Clay Middle School
Trojans
2011-2012
Athletics Handbook
For students and parents
Clay Middle School Athletic Department Profile
ClayMiddle School offers interscholastic competition in 11 different sports and 38 separate teams. The following is a listing of the different interscholastic teams and seasons:
FALL SPORTSTentative Starting Date
• 8th Grade Football “A” TeamWeek of August 1, 2011
• 8th Grade Football “B” TeamWeek of August 1, 2011
• 7th Grade Football “A” TeamWeek of August 1, 2011
• 7th Grade Football “B” TeamWeek of August 1, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys Varsity Cross CountryWeek of August 8, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys JV Cross CountryWeek of August 8, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Girls Varsity Cross CountryWeek of August 8, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Girls JV Cross CountryWeek of August 8, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys Varsity TennisWeek of August 8, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys JV TennisWeek of August 8, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Girls Varsity TennisWeek of August 8, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Girls JV TennisWeek of August 8, 2011
• 8th Grade VolleyballWeek of August 8, 2011
• 7th Grade VolleyballWeek of August 9, 2011
• 8th Grade CheerleadingWeek of August 1, 2011
• 7th Grade CheerleadingWeek of August 1, 2011
WINTER SPORTS
• 8th Grade Boys Basketball “A” TeamWeek of October 24, 2011 (tryouts)
• 8th Grade Boys Basketball “B” TeamWeek of October 24, 2011 (tryouts)
• 7th Grade Boys Basketball “A” TeamWeek of October 24, 2011 (tryouts)
• 7th Grade Boys Basketball “B” TeamWeek of October 24, 2011 (tryouts)
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Varsity WrestlingWeek of November 28, 2011
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Reserve WrestlingWeek of November 28, 2011
• 8th Grade Girls Basketball “A” TeamWeek of November 28, 2011 (tryouts)
• 8th Grade Girls Basketball “B” TeamWeek of November 28, 2011 (tryouts)
• 7th Grade Girls Basketball “A” TeamWeek of November 28, 2011 (tryouts)
• 7th Grade Girls Basketball “B” TeamWeek of November 28, 2011 (tryouts)
• 8th Grade Winter CheerleadingWeek of August 2, 2011
• 7th Grade Winter CheerleadingWeek of August 2, 2011
SPRING SPORTS
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys Varsity TrackWeek of March 12, 2012
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys JV TrackWeek of March 12, 2012
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Girls Varsity TrackWeek of March 12, 2012
• 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Girls JV TrackWeek of March 12, 2012
• 8th Grade BaseballWeek of March 12, 2012 (tryouts)
• 7th Grade BaseballWeek of March 12, 2012 (tryouts)
• 8th Grade SoftballWeek of March 12, 2012 (tryouts)
• 7th Grade SoftballWeek of March 12, 2012 (tryouts)
A. A completed Clay Middle School Athletic Physical Examination form on file in the
athletic office by the first day of practice/try-outs. This form is found on the third
to the last page of this handbook. **Requires physician, student athlete and parent
signatures.
B. Consent Form/Parent & Student Certification/Emergency Medical Authorization Form
must be on file in the athletic office by the first day of practice/try-outs. This form is
found on the back cover of this handbook. **Requires student athlete and parent
signatures.
C. Please be familiar with the section relating to Insurance in this handbook.
D. Please be familiar with the section titled Academic Eligibility in this handbook.
E.** Please be familiar with the section regarding injuries.
F. Financial Obligations and Equipment
1. Uniforms--In several sports, athletes may purchase a portion of their game or
practiceuniform which will become their property.
2. Equipment--All athletes are responsible for the proper care and security of
equipment issued to them. School- furnished equipment is to be worn ONLY for ClayMiddle School contests and practices. All equipment not returned in good condition at the end of the season will be subject to financial compensation to the school.
CLAY ATHLETICS
a history of . . .
Pride, Tradition, Spirit
Clay families support the athletics department by becoming an Athletic Parent Booster. Patrons’ donations enable the athletic department to hire officials, buy uniforms, pay workers for events, and purchase general equipment and merchandise for Trojan athletic teams. Tax revenues cannot be used for such things as uniforms, equipment, game officials, and many other needs of the athletic department. Therefore, Athletic Parent Boosters’ support and athletic fund-raising activities are necessary as gate receipts fall far short of financing the needs of a large athletic program such as the one at Clay. Please contact the athletic office. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
THE CHAMPION’S CREED
1.Never underestimate your opponent.
2.Work on your weaknesses until they become your strong points.
3.Remember that a great effort is usually the result of a great attitude.
4.Dedicate yourself to a mighty purpose.
5.Win with humility, lose with grace.
6.Ignore those who discourage you.
7.Work to improve your moral and spiritual strengths as well as your
physical ones.
8.Remember that how you conduct yourself off the field is just as
important as how you conduct yourself on the field.
9.Talent is God-given – be humble, Fame is man-given – be thankful,
Conceit is self-given – be careful.
10.Don’t ask to be deprived of tension and discipline – these are the tools
that shape success.
11.Do what has to be done, when it has to be done, and as well as it can
be done.
12.Remember that when you’re not working to improve, your competition is.
13.Always give your best.
14.Practice like a champion.
15.Play like a champion.
16.Live like a champion.
ClayMiddle School
Athletic Handbook for
Students and Parents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.Requirements for Participation
II.ClayMiddle SchoolMission Statement, Message from the Athletics Department and a Listing of Administration
III.Athletic Department Profile
IV.Clay Athletic Department Important Dates
V.Introduction of Clay Athletics to Parents and Athletes
VI.ClayMiddle School Policies for Eligibility and Participation
VII.CarmelClaySchools Athletic Training Rules
VIII.Clay Sports Medicine and Sport Cautionary Statements
IX.Athletic Department Award—Robert L. Theil Award
X."Why Do We Charge Admission?"
XI.Directions to Opposing Schools
XII.Clay Middle School Athletic Physical Form, Consent for Athletic Training
Services form and Emergency Medical/Consent Form (to be signed by
student-athlete and parent/guardian and returned)
CLAY MIDDLE SCHOOL
5150 E. 126TH STEET
CARMEL, IN 46033
317-844-7251
ClayMiddle SchoolMission Statement
ClayMiddle School staff and parents will collaborate to provide all students a successful and meaning
experience to bridge the gap between elementary school and high school.
A Message from the Athletics Department
The school and community are very proud of the athletic history and tradition of the Clay Middle School Trojans. The Clay athletics program is an integral part of the total middle school program and thus reflects the school’s overall commitment to excellence. We are proud to provide a number of athletic offerings for our young people that serve aseducational extensions to the classroom. We believe that providing these opportunities for competition enhances the overall development of our student athletes and extends the educational mission of our school. Clay Athletics………the other half of education!
If you believe that organized sports can contribute to living a healthy life, that the positive values and virtues developed on the playing field can last a lifetime, and that good character influences enjoyment, satisfaction and performance, then our athletics program is for you. This program provides opportunities to teach values such as sportsmanship, honesty, dedication, teamwork, self-discipline, loyalty and cooperation. The teaching of these values is essential to the education of our youth.
This athletic handbook is designed to explain the expectations, regulations and policies relative to participation in interscholastic athletics at ClayMiddle School. It is a privilege to participate in interscholastic athletics at Clay.
It is the responsibility of the student-athlete and parents to read this handbook and familiarize you with the various policies contained within. Please complete the back page of emergency medical information as well as the student-parent certificate and return it to the athletic office prior to the athlete’s first sport season of the school year. Your signature indicates that each of you has read, understands and will abide with the policies as stated.
The athletics department and administration need and depend on parent/guardian help and cooperation to aid coaches and the athletics director in promoting a successful athletics program. We are counting on the support of parents who have students involved in our athletics program as we assume the tremendous joint responsibility for the education of your child. We need the support of all parents in reinforcing that academic responsibilities come first and that each student-athlete must learn to manage his/her time, energy and talents in such a way as to excel in the classroom and in athletics. Please feel free to call the school whenever you have a question concerning our athletic program. We are here to serve you.
The faculty and staff of ClayMiddle School thank you for your continued support of Trojan athletics. We invite you to share in our enthusiasm for the 2011-2012 sports season.
Yours in sports,
Kathleen J. Cox
Kathleen J. Cox, CMAA
Athletics Director, Clay Middle School
Clay Athletic Department
Important Dates Calendar
2011-2012
Week of Aug. 1, 2011 Cheerleader Tryouts for 2010-2011 Year
Tues., Aug. 2, 2011Football Equipment Issue8:30 a.m.Gymnasium/Locker Rooms
Fri., Aug. 5, 2011Football Practices Begin—8th GradePractice Football Field
Mon., Aug. 8, 2011Football Practices Begin—7th GradePractice Football Field
TBAFall Athletics--Cross County BeginsOutside
Tues., Aug. 9, 2011Fall Athletics--Tennis Begins3:30 PMTennis courts
Tues., Aug. 9, 2011Fall Athletics—Volleyball Begins3:30 PMGymnasiums
Tues., Aug. 16, 2011Fall Athletic Parent Meeting7:00 p.m.Auditorium/Selected classrooms
Mon. Oct. 24,2011Boys Basketball BeginsGymnasiums
Tues., Nov. 8, 2011Parent Meeting for BBB & CH 5:00 p.m.Gymnasium
Mon., Nov. 28, 2011Girls Basketball BeginsTBAGymnasiums
Mon., Nov. 28, 2011Wrestling Begins TBANorth Gymnasium
Mon. Dec. 5, 2011Athletic Parent Meeting—GBB & WR5:30 p.m.Gymnasium
Mon.,Mar. 12, 2012Spring Athletic Practices Begin
Wed., Mar. 21, 2012Spring Athletic Parent Meeting (BA, SB, TR) 5:30 p.m. Auditorium/Selected classrooms
Sun., May 20, 2012Athletic Physicals3:30-6:30 p.m.CarmelHigh School
**Dates are subject to change. If you have questions concerning the athletic calendar, please call the Clay Parentlink line at 571-4450 and dial the sports information line at 612.
INTRODUCTION
A. To the Parent
This material is presented to you because your daughter or son has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics and you have expressed your willingness to permit her/him to compete. Your family’s interest in this phase of our school program is gratifying. We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences which assists students in personal adjustments.
We who are concerned with the educational development of boys and girls through athletics, feel that a properly controlled, well-organized sports program meets with the students’ needs of self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth. It is our hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student’s educational maturity.
B. To the Athlete
A student must be enrolled in a full course of study at Clay Middle School to be eligible to participate in athletics.
Being a member of a Clay Middle School athletic team is a fulfillment of an ambition for many students. The attainment of this goal carries with it certain traditions and responsibilities that must be maintained. A great athletic tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work of many people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic squad at ClayMiddle School, you have inherited a wonderful tradition, a tradition you are challenged to uphold.
It will not be easy to contribute to such a great athletic tradition. When you wear the colors of our school, we assume that you not only understand our traditions, but are willing to assume the responsibilities that go with them.
1. RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOURSELF: The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden yourself and develop strength of character. You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible good from your Junior High School experiences. Your academic studies, your participation in other extracurricular activities as well as sports, prepare you for your life as an adult.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOUR SCHOOL:Another responsibility you assume as a squad member is to your school. ClayMiddle School cannot maintain its position as an outstanding school unless you do your best in whatever activity you wish to engage. By participating in athletics to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school. You assume a leadership role when you are on the athletic squad. The student body, our community and other communities judge our school by your conduct and attitudes, both on and off the field of play. Because of this leadership role, you can contribute greatly to your school spirit and community pride. Please make Clay Middle School proud of you, and your community proud of your school, by your faithful exemplification of these details.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHERS: As a squad member you also bear a responsibility to your home. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to the ideal. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all the team expectations, that you have practiced to the best of your ability everyday, and that you have played the game “all out” you can keep your self-respect and your family can be justly proud of you. The younger students in the schools are watching you. They will copy you in many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them.
CLAY MIDDLE SCHOOL POLICIES FOR ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
Participation in athletics is a privilege earned by meeting the expectations and standards set by the
school and in conjunction with the Interschool Guidelines for Middle Level Schools as established by
the IndianaHigh School Athletic Association and the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Association. The opportunity to present oneself to the public, and represent one’s family and
school should not be taken lightly. Students who have questions concerning eligibility should
contact the Athletic Director or Principal BEFORE they endanger their athletic eligibility rather
than after it is too late.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Numerous research studies have shown that student participation in extracurricular activities is strongly associated with better grades and better attendance than for those who are not involved in school activities.
To be eligible for athletics, a student must . . .
- maintain a C (2.0) grade average in all subjects enrolled with no more than one failing mark (F). Nine weeks grades will be used to determine eligibility for athletes. A student must be enrolled in a full course of study at Clay to be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics. A full course of study for a regular education student is defined as a minimum of six classes in a seven period day.
- PROVISION: A student-athlete who has lost his athletic eligibility due to academic deficiencies may regain his/her eligibility after five weeks by following these guidelines:
- The student athlete must meet with the athletic director and his/her coach no later than the second school day after grade cards are distributed to discuss how the student-athlete may regain academic eligibility after five weeks.
- The student-athlete will be expected to provide a weekly grade report sheet (from myCCS) to the athletic director so that the athletic director and coach can monitor weekly progress regarding completion of homework as well as quiz and test scores.
- During the five-week period, students will be expected to meet with teachers to discuss their academic progress and seek additional help.
- Student-athletes are permitted to attend practice during this five-week period. Athletes may attend home athletic contests but may not wear the team uniform. Athletes may not attend away contests during this five-week probationary period.
- Five weeks after the beginning of the grading period,the student-athlete must meet with the athletic director to obtain an athletic grade check form. The dates to check grades are listed below:
- Grading Period 1—Friday, September 9, 2011 Grading Period 3—Friday, February 3, 2012
- Grading Period 2—Friday, November 11, 2011 Grading Period 4—Friday, April 13, 2012
The student-athlete must request each teacher to record his/her current grade in the class. After obtaining this information, the student-athlete must submit his/her form to the athletic director.
- Upon review by the coaches and athletic director, the student-athlete may be granted eligibility to participate in athletic contests for the remainder of the grading period if the student-athlete has raised his/her grade to an acceptable level (2.0 with no more than one failing mark).
Eligibility is effective the date on which report cards are issued. The final grading period determines eligibility for the beginning of fall sports for students returning to a middle school in the Carmel Clay Schools. Clay has established the following dates for certification of athletic eligibility for the 2010-2011 school year:
1st Grading Period – ends Friday, October 7, 2011grades issued Friday, October 14, 2011
2nd Grading Period - ends Friday, December 16, 2011grades issued Friday, January 6, 2012
3rd Grading Period - ends Friday, March 9, 2012grades issued Friday, March 16, 2012
4th Grading Period - ends Friday, May 25, 2012grades issued Monday, June 4, 2012
ABSENCES DUE TO INJURY AND ILLNESS
An athlete who misses five (5) consecutive days of school or athletic participation due to illness or injury mustobtain written permission from a physician and present this to the Administrative Assistant or Coach before they may again become eligible for participation. Additional practices are required before regaining eligibility after anextended absence due to illness or injury. The following formula will be used: absent/injury for 5-10 days—4 practices are required prior to competition, absent/injury for more than 10 days—6 practices are required prior to competition.
ACADEMICS
Student-athletes should manage their time in such a way as to not have to miss practices,
competitions, or school in order to participate in athletics and achieve success in academics. If this
cannot be done, students should not be involved in athletics. Academics must always be a higher
priority than athletics.