2013-14

VERITAS ACADEMY

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK:

For

ATHLETES AND PARENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

ATHLETICS SURVEY

INTRODUCTION

VERITAS ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

  1. BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
  1. Academic Eligibility
  2. Student Conduct
  3. Athletic Team Rules
  4. Attendance
  5. Code of Conduct for Athletes
  6. Sportsmanship
  1. GENERAL INFORMATION
  1. Awards
  2. Conflict Resolution
  3. Equipment/Uniforms
  4. Medical Requirements
  5. Transportation
  1. REQUIRED ATHLETIC FORMS
  1. Athletic Contract
  2. Consent Form
  3. Sports Physical
  4. Emergency Contact Form
  5. Insurance Form

***before participating in any sport practices/events the student and parent/guardian must have signed and turned in these required Athletic Forms to the Athletic Director***

2013-14 Athletics Season

Welcome to another athletic season! We look forward to your child’s success in the classroom and on the athletic fields of competition. As a fairly new Athletic Director, I would briefly like to introduce myself and the goals we have this year.

First, my background in athletics is varied. I have played basketball, soccer, cross-country at the secondary level back in my day. In college I worked for the Ball State Men’s Basketball Program as a student-manager, a role where I was an Assistant Film Exchange Coach. Other things I did in that program were keep stats, keep tabs on everyday occurrences that happened in the program, and participate in practice with the College players and former players that were in the NBA at the time. As a coach I have had the privilege of coaching basketball since 2006 ranging from Grades 5-8. I have also coached cross-country and soccer as well for those same grade levels. In 2012-13 in my first season in Veritas Athletics I took over as Athletic Director and coached our Girls Basketball team and our inaugural Track team.

My variety of roles in athletics has prepared me well for this position. I have learned that character comes first, then student, and then athlete. Athletics is a great way to become a Champion in life through the values it teaches us.

Athletes cannot excel on the field of play unless they are a student of the game, looking for ways to become better. At Veritas Academy, we place a high standard on academics. Beginning with the first practice of the season, student-athletes will begin attending Ketchup Café (our homework assistance/study program) prior to attending practice. Practices will not begin earlier than 3:30 p.m. This will allow the students to work on their studies.

Our second goal this year is that we represent Veritas Academy as good sportsmen and women. This will affect how we as a school are perceived. Anyone can find a way to win a game, but champions win on and off the field because of their good sports and examples of excellence. Winners won on the field, champions win in life. Let’s be a champion for our school and community.

Finally, I am attaching a short survey to gather information to gather information that will aid our athletic program, our coaches, our students and you parents. Please see that this survey is completed and return to your school prior to your child’s first practice.

Thank you!

Jason Zeisig – Veritas Academy Athletic Director

Athletics Survey

PARENT NAME______

PHONE______EMAIL______

BEST TIME TO CONTACT______

CHILD(REN)'S NAME______

SPORT INTERESTED IN PLAYING (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):

BASKETBALL___VOLLEYBALL___SOCCER___

TRACK___CROSS COUNTRY___CHEERLEADING___

CHECK ANYTHING THAT YOU AS A PARENT WOULD BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN:

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB___SPORTS NUTRITION EVENT___“TEAM PARENT” (HELP

ORGANIZE CAR POOLS, ETC)___MINI-CAMPS___

LIST APPROPRIATE FEE FOR MINI-CAMPS___

WHAT AREA OF INTEREST WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO VOLUNTEER:

HEAD OF BOOSTER CLUB___COACH___MEDICAL STAFF___SCOREKEEPER/OFFICIAL___

CONCESSION STAND WORKER/COOK___ADMISSIONS COLLECTOR___OTHER______

WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN HAVING TEAM PHYSICALS NIGHT ADMINISTERED BY A LOCAL PHYSICIAN HELD HERE BY OUR SCHOOL? YES____ NO___

COMMENT______

WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FOR OUR ATHLETIC

PROGRAM?YES___NO___

FUNDRAISING IDEAS:______

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS THAT YOU FEEL MAY AID OUR ATHLETIC PROGRAM? COMMENT:

______

______

______

VERITAS ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

We believe athletic participation contributes to the development of the whole student. Therefore we uphold and inclusive policy in which participation in athletics shall be available to any student (Grades 4-8) expressing a desire to be involved. Students meeting academic and behavior eligibility will be placed on the sports team of their choice.

The purpose of the Veritas athletic program is to develop athletic as well as social and emotional skills, while nurturing character development traits in each student athlete.

VERITAS ACADEMIC CORE VIRTUES:

RespectCompassion

ResponsibilityForgiveness

FairnessCheerfulness

WisdomPerseverance

Self-controlHope

CourageHeroism

TrustworthinessGratitude

CitizenshipGenerosity

Caring

BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

  1. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY – In order to maintain athletic eligibility a Veritas Academy student must have a grade of 70 or above in each class (only one class allowed to be between 60-69) as shown in a BI-WEEKLY progress report. One class at 59 or below or two classes at 69 or below result in ineligibility. If a student athlete is academically ineligible he/she is required to practice with the team and attend games in order to maintain a spot on the team. Athletes will be allowed to resume participation in the games when their progress report once again reflects eligibility. Eligibility will be redetermined every two weeks when students receive athletic progress reports.

***If a student has one class below 60 or two classes below 70 on quarter report card then they will be academically ineligible for the entire next quarter and will not participate at all (practice and games) for that following quarter.

  1. STUDENT CONDUCT – Veritas Academy places good behavior at an equally high standard as academics. Therefore any student receiving 2 detentions due to behavioror any reason in an academic quarter will be ineligible to participate in athletic contests. However, the student athletes are still required to practice with the team and attend games in order to maintain a spot on the team. Participation in athletic contests will resume once the new quarter begins. Eligibility will be redetermined every 9 weeks when students receive report cards.

***Any in or out of school suspension will result in immediate dismissal from a team.

***Receiving a 3rd Detention for any reason will result in immediate dismissal from a team.

  1. ATHLETIC TEAM RULES - General rules for each individual sport will be determined by the coach, athletic director, and Veritas administration.

-Generally a three strike rule is used for any misconduct at practices/events meaning First Strike of student showing misconduct they are dismissed from practice/event and parent/guardian will be contacted. Second strike will result in suspension from one game. Third Strike will result in dismissal from the team for remainder of season.

***Coaches are expected to have their team comply with these guidelines but they may use their own judgment regarding these issues just as long as they inform the Athletic Director and/or Veritas administration of it.

-KETCHUP CAFÉ=This is a thirty minute period before practice (sometimes after if Coach decides otherwise) where Students work on school work. If no homework then student is expected to bring a book to read. There is to be complete SILENCE during this time.

***KETCHUP CAFÉ is for being a Champion in Academics. Any unexcused tardiness, Failure to work on school work/read a book, talking, misbehavior will result in the student athlete being dismissed from practice/event to AFTER THE BELL.

-Rosters will be set in stone ONE WEEK after the first practice. No one else may join the team after that. Only exceptions may be if a student transferred to school after that one week and may join the team (with all the athletic documents signed and turned in) unless the season is 50% completed.

  1. ATTENDANCE – Veritas Academy student athletes are expected to attend all practices and games and be punctual regarding start times.

-This includes Ketchup Café.

-Valid excuses for missing practice/games student athlete must have a signed note from parent/guardian given to coach or athletic director beforehand.

***Parents/Guardians are responsible for your child’s attendance in athletics as well. Pulling your child from a practice because it is a more convenient time to take them home is not a valid excuse. We have an AFTER THE BELL program that the student athlete will go to if they do not receive transportation after practice.

***Valid excuses would include medical appointments, student absent from school that day (which will be known by school attendance from that day), death in family, coach and faculty member worked out for student to attend another school activity that day but that will be up to coach and other Veritas faculty members’ discretion.

-If a child does not have transportation home when practice is over the coach will send them to AFTER THE BELL.

-Student Athletes are required to be in attendance at school on the day of practice or contest in order to participate. In the event of a tardy-late arrival to school the athlete must be signed in at the main office by 9:30am and must remain at school for at least four (4) hours (a half-day).

-Some outdoor sports may require the team (with the coach present and supervising) traveling to another venue for practice. Signing of the contract at end of this Athletic Handbook will ensure permission from parent/guardian for the child to travel off campus with the team.

E. CODE OF ETHICS FOR ATHLETES

The athlete should:

  1. Play fair at all times
  2. Play for the joy of playing and for the success of the team.
  3. Play hard to the end.
  4. Keep one’s composure and PLAY the game, not TALK it.
  5. Respect officials and expect that they will enforce the rules.
  6. Never quit, cheat, or display poor sportsmanship.

The School expects:

  1. Exemplary student conduct at both home and away games.
  2. Faithful completion of schoolwork as practical evidence of loyalty to school and team.
  3. Regular attendance of all practice and games.

Sportsmanship demands:

  1. Treating every team officials as guests and extending every courtesy to them.
  2. Giving opponents full credit when they win and learning to correct one’s own faults through failures
  3. Demonstrating modesty and consideration when one’s team wins.

F. SPORTSMANSHIP-

Membership on a team or participation in an activity is a privilege earned through a combination of skill, effort, and attitude. The coaches, advisors, and administration expect athletes and activity participants to maintain the highest standards of conduct on and off the playing surface. Participation in an activity imposes on the athlete and participant responsibility for exemplary behavior.

All students whether athletes or spectators, are expected to demonstrate good behavior during athletic activity, as it is a reflection of oneself, family, school and community. Students should cheer in a positive manner to show school spirit and to have a good time. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

When students are visiting another school for an athletic contest, it is expected that they will also conform to the rules and regulations of that school and that they shall act in such a manner as to bring credit to Veritas Academy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AWARDS – End of Year awards may be given out as determined by the appointed head coach. Awards given will remain consistent at Veritas Academy inclusion policies.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION – Should a problem arise:

  1. Athletes should bring the problem or potential problem to the coaches or athletic director’s attention.
  2. Coach should meet privately with the player(s), and/or Parent/Guardian to resolve the problem. If not resolution:
  3. Meeting with the coach, player(s), parent/guardian, Athletic Director, and Director of Education will be scheduled.

EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS-

At the end of each season all Athlete’s are responsible for returning his/her uniform and equipment in the same condition it was received. If equipment or uniform is not returned, or is damaged the student is responsible for replacing the equipment.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS-

Each student athlete is required to submit a valid Sports Physical before they are able to participate in practice or interscholastic contests. If an athletic injury occurs during a practice or contest in which the school treatment is required it is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian to ensure proper treatment is received.

TRANSPORTATION-

It is the Parent/Guardians responsibility to arrange proper transportation to and from practices and games. Coaches and Veritas Academy staff are not responsible for arranging/providing transportation. Those unable to provide transportation should attempt to arrange a car pool with another student/family with written permission turned into the Athletic Director prior to the event.

AFTER SCHOOL STUDENT FANS-

Students who wish to remain after school exclusively for an athletic contest need to have parent supervision. If no parent/guardian is at Veritas Academy by 3:15 the student will be signed in to After The Bell.

- PARENTS AND SPECTATORS=LET THE COACHES COACH! Be proud of your Child, encourage them, and root your heart out for Veritas.

***Any spectator that interferes with a Veritas Team during the contest and/or displays inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave the venue and could be banned from future contests

“My parents were always there for me and were my best support. I couldn’t have done it without them. I want to be just like them.”

Source: Unknown


CUT AND RETURN TO MR. ZEISIG


STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RELEASE (to be signed by student)I have read the attached (condensed) Eligibility Rules and know of no reason why I am not eligible to represent my school in athletic competition. If accepted as a representative, I agree to follow the rules of the school. I know that athletic participation is a privilege. I know the risks involved in athletic participation, understand serious injury, and even death, is possible in such participation, and choose to accept the risks. I voluntarily accept any and all responsibility for my own safety and welfare while participating in athletics, with full understanding with the risks involved.

I HAVE READ THIS CAREFULLY.

Date:______Student Signature:______

PRINTED:______

PARENT CONSENT, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, AND RELEASE FORM(to be signed by a parent/guardian. Where there is divorce/separation, the parent with legal custody must sign).

A. I/We hereby give consent for my son/daughter to participate in the following interschool sports no marked out

Sports: Track, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Cheerleading.

B. I/We know and acknowledge that my son/daughter knows of the risks involved in athletic participation, understands that serious injury, and even death, is possible in such participation and chooses to accept any and all responsibility for his/her safety and welfare while participating in athletics. With full understanding of the risks involved, I/We release and hold harmless my school, the school involved of any and all responsibility and liability for any injury or claim resulting from such athletic participation and agree to take no legal action against Veritas Academy because of any accident or mishap involving the athletic participation of my son/daughter.

I HAVE READ THIS CAREFULLY AND NO IT CONTAINS A RELEASE.

DATE:______PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:______

PRINTED:______

File in Athletic Office in School

Separate form required for school each year.

(To be detached and retained by student or parent)

ATTENTION ATHLETE: Your School follows the following rules. To be eligible to represent your school in interschool athletics, you:

  1. Must be a regular bona fide student in good standing in the school you represent.
  2. Must have received no 'F', no more than one 'D' and have a 2.5 GPA during the last Grading Period.
  3. Must have a Physical Exam between May 1 and your first practice and filed with your Athletic Director your completed Consent and Release Certificate.
  4. Must not reflect discredit upon your school nor create a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral or educational environment in your school.
  5. Must, if absent five or more days due to illness or injury, present to your athletic director a written verification from a physician licensed to practice medicine, stating you can participate again.
  6. Must have completed 8 separate days in said sport under the direct supervision of the coaching staff preceding the date of participation in interschool sports.

This is only a summary of the rules. Contact school officials for further information.

VERITAS ACADEMY

SPORT:______

STUDENT ATHLETE EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM

NAME______DATEOFBIRTH______AGE___GRADE______

PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME______HOMEPHONE______

ADDRESS______

FATHER'S EMPLOYER______PHONE______

MOTHER'S EMPLOYER______PHONE______

IF PARENTS CANNOT BE CONTACTED CALL______

NAMEPHONE

FAMILY PHYSICIAN______PHONE______

PREFERRED HOSPITAL______KNOWNALLERGIES/CONDITIONS______

______

CONSENT IS GIVEN TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL TO USE THEIR JUDGEMENT IN SECURING MEDICAL AID IN THE EVENT PARENTS CANNOT BE CONTACTED______YES______NO

DATE______PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE______

PRINTED NAME______

INSURANCE INFORMATION

The Athletic Department at Veritas Academy needs insurance for each athlete before they can participate in any supervised conditioning, practice, or games

Student Name:______

I attest that the following information is true to the best of my knowledge. The above name student is covered under the insurance policy listed below.

Insurance Company:______

Policy Number:______

Parent/Guardian Signature:______

PRINT NAME:______