Belt Valley Public Schools

BELT VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

HANDBOOK

FOR

COACHES AND ADVISORS

Revised August 6, 2013

Jeff Graham

Athletic Director

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a

common vision. The ability to direct individual

accomplishments toward organizational objectives.

It is the fuel that allows common people to attain

uncommon results.”

“Some people dream of success… while others wake

up and work hard at it.”

BELT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 29

P.O. Box 197

Belt, Montana 59412

Telephone (406) 277-3351

Fax (406) 277-4466

Coaching Staff:

The athletic program is an integral part of the Belt Valley Public Schools educational program and is organized to meet the needs and interests of our students. The program has as its major goal the total development of the individual through wholesome competition.

This handbook has been prepared for use by all coaches in the Belt Valley School District Athletic Department. It clearly defines all policies and procedures of the Board of Education, Administration and Athletic Department as they pertain to the athletic program. It has been written to ensure uniformity in the conduct of all sports and to serve as a basis for periodic re-evaluation of the total program.

By agreeing to coach, you have accepted the responsibility to familiarize yourself with the contents of this manual and to comply with all policies and procedures of the Belt Public Schools, the Belt Athletic Department, the Montana High School Association (MHSA) and to follow its guidelines as set up in its Coaches Education Program. You are obligated to uphold them, regardless of personal feelings or differences of opinion. In the event that a policy proves undesirable or outmoded, it can be revisited, revised or eliminated through careful review and shared dialogue. While it is in effect, however, total support is required.

The Athletic Director shall distribute this handbook, the student handbook and make available the MHSA handbook. The MHSA handbook is available on line at . The coaches, in turn, will be expected to know all of the duties, responsibilities, rules and regulations pertaining to their sport, BeltSchooland to conduct their programs accordingly.

It is our goal to do the very best job possible for our students, school, and community. Your continued input is vital and encouraged; if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our program, please feel free to discuss your concerns with me at your convenience. I will do all in my power to make your job as a coach more enjoyable and rewarding. Contact me, if you have any questions. Thank you for agreeing to become a valued member of the Belt Athletic Department. I wish you much continued success.

Good luck,

Jeff Graham

Athletic Director

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION TO THE BELT VALLEY ATHLETIC PROGRAM...... 1

EXPECTATIONS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT...... 1

PHILOSOPHY OF THE BELT ATHLETIC PROGRAM...... 1

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM...... 1

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM...... 2

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES...... 3

PRINCIPLES OF COACHING...... 3

CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR COACHES...... 3

ATHLETIC COACH JOB DESCRIPTION...... 4

APPOINTMENT TO A COACHING POSITION...... 6

COACHES EVALUATION SYSTEM...... 7

COACHING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES...... 7

FACILITY RENTAL/RESERVE...... 14

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS...... 15

COACH'S CHECKLIST...... 16

CERTIFICATION OF COACHES...... 17

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES...... 18

ATHLETIC CODE OF BEHAVIOR...... 18

ADMINISTRATORS' RESPONSIBILITIES...... 18

ELIGIBILITY RULES...... 18

TRYOUTS AND SQUAD SELECTION...... 19

CHANGING SPORTS...... 20

HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE...... 20

READMITTANCE TO ATHLETIC ACTIVITY FOLLOWING AN INJURY OR ILLNESS....20

SCHEDULING PRACTICES, SCRIMMAGES AND GAMES...... 22

OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS...... 22

CANCELLATIONS...... 23

CONFLICTS WITH EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES...... 23

PARENT PARTICIPATION...... 24

TRANSPORTATION...... 25

STUDENT TRAVEL – MEAL POLICY...... 26

OVERNIGHT TRIPS...... 26

AWARDS SYSTEM...... 28

BOOSTER CLUB...... 30

FUND RAISING...... 30

SCOUTING...... 30

TOWELS...... 31

SPORTS SCHEDULE...... 31

EVENT WORKERS PAY SCALE...... 32

UNIFORM ROTATION...... 32

CHEERLEADING...... 33

CHEERLEADING PHILOSOPHY...... 33

CHEER PROGRAM COMPOSITION...... 33

SPIRIT SQUADS...... 33

SQUAD SIZE...... 34

DANCE ROUTINES...... 34

PEP RALLIES...... 34

GAMES...... 34

CHEERLEADING & PEP BAND TRAVEL POLICY……………………………………………..35

COACHED ROUTINES...... 35

TOURNAMENTS AND PLAYOFFS...... 35

LETTERING CRITERIA...... 35

MHSA SPIRIT & DANCE GUIDELINES...... 36

FORMS...... 39

PARENT-STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM...... 40

CODE OF BEHAVIOR – RELEASE FORM...... 41

MHSA PHYSICAL INFORMATION AND EXAM...... 43

EXTRA DUTY RESPONSIBILITY CONTRACT...... 46

RENEWAL APPLICATION...... 47

HANDBOOK ACKNOWLECGEMENT...... 48

PART I

INTRODUCTION TO THE BELT VALLEY ATHLETIC PROGRAM

EXPECTATIONS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

PHILOSOPHY OF THE BELT ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Athletics have had a significant influence on American culture and society and enjoy unique status in the American value system. We believe that participation on an interscholastic athletic team is a worthwhile experience, which all students should have the opportunity to pursue. The Belt School District affirms the right of every student to participate in the interscholastic athletic program without regard to gender, race or creed. We support the regulations and spirit of Title IX legislation, the Ridgeway Settlement, and do not limit one sex in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage or opportunity.

Since athletics are philosophical extensions of the physical education program and classified as co-curricular activities, the goals and objectives of athletics should be supportive of and consistent with the goals and objectives of the total educational program. When conducted properly, athletics can positively contribute to intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. Growth is accomplished when an athletic program, conducted by educationally oriented coaches, provides the means to achieving these ends.

Students who choose to participate in our athletic program will be expected to conform to basic standards of conduct and to demonstrate a degree of self-discipline and self-sacrifice for the welfare of their team. Athletes will also be expected to demonstrate respect for the dignity and rights of others, good sportsmanship, and respect for authority.

In order to more fully realize the educational value of athletics, the athletic program should:

●promote the physical and emotional well being of all participants,

●be an integral part of the total education program,

●have the same administrative governance as the total education program,

●be conducted by coaches who are certified by the Montana High School Association,

●supplement, not supplant, the district’s physical education program, and,

●be conducted within the letter and spirit of all applicable rules and regulations.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

All Middle school athletics offered by Belt Public Schools will be offered to all middle school students grades 6th, 7th, and 8th grade with no restrictions based on grade.

The middle school athletic program addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of early adolescence. The approach to athletics is less competitive, with opportunities to participate expanded in recognition of the physical, mental and social changes middle students are experiencing. Participation is not based on athletic, ability; students are encouraged to participate in a program that:

Is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
Includes four sport seasons for the girls and five sport seasons for the boys:
Girls: cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track.
Boys: cross country, football, wrestling, basketball, and track.

Has “no cut” policy,
Encourage coaches who value playing all team members in each contest,
Encourages extended time contests (5 period format) to allow for more individual participation when possible,
May require participation in practices during vacation periods,
Selection of the end of the year tournament team and playing time at the tournament is left to the discretion of the coach. There should be no expectation of equal playing time or of all team members playing in the end of the year tournament contests.
Does not present individual honors and awards.

Middle school sports that do not have the required number of players for a team (the number of players on the court or field plus two) will be canceled for the season. Middle school sports that involve one on one competition will be canceled for the season if fewer than 5 students attend each of the first three practices. A middle school individual participation expenses for the district beyond the cost of the high school sport may continue with fewer than 5 student participants.

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Athletic participation at the Varsity level is more competitive than the Middle School program, and the junior varsity (JV) program functions as a transition between the two. Varsity competition is based on ability and participation in this program requires a significant commitment of time as well as adherence to more stringent team and Athletic Department rules. Parents and athletes are advised to take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to participate at the JV or Varsity level. In order to fully appreciate a family’s commitment to JV/Varsity competition and to avoid miscommunication and unrealistic expectations, parents and students must understand that:

●practices/contests are often scheduled on Saturdays and during vacation periods. Athletes are required to participate in all practices/contests unless excused by the coach. Excessive unexcused absences will result in disciplinary action, which might include dismissal from the team.

●squad selection is based on ability and “cuts” are made at the discretion of the coach.

●“playing time” is based on ability and substitutions are made at the discretion of the coach.

●athletes who fail to complete a season may not be awarded a letter/certificate or receive credit for the season.

There are five MHSA sanctioned sports seasons for the boys and for the girls. In addition pep band and cheerleading are offered as support groups for football, volleyball, and basketball.

●Girls MHSA sanctioned sports: cross country, volleyball, basketball, golf and track

●Boys MHSA sanctioned sports: cross country, football, basketball, wrestling and track

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Belt School recognizes that a student’s first priority must be to the academic program. Since participation in the athletic program requires a significant commitment of time, parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s academic progress. When required to do so, student athletes must attend after school make-up sessions and extra help sessions prior to practicing or competing with their team.

PRINCIPLES OF COACHING

The coach of an interscholastic athletic team assumes a very responsible position in education. He/She has the unique opportunity to work with the students in an activity that many times has a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the athletes. Coaches are viewed as role models and can directly influence the decisions made by athletes, and personal rapport can be quickly established. Through this close association, coaches, if they choose, can achieve a unique and seldom attained relationship in education – a personal involvement in the lives of students who willingly and eagerly seek guidance, advice and counsel. The sport serves as the vehicle for creating this climate. Therefore, coaches should be ever mindful of this role and conduct themselves accordingly. No other teachers enjoy so rich an opportunity for molding the character of our youth. Coaches are also official representatives of the Belt School District. It is their personal and professional obligation to have a thorough knowledge of the policies and procedures of the School and Athletic Department and to vigorously enforce them.

CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR COACHES

Set an example both on and off the playing area. Be a living example of sound personal values and good sportsmanship.
Recognize that athletic competition is a means toward an end, not an end in itself. Specifically, athletics should lead to the development of healthy, well-adjusted young men and women.
Approach competition as a healthy and constructive exercise, not as a life and death struggle that requires victory at any price. It should be fun and enjoyable.
Recognize that the participants in individual or team sports are young men and women with human frailties and limitations who are capable of making mistakes.
Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat and instruct your players accordingly.
Be sensitive to the feelings and needs of your players, and use good judgment when addressing them, avoiding offensive or sexist comments.
Be positive.
By personal attitude and behavior, command the respect of the players.
Be well groomed. Personal appearance is an indication of self-respect and helps set the tone for the individual or team performance.
Do not use, or allow the use by others, of profanity, crude or abusive language with players, opponents, officials or spectators.
Respect the judgment of the officials. Although it is reasonable for the coach to question an official’s decisions or even disagree with decisions, the official’s decision must be accepted graciously.
Instruct the players to respect the officials and not to argue, demonstrate or be abusive. Any questions with officials concerning rules interpretation should be made by the captain or coach.
Do not bait or harass officials by work or action. If unhappy with an official, complete the report “School Report On Officials ” found at and file with the Athletic Director and the MHSA within 48 hours of contest.
Avoid behavior in game situations that will incite players, opponents or spectators.
Instruct players in the elements of good sportsmanship and remove players from competition who demonstrate unsportsmanlike behavior.
Implement the rule of no cell phone use during practices and games by example.
No coach should use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs before, during or immediately after any interscholastic contest until his/her supervisory duties are completed for that contest.

ATHLETIC COACH JOB DESCRIPTION

All athletic coaches are directly responsible to the Athletic Director. In fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, all coaches are expected to:

1. Assume complete responsibility for the conduct of their team,

Establish training rules above and beyond the Athletic Department’s rules and ensure that these rules are fully explained to all athletes and that they are distributed to and signed by each athlete’s parents and returned to the Athletic Department,
Establish positive relationships with coaches, athletes, parents and community members,
Supervise the use, issuance, return, cleaning, inventory and storage of equipment, uniforms and supplies,
Submit equipment and supply requests to the Athletic Director,
Stock his/her first aid kit. If items are needed it is the responsibility of the coach to notify the Athletic Director of the needs,
Make recommendations for use and improvement of school facilities,
Attend meetings called by the Athletic Director or Principal. Attend All-Conference and All-State meetings, and end of the season school and district culminating dinners/banquets when required,
Support and conform to the Athletic Department policies and decisions, both in fact and spirit,
Follow the chain of command: 1) Coach, 2) Head Coach, 3) Athletic Director, then 4) Superintendent.
Prior to the start of each season, conduct a mandatory organization meeting with athletes to explain try-outs, method of selection, cutting procedures, Code of Behavior, and other key matters,
Prepare a schedule of preseason special activities and submit it to the Athletic Director prior to the start of regular practice sessions,
Submit a team roster to the Athletic Director within one week of the start of the season and update it as necessary,
Administer first aid as required and file a report for all serious injuries with the School Office, Athletic Director and athletic trainer,
Report scores to news media when required,
Report results of contests to the Athletic Director via email at the conclusion of the contest,
Update or monitor the Athletic Department’s Sport specific link to improve School District and community communications,
Avoid cell phone usage while conducting practices except in emergency situations. Require and expect the same from your athletes,
Notify the Athletic Director of any canceled games, scrimmages or practices and any unusual events or incidents,
Secure the assistance of student managers to aid in conducting games; for example, chain crews, statistician, scorekeeper, ball boys/girls, timers, etc. when not paid for by the District,
Schedule and conduct practices on a regularly scheduled basis,
Supervise team members after practices or games until all have left the locker room, picked up by parents or left the parking lot side entrance to the gymnasium,
Secure all offices, closets and building exits when leaving,
Complete end of season reports,
Complete evaluations of assistant coaches.
Conduct themselves in a professional manner during all practices and games, and notify the Athletic Director of any incident that occurs, including but not limited to, a coach or athlete being ejected from the competition or any other unsportsmanlike conduct on behalf of the Belt players or staff or the opposing team (within 24-hours).
Keep abreast of the latest development, changes and modifications in their sport,
Develop a school-wide program for his/her sport.
Make decisions regarding his/her particular team, in keeping with established policies and procedures. However, when decisions are of a broader scope and affect other coaches and other teams or when the problem clearly falls within the jurisdiction of the Athletic Director, action should be reserved for the Athletic Director to review and discuss the matter more fully,
Keep current certifications of coaching license as required by MHSA.
Know the procedure for hiring volunteer coaches (“A coach is a coach is a coach.”) which means that all volunteer coaches are required by MHSA to have the same certifications on file with the Athletic Department. Any coach who wishes to include a volunteer in their program should see the Athletic Director at least 2 months prior to their season. Volunteer coaches are to expect no form of compensation.

APPOINTMENT TO A COACHING POSITION

The success of our athletic program will depend upon our ability to secure the services of highly qualified and motivated coaches. All coaching positions are yearly appointments, and there is no tenure as far as these positions are concerned. Extracurricular positions are open at the end of each season with no assumption of renewal. If you wish to continue in this position you must complete an application form and submit it to the Athletic Director. A copy of this form is included in this handbook.