consequences from any Gilbert Athletic contest or event.

The following policies for disqualification shall apply in all sports

Any student-athlete who physically assaults an official, coach, opposing player or spectator will be immediately dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season.

When a student-athlete is disqualified during a contest for flagrant misconduct and/or unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting*, they are ineligible to participate in any contest until withheld from the next contest at that level of play.

Upon the second disqualification, if that violation is for initiating a fight or retaliating in a fight (as determined by the game official), that student-athlete will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season.  Otherwise #2 remains applicable.

When a coach is disqualified during a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting*, that coach shall be prohibited by his/her school from coaching or attending a contest until the next contest at that level of play has occurred.

Failure of the school for any reason to enforce this regulation will prohibit the school from entry in the next CIAC tournament for that sport, or from the remainder of the current tournament if the disqualification occurs during a CIAC tournament or during the last regular season contest/day of competition.

Any CIAC team that accumulates five (5) or more disqualifications for flagrant misconduct, unsportsmanlike conduct including taunting, retaliating in a fight, or physically assaulting an official, coach, opposing player or spectator during the course of one season will be barred from CIAC post-season competition.  The number of disqualifications must be completed on all tournament forms.  A disqualification from the team under #1 constitutes disqualification in team totals.

Disqualifications from one season carry over to the next season in that sport for undergraduates and coaches, or the next season of participation in any sport for seniors.

If playing rules for sport specify an additional penalty, the additional penalty will apply.  The CIAC disqualification rule applies to all disqualifications with the exception of reaching the limit of personal fouls in basketball, reaching the limit of technical fouls in wrestling, or being disqualified by the rules in ice hockey, which does not require a next game disqualification.

*Definition of TAUNTING:

Taunting includes, but is not limited to, any actions or comments by coaches or players which are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule or demean other players, coaches or game officials.  Included in this is conduct that berates, needles, intimidates or threatens based on race, gender, ethnic origin or background and conduct that attacks religious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs, or personal matters.  Examples of taunting that would lead to ejection include, but are  not limited to, physical and verbal intimidation outside the spirit of the game (“trash talk”), reference to sexual orientation, “in-the-face confrontation” by one player to another, standing over, straddling a tackled or fallen player, etc.

Penalty:   In all sports, game officials are to consider taunting a flagrant, unsportsmanlike foul that disqualifies the offending bench personnel or athlete from that contest/day of competition and the player or coach from the following contest/day of competition, i.e. the CIAC player/coach ejection rule will be invoked.  A warning may be given, but is not required before ejection.

To CIAC Student Athletes:

The CIAC has provided this document so that you, the student athlete, might have the means to be informed both of the CIAC bylaws and your rights under those bylaws.  This is also your personal copy of the Rules of Eligibility and Control with which all member schools and their athletes are required to comply.  You and your parents or legal guardian, are strongly urged both to read this document carefully to acquaint yourselves with the important information it contains, and to save it for future reference.  This document does not purport to list all CIAC athletic policies or regulations.  Those can be found in the CIAC Handbook, a copy of which has been distributed to all member high schools and can be found online at www.casciac.org. 

ATHLETES’ RIGHTS OF DUE PROCESS

There may come a time when, because of special circumstances, an athlete either commits an act, or fails to perform a duty, which results in his/her being declared ineligible to compete in a high school sport.  In some cases, exceptions to the eligibility rules can be granted.  All athletes have the right to the due process procedures listed below in seeking to have their eligibility restored.

Step 1.  The athlete should first discuss the matter with the appropriate coach or 
athletic director.  If it is felt that the circumstances of the case warrant a request for the rule, the Head of School should be informed.

Step 2.  The high school principal then requests in writing to the CIAC Eligibility 
Committee that the matter be examined and an exception granted. Address of the committee:30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT  06410.

Step 3.  The CIAC Eligibility Committee will examine the facts of the case at its next regular meeting.  The committee has the right to require that medical reports and/or other relevant documentation be provided.

Step 4.  If the appeal is denied, the student’s ineligibility remains in force for the period required in the regulations.  The school has the right to request a hearing on the denial before the Eligibility Review Board.  If the Eligibility Committee decides that the circumstances of the case merit an exception, the matter will be forwarded to the Eligibility Review Board.  In both cases the Eligibility Review Board will conduct a full hearing on the matter at its next scheduled meeting.  Meeting time lines will be followed.  At that time, the athlete, parents of the athlete, school representatives, and any other persons that may help to represent the athlete’s case may appear and present evidence before the Eligibility Review Board.  The Board has the right to require presentation of medical reports, financial data or other relevant documentation.

Step 5. The Eligibility Review Board will, following a full hearing and proper consideration of 
the facts of the case, render its decision, either to grant or deny the requested exception or to uphold the decision of the Eligibility Committee.  If the exception is granted, the athlete’s eligibility is restored immediately and retroactively.  If it is denied, the student’s eligibility remains in force for the period required in the regulations.

In all  matters of athletic eligibility, the decision of the Eligibility Review Board are final except where the CIAC Board of Control reserves the right to review and act upon those cases which the Board of Control considers worthy of its attention

A LETTER TO MY BIGGEST FANS:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for spending so much of your time, love, and money in your efforts to make a caring responsible adult out of me.  I really do appreciate that.  You have taught me so many things – love, responsibility, kindness, and respect for others’ opinions, beliefs, property and feelings.  You have taught me the values of good manners, those values I will need for the rest of my life.  And all through this you have been excellent role models – almost.

Why don’t the rules seem to apply when you come to watch me play sports?  The same people who taught me all these wonderful things yell at the team for making mistakes, and worse yet, yell out the name or the numbers of the people who made them.  You scream at the refs, pound on the bench, shriek at the coach, and crush me with remarks like, “Get your head in the game!”

My head is in the game, folks.  I want to win more than you want me to.  I want you to be proud of me and I want to be proud of you.  Why can’t you encourage me with remarks like, “Good try!  You’ll get ‘em next time!”?

Better yet, why don’t you sit quietly and clap and cheer when the team does something right?  Why do you feel you must cup your hands and screech out orders so loudly that we can’t even hear what the coach has to say?  Even when you yell praises, you bark them out so loudly it’s embarrassing.  Do you realize that the other parents don’t even want to sit near you?  You are not only embarrassing me, you are embarrassing our team, our school and our fans.

Please remember, that you are my parents and I love you, but you are a representation of me.  

Love always, 

Your Child

(Reprinted from CIAC Athletic Director’s Bulletin)

Why do you think your son or daughter plays a high school sport?  Have you ever actually had this type of conversation with your athlete?  It might be a worthwhile experience for both of you!  According to a Michigan State University study conducted, our kids play for the following reasons:

WHY DO BOYS PLAY?

To have fun
To do something I am good at
To improve my skills
For the excitement of competition
To stay in shape
For the challenge of competition
To get exercise
To learn new skills
To be part of a team
To go to a higher level of competition.

WHY DO GIRLS PLAY?

To have fun                                         
To stay in shape                                    
To get exercise
To improve my skill
To do something I am good at
To learn new skills
For the excitement of competition
To play as part of a team
To make new friends
For the challenge of competition

PARENTS TAKE NOTE:  Check out what is #1 for both sexes!

“Do every act of your life as if it were your last.”
                                                                             ~ Marcus Aurelius

The CIAC’s Class Act Schools initiative is designed to empower schools and particularly students to take ownership for all issues related to sportsmanship within the athletics department. Schools will have the opportunity to opt-in as an official Class Act School. Doing so includes striving to follow an established set of guidelines for behavior at sporting events, and creating a student-led group to monitor and address sportsmanship concerns within the school. The CIAC will serve as the sponsor for the program, which aims to provide a framework enabling schools to promote, encourage, and monitor positive sportsmanship within their departments.

The behavioral guidelines that are part of the Class Act Schools program were developed through collaboration and discussion with students, coaches and athletics directors at previous CIAC Sportsmanship Conferences and are intended to create a consistent framework for acceptable behavior from all athletics stakeholders including participants, coaches, students, and parents. The guidelines for the Class Act School program can be found by clicking on the “Class Act Standards” tab above.
“One of the biggest challenges our membership has expressed to us in trying to promote positive sportsmanship is consistency. Actions that one school might not object to are considered inappropriate at another school,” CAS-CIAC Executive Director Karissa Niehoff stated. “By choosing to be a part of the program a school is defining what is considered acceptable actions within interscholastic athletics, and then challenging its student leaders to address concerns either within their school or with an opponent.”

CLASS ACT STANDARDS
The CIAC acknowledges that the school administration is responsible for the athletic program, including the making of broad and specific policies and procedures relating to sportsmanship and the conduct of activities in the school. To that end, the CIAC urges each school principal to adopt the following sportsmanship procedures and standards for their school and to champion the “Class Act” sportsmanship program as these standards will be used in all CIAC post-season contests. As a result of declaring and showing proof of adhering to these standards, a school will receive some (as yet to be determined) recognition of having achieved and maintained this honor. The school should form a student based council that will assist the athletic department in overseeing the implementation of and adherence to these standards.

CIAC Sportsmanship Guidelines
The CIAC requires that all school personnel – administrators, faculty, and coaches – give special and specific emphasis about CIAC’s expectations for good sportsmanship during the regular season as well as CIAC tournaments requiring that athletes and members of the student body conduct themselves in a manner that reflects nothing but credit upon your school. Any unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of students and adults is unacceptable and will be addressed with strong and appropriate measures.

The CIAC sportsmanship standards should be as widely disseminated as possible using the student-parent handbook, student-athlete handbook, school newspaper, parent newsletter, school website and the local media.

• The CIAC sportsmanship standards for spectators should be read by PA announcers prior to each contest.
• The CIAC sportsmanship standards of conduct be prominently posted at all sports venues.
• When event programs are provided, the CIAC sportsmanship standards be included.
• Member schools require having athletes, parents/guardians, sign an acknowledgement which would show that they have read the student-athlete handbook and understand the CIAC sportsmanship standards.
• Member schools work with community officials to insure that levels of the CIAC sportsmanship standards are enforced when contests are held at their school and at non-school facilities.
• The CIAC and the CIAC sports committees insist the CIAC sportsmanship standards be rigorously enforced at all regular season contests and at all CIAC tournament contests. This is particularly important when contests are held at non-school sites.
• Member schools will conduct a pre-season meeting with student-athletes, coaches and parents to review the CIAC sportsmanship standards.
• Member schools should communicate with opposing schools and inform them they are a “Class Act School” and provide them with the CIAC sportsmanship standards which will be strictly adhered to.
• Member schools hosting a game should make available to visiting schools necessary game information – includes directions for parking, location of ticket booths, seating arrangement, ticket prices, gametime, directions for each game site.
• Member schools hosting a game should designate specific seating areas for students, bands, adults and visitors. If possible, opposing student bodies should be separated.
• Member schools hosting a game should arrange for adequate police supervision.
• When possible the member schools hosting a game should assign officials to dressing facilities separated from both teams. Provides escorts for the officials when it appears that disturbances may develop.
• Member schools should take measures to prevent fans from getting near or on the playing area and around the players benches. After the contest, prevents fans from going onto the playing area.
• Member schools should provide for adequate supervision of students and facilities. Supervisors should sit in the stands with the students.
• Member schools should support and adhere to ALL the following CIAC standards.

ALL Spectators (including parents):

• Will adhere to the host school’s acceptable dress code at all home and away contests commensurate with classroom behavior. For CIAC tournament contests all spectators will be appropriately attired with their torso completely covered and with no visible degrading or demeaning writings/logos.
• Any signs displayed must be positive in nature, reference only the school supported by the sign maker, and must be pre-approved by the athletic director of the school referenced in the sign.
• During outdoor sports, no air horns or horns of any kind or whistles will be used, and any other noisemakers will be allowed with the host athletic director’s approval and only be used during “dead ball” situations to celebrate good play. During indoor sports, no noisemakers will be used. Pep bands are allowable at a home contest if the school provides adult supervision and the band only plays during “dead ball” situations.
• Spectators will cheer positively to support their team, will not cheer negatively against the opponent.
• Spectators will show respect for the game officials and their decisions.
• Spectators will show respect for the playing of the National Anthem.

Game Personnel/Announcers:

• Will explain and consistently enforce host school expectations for spectators.
• Will be enthusiastic but not show favoritism while making announcements, and never publicly question or criticize the players, coaches, or officials.
• Will encourage respect for the National Anthem and remind spectators to remove caps and stand.
• Coaches:
• Will exemplify high moral character, behavior and leadership, lead by example, and set a standard for players and spectators to follow both on and off the athletic arena.
• Will teach players the rules of the game and to respect the game, and will take action when athletes exhibit poor sportsmanship.
• Will respect the integrity and judgement of officials and will not publicly criticize or question the decisions of officials.
• Will be aware of the competitive balance of contests and will manage the score in a manner that is sportsmanlike and respectful of opponents.

Players:

• Will accept the responsibility and privilege the student-athlete has in representing their school and community by learning and showing teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline in all aspects of the game.
• Will demonstrate respect for self, coach, teammates, opponents, officials and spectators by exhibiting good character and conducting themselves as a positive role model.
• Will win and lose graciously.
• Will cheer for your team, not against your opponent.
• Will congratulate opponents in a sincere manner following either victory or defeat.

Important Forms and Information:

Please visit the Athletics Page to find online forms and other documents.

Yellowjackets Student-Athlete and Parent Handbook

Student-athlete and Parent Concussion Education

Student-athlete and Parent Sudden Cardiac Education

Travel Release form

Letterman's Jacket order form

Student-Athlete Eligibility policy

NCAA Eligibility Center

School Bullying and Hazing Policy

School Sexual Harassment Policy

Varsity Letter Requirements

Instruction Letter for Family ID

Blue Health Form

Leadership Application Form

 Blue and Gold Golf Tournament Registration Form

 Blue and Gold 5K Registration Form

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